Did you know that there's a right way and a wrong way to hand apply a label? Believe it or not, there is! In this article we'll take a quick look at the proper way to hand apply a label and we'll cover why it matters.
When applying a label…
Do: hold the label and peel back the liner (YAY)
Do Not: peel back the label from the liner
Why you ask?
Incorrect removal of a label can lead to what's called "picker's curl". This is where a label stays in the shape in which it was peeled. This isn't always a problem but it can lead to issues when the label is applied. Over time, a label that was peeled back from the liner can begin to curl and lift off the surface it was placed on.
When actually applying the label on your surface you should do this in a full sweeping motion making sure to press down all of the outer edges. Pressure sensitive labels are named like they are for a reason and when labels fail to stick to a surface it mostly happens at the edges rather than in the middle.
Additional Tips
- Make sure your surface is clean and free from dust or debris during label application.
- When peeling labels off a sheet, it's recommended to peel the label from top to bottom rather than side to side (this helps prevent picker's curl as well).