Printing FAQs

  • Does Consolidated Label print my labels in house?

Yes, all custom label orders are produced at our manufacturing facility. We don’t outsource any part of the production process.

  • What is a ‘die’?

A cutting die is similar to a cookie-cutter. It cuts the shape of the label out of the material. The ink, UV coating or laminate is printed to the label material before it is die-cut. Since we’ve been in business for over 30 years, we have developed a large die library. We will most likely have the die shape you are looking for, however, we can create a custom die for your label application.

  • What if the shape/size of my label is unique?

We have the ability to produce custom printed labels in nearly any shape or size you need – even custom shapes. If we don’t have an existing cutting tool that matches your requirements, we can purchase a custom cutting tool on your behalf. Custom cutting tools typically range from $150 up to $1000. The tooling charge is typically a one-time cost and doesn’t apply to reorders. Please contact our customer service team at 1-800-475-2235 for more information about our existing tooling inventory or to get pricing on a custom cutting tool.

  • Can you print the back of my label?

Yes, we can print on the adhesive or liner side of the label. Please contact our customer service team at 1-800-475-2235 to get specific pricing on the costs associated with this printing process.

  • What are color separations?

Label artwork with “color separations” means that each color within the artwork has been broken down into a certain mixture of the four basic ink colors (cyan, magenta, yellow and black – CMYK) to create that color. Each color layer of your label is printed separately, one on top of the other, creating a full-color label.

  • What type of lamination is best for my label?

Lamination on your labels will provide protection against abrasion, chemicals, weather, and solvents. We offer a wide variety of laminate types, however, polyester laminate is best for outdoor label applications. Please contact our customer service team at 1-800-475-2235 and we’ll be happy to assist you in choosing the right laminate for your labels.

  • We use a special color. Can you match my labels?

Yes, we are able to match custom colors. Please make sure to provide our customer service team with a Pantone number or a sample of the color that you require. You can see a list of Pantone colors by clicking here.

  • What’s the difference between “4 color process” (CMYK) and “spot” color printing?

4 color process printing is used in printing labels with photographic images. The four colors are combined to recreate color. Spot color printing is generally used for text and simple graphics printing in single colors. Pantone colors are frequently used for spot colors.

  • What are pressure sensitive labels?

A pressure sensitive label has an adhesive glue on the label’s backside. When pressure is applied to the label, it will adhere to most surfaces.

  • What is flexographic label printing?

Flexographic label printing is a high-resolution printing technique that uses polymer plates to print the image of your label artwork directly on to the substrate (label material). Flexographic label printing is fast, economical and widely used in the label industry. The majority of our presses are flexographic.

  • Do you print laser sheeted labels?

Yes, we print laser or inkjet 8.5″ x 11″ sheeted labels and carry many different configurations. If you are looking for blank laser or inkjet label sheets, we recommend that you visit OnlineLabels.com, the Internet’s leading supplier of blank laser and inkjet labels.

  • What is the maximum amount of colors that can be printed on a label?

We can handle up to 12 colors, or 11 colors plus a UV coating, with flexographic printing. Digital printing can print up to 10 colors, or nine colors plus a UV coating.

  • What is label wind direction?

Wind direction is the way that labels are oriented when coming off a roll.

  • What is ‘corner radius’?

“Corner radius” is the measurement of the curve that a label’s corners has, expressed in decimal form. A normal radius is 0.125″ – the higher the corner radius, the more curve it has.

  • How do I get a barcode if I need barcode labels printed?

Please contact GS1 to obtain an official UPC code. GS1 is an international non-profit organization tasked with influencing and maintaining efficiency standards to meet global supply and demand. For a fee, you will be issued a set of numbers which can be used for your product’s barcode labels.

  • What are the parts of a label?
    • Release Liner: The label is attached to a release liner that is generally made from silicone coated paper for easy label release during application.
    • Adhesive: There are a variety of label adhesives available – permanent, temporary, removable and repositionable are a few. Label environment and the type of surface the label is applied to are important considerations when choosing an adhesive.
    • Label Material/Facestock: The facestock is the material that gets directly printed on. Choose your label material based on application and environmental conditions your label will be exposed to.
    • Inks/Artwork: Inks are considered a layer that comprises a label
    • Finish: There are several types of laminates available – gloss, matte, UV coating, and laminates. The label’s application and environment are factors in choosing which finish is right for your custom labels.