Roll Labels or Coated Labels? How to Make the Right Choice (Expert Guide)

There is a question I hear all the time: "Should I buy roll labels or coated labels?" I always smile and answer: "Why not both?"

There is a common mix-up here, so let's clear it up first. Roll is how the labels are wound (on a core). Coated is the type of paper (the material). In fact, the most widely used label on the market combines the two: the coated roll label.

But is that the right choice for your product or your printer? Or should you look at plastic or thermal options? Here are the technical details, straight from the print shop.

What is a Coated Label? (The Material)

Coated paper is a paper-based label stock with a smooth, semi-gloss white surface. Think of the glossy paper on a magazine cover, with adhesive on the back.

Advantages:

• Very economical: noticeably cheaper than plastic labels.
• High print quality with vibrant colors.
• Long shelf life: it does not darken over time like thermal labels.

Disadvantage: as paper, it is not resistant to water and moisture and can tear when wet.

What is a Roll Label? (The Format)

Roll labels are delivered wound on a cardboard core. If your business uses barcode/label printers such as Zebra, Argox or Toshiba, or an automatic labeling machine on the production line, you need your labels on rolls.

Whatever you need, you will find roll labels to suit your equipment in our collection.

Comparison: Coated Roll vs the Alternatives

If you are considering coated roll labels, compare them with the alternatives:

Printing Your Own Data: the Ribbon

Here is the key technical point about coated labels: if you want to add your own information (best-before dates, barcodes and so on) with your own printer, you need a ribbon, a black carbon strip. Unlike thermal labels, coated paper does not darken on its own when heated.

That may sound like a drawback, but it is actually its biggest advantage. Ribbon printing is unaffected by sunlight, does not rub off and stays readable on the shelf for years.

When Should You Choose Coated Labels?

From experience: if your product is one of these, keep it simple and use coated roll labels:

• Dry food (pulses, nuts, spices)
• Box and packaging labels
• Textile products
• Hardware and plastic goods

But if your product is shampoo, frozen food or motor oil, coated paper will let you down. Then you should look at opaque PP (plastic) labels.

Let's Decide Together

The label world is full of jargon, but don't let it confuse you. To find the best label for your product and equipment, contact us. We don't want you to waste money on the wrong label.