Guide to Label Stocks and Finishes
Stock and Finishes
Choosing the right label stock is just as important as the design itself. The material and finish you choose can affect how your labels look, feel and perform, whether they're displayed on a retail shelf, stored in a fridge or used outdoors.
At LabEX, we offer five primary label stocks: Paper Labels, Synthetic Labels (also known as Polypropylene Labels), Synthetic Silver Labels, Standard Wine Labels, and Premium Wine Labels.
Each label stock has its own features and benefits, making it better suited to different products and environments. While many are interchangeable depending on the look and feel you're after, understanding the differences will help you choose the best option for your application.
Paper Labels
Paper Labels are our most ordered label stock and offer fantastic value for money. They're printed on FSC Certified eco-friendly face stock, making them one of the most environmentally friendly label options available. FSC Certification means there's a strict chain of custody, ensuring the paper comes entirely from responsibly managed forests.
They're a fantastic option for Food Product Labels, Food Packaging Labels, Jam Labels, Coffee Labels and Business Labels. So whether you have a budding Etsy business and you're looking to seal your packages with a little flair, or you're an established restaurant wanting to personalise your delivery bags, Paper Labels are a great place to start.
SOURCE: Packaging Of The World
Synthetic Labels
Synthetic Labels, also known as Polypropylene Labels, are the perfect option when you need a label that's built to last. Their synthetic base makes them waterproof, highly durable and ideal for products exposed to moisture, condensation or frequent handling.
Synthetic Labels suit almost every industry, though they're particularly popular for products that come into contact with water or condensation.
They're the material we use for our Craft Beer Labels, as they remain looking great whether they're sitting in an ice-cold fridge or covered in condensation on a warm day. They're also a fantastic option for Cosmetic Labels, Freezer Labels, Honey Labels, Sanitiser Labels and many other applications.
If you're not sure which stock to choose and durability is your top priority, Synthetic Labels are likely the best option.
SOURCE: The Dieline
Synthetic Silver Labels
Because the face stock itself is metallic, colours printed over the top allow the silver to shine through, creating a foil-like effect without the traditionally high cost of foiling. The only colours that won't appear metallic are 100% black and 100% white.
If you'd like only certain elements of your design to appear metallic, such as your logo or business name, you can supply your artwork with these elements separated onto their own layer. By selecting the Add White Ink option when ordering, we can apply white beneath the rest of the design while leaving your chosen elements metallic, creating a striking contrast.
Alternatively, you can allow the metallic finish to show across the entire label. Sometimes a subtle metallic highlight creates more impact than covering the whole design, so it really comes down to the look you're trying to achieve.
Metallic Labels are popular across many industries, including wine, spirits, cosmetics, food and premium products. They're an excellent way to add a touch of sophistication and help key design elements stand out.
SOURCE: World Brand Design Society
Standard Wine Labels
Our Standard Wine Labels are the perfect choice if you're looking for a professional wine label at an affordable price. Printed on a high-quality smooth coated paper stock, they deliver a clean, premium appearance while remaining a cost-effective option for wineries of all sizes.
Standard Wine Labels come with a Gloss Laminate as standard to help protect your artwork and enhance colour vibrancy, with a Matt Laminate available if you prefer a more understated finish. They're ideal for boutique wineries, cellar doors and growing wine brands, offering an excellent balance of quality, presentation and value.
If you're after a classic, smooth wine label without the textured finish of our Premium Wine Labels, Standard Wine Labels are an excellent choice.
SOURCE: World Brand Design Society
Premium Wine Labels
If you're looking to take your wine labels up a level, our Premium Wine Labels are the most premium option in our range.
Like our Standard Wine Labels, they're designed specifically for wine bottles. However, they're printed on a high-quality, uncoated paper stock with a specialised coating that allows them to withstand condensation while maintaining their structure, even when sitting in an ice bucket. The textured finish gives your bottles a premium, tactile feel that's often associated with high-end wines.
Our Premium Wine Labels are finished with a Matt Varnish, which seals and protects your artwork while preserving the natural texture of the stock. The finish is virtually invisible, allowing the premium paper to remain the hero while ensuring your labels perform beautifully from cellar door to dinner table.
Whether you choose Standard or Premium comes down to the finish you're after. If you prefer a smooth, polished appearance, Standard Wine Labels are an excellent choice. If you're looking for a more textured, premium feel that elevates your brand, Premium Wine Labels are well worth considering.
SOURCE: World Brand Design Society
Finishes: Matt Laminate or Gloss Laminate
We offer two primary laminate finishes for most of our label stocks, both chosen for their durability and ability to protect your printed design.
Our standard finish is Gloss Laminate, which creates a shiny surface that enhances colour and vibrancy. If you'd prefer something a little more subtle, Matt Laminate is available as an upgrade. It provides a soft, velvety finish that reduces glare and gives labels a refined, understated appearance.
Both finishes provide excellent durability, so choosing between them largely comes down to the look and feel you prefer.
The exception is our Premium Wine Labels, which are finished with a Matt Varnish rather than a laminate. This provides outstanding protection while retaining the premium textured feel of the paper stock.
SOURCE: Packaging Of The World
Still Not Sure?
If you've read through all the options and you're still unsure which stock or finish is right for your product, check out our Label Sample Kit.
It contains samples of every stock and finish available at LabEX, along with a variety of printed designs, so you can see and feel the difference for yourself before placing an order. It's the easiest way to compare your options and choose the label that's best suited to your product.