Your guide to label printing terminology

Adhesive

Choosing the right adhesive is essential to ensure your labels perform as intended. We offer a range of adhesive options to suit different applications:

• Permanent
• Peelable
• Removable

If you have any questions, our customer service team will be happy to help. You can contact us by telephone on +44 203 588 1080, Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00, or by email at info@label.co.uk.

Adhesive labels

Self-adhesive labels are available on rolls and sheets and are suitable for a wide range of applications across almost every industry. Whether used for beverages, food, cosmetics or other products, they offer a versatile and practical labelling solution that can be applied and processed with ease.

Alternating labels

Alternating labels are front and back labels supplied alternately on the same roll. This configuration is particularly useful for automated labelling systems, allowing both labels to be applied in a single pass.

Artwork

For the best print results, artwork should be created using professional design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign or ArtPro.

Detailed guidance can be found in our Artwork Guidelines. Alternatively, you can choose our Artwork Service. Depending on the selected package, we will review your artwork for technical issues and make any necessary corrections before production.

Black mark

A black mark is a printed mark, usually applied to the reverse side of the release liner. It provides a reference point that allows finishing and labelling equipment to detect the position of each label accurately. Black marks are commonly used with transparent labels.

Bleed

The bleed is an area that extends beyond the final cut size of the label, typically by 2.5 mm. It compensates for minor cutting tolerances and ensures that colours, images and backgrounds extend right to the edge of the finished label. Without bleed, unwanted white edges may appear after trimming.

Blind embossing

Blind embossing creates a raised three-dimensional effect without the use of ink or foil. Using heat and a custom-made embossing tool, selected design elements are pressed into the material to create a distinctive tactile finish.

CMYK

CMYK is the standard four-colour printing process used in commercial printing. The acronym stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key (Black). By combining these four colours in varying percentages, a wide range of colours and images can be reproduced.

Conventional die-cutting

In conventional die-cutting, a flexible die is mounted onto a magnetic cylinder. As the material passes through the press, the tool cuts the required label shape with precision and consistency.

Cutting line

The cutting line defines the final shape and dimensions of the label. In artworks, it should be created as a spot colour named “cutting-line” and set to overprint. The cutting line serves as a production guide only and is not printed on the finished label.

Digital printing

Digital printing is a printing process that transfers artwork directly from a digital file to the printing press. It delivers excellent print quality, sharp detail and consistent colour reproduction across a wide range of label materials, making it ideal for both short and medium print runs.

Digital spot varnish

Digital spot varnish is a clear varnish applied only to selected areas of a label. It can be used to highlight specific design elements, create contrast and add visual or tactile effects.

Double-Hit Black

Double-hit black refers to the application of black ink in two layers to increase opacity and achieve a deeper, richer black appearance. To use this option, select Double-Hit Black in the online calculator and set all black elements in your artwork to:

C: 0% M: 0% Y: 0% K: 100%

Barcodes should always be supplied as vector artwork and set to 100% K to ensure reliable scanning.

Double-Hit White

Double-hit white involves printing white ink in two layers to increase opacity, particularly on transparent or metallic materials. This creates a brighter, more solid white appearance.
All elements intended for double-hit white should be created as a spot colour named “HPI-White”. Areas defined as 100% white will be printed twice.

DPI

DPI stands for “dots per inch” and is a measure of print resolution. During printing, images are reproduced using a pattern of small dots. To achieve the best possible print quality, artwork should meet the following minimum resolution requirements:

• Minimum resolution: 250 dpi
• Recommended resolution for images: 300 dpi
• Recommended resolution for line artwork: 1,200 dpi

Fluorescent ink

Fluorescent ink creates a striking effect that remains largely invisible under normal lighting conditions. When exposed to UV or black light, the ink fluoresces and becomes highly visible, making it ideal for security features, promotional applications and eye-catching label designs.

FSC®

The FSC® certification confirms that the wood-based materials used originate from responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources. FSC®-certified materials support environmentally responsible and sustainable forestry practices.

Gap

The gap is the distance between two consecutive labels on the roll. It allows labelling and finishing equipment to accurately detect and process each label. As standard, we produce labels with a 5 mm gap, although other values can be specified upon request. The minimum possible gap is 3 mm.

For alternating labels, the required gap must be defined within the artwork.

Hot foil stamping

Hot foil stamping is a premium finishing technique that adds a metallic or coloured foil to selected areas of a label using heat and a custom-made die. The result is a distinctive, decorative effect that helps products stand out on the shelf. Hot foil stamping is particularly popular for premium products such as wines, spirits and luxury packaging.

A wide range of foil colours is available, including gold, silver, bronze and many other shades. Examples can be found in our free sample book.

HP Indigo

At label.co.uk, we print using HP Indigo digital presses, renowned for their exceptional print quality and flexibility. Unlike traditional printing methods, HP Indigo technology does not require printing plates, making it ideal for short and medium print runs, orders with multiple label designs and personalised labels.

The technology delivers sharp detail, vibrant colours and consistent results across a wide range of materials. It also enables variable data printing, allowing elements such as barcodes, numbering, QR codes and personalised information to change from one label to the next.

HPI-White (Opaque white)

HPI-White is an opaque white ink used as a base layer to improve the appearance of colours printed on transparent, metallic or coloured materials. By creating a white underlayer, colours appear brighter, more vibrant and more accurate.

In your artwork, HPI-White must be created as a spot colour named “HPI-White” and set to overprint.

