Why is my label not sticking?

If you’re running into the issue of your label not sticking to the container or application surface, there are several reasons why this is happening and what you can do to fix it. Variables like container cleanliness, texture, shape, temperature, and environment can affect how well your adhesive works. Our video below explains what causes labels not to stick and the steps you can take to fix them.

Label application tips:

  • Start with a clean surface: It’s easier for your label adhesive to bond with a clean surface because it gets more exposure to the surface thereby creating a better bond.
  • Keep the surface moisture-free: Water and other solvents (alcohol, petrochemicals, plasticizers, etc.) make it more difficult for your labels to adhere to the surface. Moisture not only creates a barrier for the adhesive to bond with the surface, but it can also weaken the adhesive’s strength. If moisture is unavoidable, let us know so we can help you select a more aggressive adhesive.
  • Don’t forget about temperature: Extreme temperatures can create application issues if the adhesive isn’t suitable for freezing surfaces/environments. We suggest applying your pressure sensitive labels at room temperature, however, if you need to apply labels below 50 °F, we suggest using a “cold temp” or “all temp” adhesive to ensure it doesn’t freeze making the label unable to stick.
  • Add an overlap (optional): If you have a small diameter container (e.g. lip balm tube, pencil, vial), we recommend making the label a little wider so there’s a slight overlap when you apply it to prevent a label edge from lifting up. Having the overlap allows the label to stick to itself and have a better grip on the tube.

 
If you continue to have issues with your label not sticking properly, our customer service reps would be happy to assist you. Call us at 1-800-475-2235 or email sales@consolidatedlabel.com.