In printing, the first thing that comes to mind when you say "standard" is the coated label. Walk into a supermarket and most of the labels on jars, boxes and parcels are coated paper.
So why is it so popular, and why do businesses keep choosing it?
If you're looking for an economical yet long-lasting label, you're in the right place. Let's take a closer look at the industry's best seller, the coated roll label.
What Is a Coated Label?
A coated label is paper based. What sets it apart from ordinary paper is a clay coating on the top surface, which gives it:
- A semi-gloss surface: smooth and slightly shiny, so prints look sharper and more vivid.
- A durable print: unlike thermal paper it doesn't darken or fade over time.
In short: it doesn't turn black in a few months like thermal labels, and it isn't as expensive as plastic labels. It's the price/performance choice.
Key Features
- Paper based: tears when pulled by hand (it doesn't stretch like plastic).
- Not water resistant: can turn to pulp or deform when wet. Best for dry conditions.
- Long-lasting print: much less affected by sun, heat and light than thermal labels. Can sit in storage for years.
- Economical: costs much less than plastic (opaque) labels.
Where Is It Used?
We usually recommend coated labels for dry, clean conditions. The most common uses:
1. Food and Drink (Dry Goods)
Jars, spices, pulses or boxed food. If the product doesn't go in the fridge or touch water, coated paper is the sensible choice.
2. Logistics and Storage
For boxes that stay on the shelf for a long time, coated labels are used instead of thermal, because thermal print can fade while coated labels stay readable for years.
3. Textiles and Retail
You'll often see them as brand or price labels on packaging, shoe boxes and bags. The semi-gloss surface makes your brand look smart.
Cost and Performance Table
| Feature | Coated Label | Thermal Label | Opaque (Plastic) Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low/medium | Low | Higher |
| Print life | Long (permanent) | Short (temporary) | Very long (permanent) |
| Water resistance | No | No | Yes |
Expert Advice: When Should You Choose It?
If your product won't touch water (won't live in a bathroom) and you want the print to last more than a few months, don't pay two or three times as much for plastic labels. Coated roll labels will do the job perfectly. Applying by hand? Choose coated sheet labels.
Not sure which label suits your product? Contact us and our team will help.