This is particularly useful on:

• Grass Paper
• Metallic materials
• Transparent materials

JPG

JPG is one of the most widely used image file formats and is ideal for photographs and complex images. However, it is not generally recommended for print-ready label artwork, as text, logos and fine lines may lose sharpness when saved as JPG files.
For the best print results, we recommend supplying your artwork as a PDF whenever possible. Please refer to our Artwork Guidelines for further information on preparing and supplying artwork.

Lamination

Lamination is a finishing process in which a thin protective film is applied to the surface of the label. Available in gloss or matt, it enhances the appearance of the label while also improving its resistance to abrasion, moisture, oils and other external influences.
In addition to its protective properties, lamination can give labels a distinctive premium look and feel.

Laser cutting

Laser cutting uses a precisely controlled laser beam to cut label materials. As no physical die is required, it allows for maximum flexibility and makes it possible to produce complex and custom label shapes with exceptional precision.

Matrix

Matrix is the excess label material surrounding the finished labels after die-cutting.
Depending on the production process, the excess material is either removed during manufacturing or remains on the release liner until application.

Offset printing

Offset printing is a traditional printing process that uses printing plates to transfer ink onto the label material. The ink is first transferred from the plate to a rubber blanket and then onto the substrate, such as paper or film.

Offset printing is widely used for high-volume print runs and delivers consistent, high-quality results across a wide range of materials.

Over-labelling

Over-labelling refers to the application of a new label over an existing label, text or a printed surface. To ensure complete coverage, over-labelling materials feature a highly opaque backing that prevents underlying colours, graphics and text from showing through.

This solution is commonly used to update product information, cover outdated artwork or relabel existing packaging.

PDF

PDF (Portable Document Format) is the preferred file format for professional printing. It can contain both text and images while preserving fonts, layout and graphic elements, regardless of the operating system or device used to open it.

As all production processes are based on the supplied artwork, providing a correctly prepared PDF helps ensure smooth production and optimal print quality.

Print proof

A print proof is a sample produced under actual production conditions using the selected material and printing technology. It allows you to assess the appearance of your labels before placing a full order, helping you verify colours, material characteristics and overall print quality.

Plus materials

Plus materials feature a PET reinforcement layer between the adhesive and the label material. This improves stability, reduces the risk of wrinkling and delivers excellent performance in cold and damp conditions.

They are particularly well suited to wine and spirit bottles, food packaging, nutritional supplements and other products that may be refrigerated or presented in ice buckets.

Protective varnish

Protective varnish is available in both gloss and matt finishes and helps protect labels against everyday wear and ink abrasion.

For applications requiring a higher level of protection, such as products that may rub against one another during transport or handling, we recommend lamination.

Release liner

The release liner supports the label material and protects the adhesive until the label is applied. It also provides stability during printing, die-cutting, storage and application.

Our release liners are available in:

• Glassine paper
• PET

Relief embossing

Relief embossing combines blind embossing and hot foil stamping in a single finishing process. The material is embossed to create a raised three-dimensional effect and then enhanced with hot foil for additional visual impact.

Reprint

A reprint is a repeat order of a previously produced label. Where the production method allows, we can match the colours of a previous production run as closely as possible. To achieve the best results, we recommend providing a sample of the original labels.

If colour matching is not available for the selected production method, labels will be produced according to our standard colour management procedures. Minor colour variations between production runs may occur.

RGB

RGB is a colour model based on the primary colours Red, Green and Blue. It is used for digital displays such as computer monitors, smartphones and televisions.
As commercial printing uses the CMYK colour model, artwork created in RGB may appear differently when printed.

Roll core diameter

The roll core diameter refers to the internal diameter of the cardboard core onto which the labels are wound. Choosing the correct core size is important for compatibility with your labelling equipment.

The following roll core diameters are available:

• 25 mm
• 40 mm
• 76 mm – Standard

Selecting the correct core size helps ensure efficient machine operation and reliable label application.

Roll outer diameter

The roll outer diameter refers to the overall diameter of the finished roll, including both the labels and the core.
This value can be specified during the ordering process. If a particular roll diameter is required, the number of labels per roll must also be defined. The outer diameter indicates the largest roll size that can be supplied.

Roll labels

Roll labels are self-adhesive labels supplied on a roll and are particularly suitable for automated application using labelling machines.
Labels can be fully customised in terms of size, shape, material and finish. For manual application, labels supplied on sheets may be a more practical option.

Safety margin

The safety margin is the minimum distance between important design elements and the cutting line of the label. To avoid text, logos or other elements being trimmed during production, we recommend maintaining a safety margin of at least 2 mm.

Sandwich printing

Sandwich printing is a technique used on transparent materials, where multiple layers are printed on the same side of the label. Typically, the artwork intended to be visible from the adhesive side is printed in reverse, followed by a layer of HPI-White and then the artwork for the front of the label.
This allows the label to be viewed from both sides while maintaining colour vibrancy and legibility.

Silver ink

Silver ink is a metallic ink that can be combined with CMYK printing to create metallic effects and a wider range of colours. It can be used on its own or as a base for metallic colour simulations.

Weeding

Weeding is the process of removing the excess material (matrix) that remains around the labels after die-cutting. This step ensures that only the finished labels remain on the release liner.
Weeding is particularly important for labels that will be applied using automated labelling systems. As standard, all labels produced by label.co.uk are supplied weeded.
For labels with very intricate shapes or fine details, removing the excess material may not always be possible using standard production methods. If your design falls into this category, please contact our customer service team to discuss the available options.

Winding direction

The winding direction defines how labels are positioned on the roll and is an important consideration for automated label application.
Depending on your labelling equipment, you may require a specific winding direction, such as top edge leading, bottom edge leading, left edge leading or right edge leading. The orientation can also be specified for either inside or outside winding.
Selecting the correct winding direction helps ensure efficient and trouble-free label application.