Peeling, fading, cracking or just falling off labels are reality when printers don’t ask the right questions up front.
It usually occurs when the adhesive on the label mismatches the surface it’s applied. In some cases, the label was simply engineered without fully taking the surface into account. All labels aren’t created equal. The adhesive on the back of the label comes in a variety of stickiness that adhere differently to metal, plastic, glass, etc. Details matter! Even different colors within the same powder-coat paint line can even accept adhesion differently.
Another cause might be that the surface has changed. Paint and powder-coat manufacturers can change ingredients. Plastic pellet manufacturers may change formulation for cost or performance reasons. Any such change could impact the way the finished surface behaves.
We do extensive surface and adhesion testing during the engineering of new projects that helps navigate through unforeseen changes.
What can I do to make sure my labels stick?
Prepare! Work with a vendor that understands the ins and outs of decals. During the engineering process (yes, durable graphics are an engineered part), a good supplier will want to understand the intended use. Each situation is unique and requires upfront project information. We like to obtain a sample of the surface to find a best fit for cost and performance. If the supplier isn’t asking you questions about adhesion properties, find one who does.
Even metal, plastic, fiberglass, gel coats, powder coats and other industrial surfaces?
Yes, our graphics go on every imaginable industrial surface. Each application requires planning and engineering. No matter who you are working with, if you want art that properly represents your amazing brand for years to come, please do not skip this step!