Roll Labels FAQ
What is the difference between Cut-Sheet Labels and Roll labels?
Cut sheet labels are provided cut down to the final finished size ordered. For example, if 2x3 labels are ordered, they will be cut down to 2x3 individual labels. They will not be provided as a certain number on a larger sheet but as actual individual labels. The liner sheet of these labels is thicker and usually has cracks or slits in it, so a small part can be removed, leaving the rest of the liner. This is because these are intended for application by hand.
Roll Labels are provided, as the name suggests, on rolls. The liner is thinner and more flexible than cut-sheet labels in order to wrap around the core and does not have cracks on it. Roll labels are usually applied with a label application machine, though can also be applied by hand. The standard is for rectangle or square labels to be provided with rounded corners to prevent the corners from peeling off and getting snagged in the application process or once applied to the product (ie when the product is inserted into a box or when the customer is handling it).
What is the core size of Roll Labels?
The standard core for roll labels is 3", though other less common sizes are available. Roll Labels ordered from Newprint will have a 3" core unless a custom request is made for a different size.
Are Roll Labels compatible with any label applicator machine?
The standard size of the core is 3", as this is the size required by most label applicators. If a different size of the core is needed, a custom quote request would be needed in order to first determine if that size is readily available, and secondly, determine if it is compatible with the machines used to produce the labels.
Which material is recommended for oil-based products?
Oil-based products such as cosmetics, soaps, hair products, etc. can affect the labels on the outside of the bottle because of dripping or spilling. For this reason, Vinyl or Poly label stock is recommended as the oil will not affect these plastic-based materials. Lamination can also be added for additional protection of the printed surfaces.
Are there any special considerations for printing on the Clear Label Stock?
Printing on Clear material works best with black ink or very dark colours. Light colours are usually achieved by printing a lighter coverage onto white paper, but this doesn't work when the material is clear. Pictures and gradient effects also don't work the same on clear as they do on opaque stocks, therefore it is best to stick with solid vector shapes and thicker fonts in black or dark colours.
The only way to use light colours on the clear stock would be to first print background of opaque white ink, then print on top of this solid area. If the design requires CMYK + White, the file will undergo additional inspections to ensure that it is set up properly and that the desired effect will be achieved.
How should the file be set up to print on a Metallic label?
Like the Clear label stock, the Metallic material will affect how the colours look. Unlike with the Clear, light colours do not need to be avoided, but since the shiny metal surface will show through the lighter ink coverage, this will need to be considered in the final design. Again, if pictures are included in the design, they might not look as intended.
To address this, white ink can be printed first and the colour printed on top of it. Also, because the white does not need to cover the whole area and can be printed in select areas, striking contrasts between shiny and matte colours can be achieved. As with White Ink on Clear stock, extra inspections will be done on the files so that the desired effect is obtained.
What does Wind Direction mean?
Wind Direction refers to the orientation of the labels on the liner, and which edge of the label will come off the roll first. This is only important if the labels will be applied with a labelling machine, and varies based on the make, model, style, etc of the machine. The instructions for the labelling machine will include the wind direction required to ensure the labels are applied correctly.
There are four options available, and they are most commonly referred to by numbers, but also by the edge that comes off first. These options are:
- Wind Direction #1 - Top Off First
- Wind Direction #2 - Bottom Off First
- Wind Direction #3 - Right Off First
- Wind Direction #4 - Left Off First
What is the minimum order quantity for Roll Labels?
MOQ (minimum order quantity) for roll labels is 25.
The label size that is shown on the website, is that in inches or cm?
The size that is shown on the website is in inches.
I want to create a clear gloss label with white printing that I would put on a bottle, and the bottle will act as a background. Is that possible?
Yes, this is possible. if you are going to print white on the clear, the file should be set up that everything that should be printed white is 100% black. When making your online order, you would need to select the
white ink only option.
Are Roll Labels more expensive than Cut to Finish Size?
Only for small quantities, it's more economical for large runs, over 1,000 pieces.
How should I set up my file if I am using Photoshop?
If you are using Photoshop set up your files in CMYK colour mode with 300 dpi resolution. You should make sure to add a bleed of 0.125" on all four sides. Then save as a PDF.
Is it possible to have different labels on the same roll?
Roll labels can't have different versions on the same roll.
