⏱️ Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Why Your Product Labels Matter More Than You Think
Ever picked up a product and been drawn in by its label? That’s no accident. Labels are often your first handshake with a customer, especially when it comes to products and packaging. Here in Rutland, whether you’re a small artisan or a growing business, the quality of your label printing can make all the difference.
Labels do more than just identify your product; they communicate your brand’s personality, values, and the promise of what’s inside the package. In many ways, the label acts like a silent salesperson on the shelf, working around the clock to attract attention and inspire trust. If that label looks cheap or worn, it can unintentionally send the wrong message, no matter how great the product is.
In this article, we’ll walk through some useful insights into label printing, share a handy case example, and explain how Newstyle Print can help you nail your next project.
⏱️ Reading time: 7 minutes · Updated for 2025 · UK Printing Guide
Helpful Tips for Label Printing That Works
1. Choose the Right Material for Your Label
It might surprise you just how many label materials are available, each bringing its own strengths and quirks. For instance, paper labels remain a popular choice due to their cost-effectiveness and print clarity. But they’re not always up to the challenge if your product faces moisture, temperature changes, or rough handling. Paper labels can wrinkle, peel, or fade under such conditions.
That’s where synthetic materials, like vinyl or polypropylene, enter the scene. These labels tend to be waterproof, more resilient, and better suited for products stored in fridges, exposed to humidity, or even left outdoors. Imagine a chilled bottle of lemonade with a soggy, peeling label – not exactly appetizing, right?
At Newstyle Print, we usually suggest focusing first on where and how your product will be used. A matte paper label might lend an understated, premium feel for something displayed on a dry shelf, such as a handmade candle. Conversely, if your product is likely to encounter moisture — say, a bathroom cleaner — a laminated, waterproof synthetic label is often the safer bet to keep that fresh look intact.
2. Get Your Colours Spot On
Colours speak volumes about your brand identity, so getting them right on your labels is crucial. Most labels are printed using the CMYK process, which blends cyan, magenta, yellow, and black inks to create a wide range of colours. However, if your brand uses very specific hues, especially vibrant or metallic shades, spot colours like Pantone inks may be necessary to achieve that exact match.
Now, the catch is that spot colours can sometimes increase production costs, and not all printers handle them seamlessly. It’s a good idea to chat about your colour needs early in the process. We often find ourselves advising clients on tweaking their artwork to balance colour fidelity with budget, ensuring their labels really pop on the shelf without breaking the bank.
3. Consider the Label Shape and Size Carefully
While a simple rectangular label will do the job in many cases, there’s something undeniably eye-catching about a label that breaks the mold. Die-cut labels allow for all sorts of creative shapes — from leaf outlines on organic products to playful scalloped edges on boutique cosmetics. These shapes can reinforce your brand’s personality and make your product stand out in a crowded marketplace.
That said, complexity comes at a price. Intricate cuts may add to both the cost and the turnaround time of your label order. If you’re just starting out or testing a new product, it might be wise to stick with simpler shapes until you’re confident about the design and demand. Balancing uniqueness with practicality is key.
4. Finish with a Protective Coating
Lamination and varnish finishes aren’t just about aesthetics; they serve to protect your label from scratches, moisture, and fading. Gloss lamination can make colours appear brighter and more vibrant, which might be perfect for a playful kids’ snack or sparkling beverage. On the other hand, matt lamination tends to give a more refined, understated look, often favored by high-end or artisanal brands.
There’s also soft-touch coating, which has become quite popular lately. This finish gives the label a velvety, almost luxurious feel that customers often find irresistible to touch. It’s the kind of subtle detail that can elevate a product’s perceived quality without shouting about it.
5. Think About Adhesive Strength
Adhesive type might not be the first thing on your mind when designing labels, but it’s a crucial factor. Permanent adhesives are the norm and work well for most products, ensuring your label stays put through shipping and shelf life. However, removable or repositionable adhesives exist if you need labels that peel off cleanly — think promotional stickers or temporary product labels.
Matching the adhesive to the surface is another consideration. A label stuck to a curved glass jar might require a different adhesive than one applied to a rough cardboard box. Get it wrong, and you risk labels peeling prematurely or leaving unsightly residue, which can annoy customers and hurt your brand image.
6. Don’t Forget Legal and Compliance Info
Labels often have to carry mandatory information — ingredients, allergy warnings, batch numbers, or safety instructions — depending on the product category and jurisdiction. This text needs to be clear, legible, and integrated thoughtfully into your design. Cramping too much info into a tiny label can backfire, making it hard to read and detracting from the overall look.
Working with a printer experienced in regulatory requirements can save you from costly reprints or legal headaches. At Newstyle Print, we keep up to date with UK and EU labelling laws to help ensure your labels tick all the boxes.
A Quick Case Example: Craft Jam Labels in Rutland
Recently, we collaborated with a local jam maker in Rutland who was struggling with their existing labels. Their old labels were standard paper-based ones that started peeling off once refrigerated — not ideal for a product that’s meant to be chilled. Customers complained about the labels coming off or looking shabby, which was clearly hurting the brand’s image.
After examining the issue, we recommended switching to a matt laminated polypropylene label with a soft-touch finish. This material choice offered several benefits: it was waterproof, durable enough to withstand fridge conditions, and the soft-touch coating gave the label a tactile, premium feel without losing the rustic charm that their brand embodied.
We also worked closely with the client to adjust their artwork, improving contrast and font legibility while preserving the handcrafted aesthetic. The tweaks made the label easier to read even under dim store lighting, which can often be overlooked.
The outcome was encouraging. The jam maker reported happier customers who appreciated the sturdier labels and the overall higher-quality look. Interestingly, they also felt confident increasing their price slightly because the upgraded packaging justified it in the eyes of consumers.
Wrapping Up: Your Next Steps for Label Printing
Labels are far more than just stickers slapped on your products — they’re a vital part of your product’s story and the customer experience. Spending some time upfront to consider materials, colours, finishes, shapes, and legal requirements can save you a lot of headaches (and money!) down the road.
At Newstyle Print, we’ve printed hundreds of labels across Rutland and beyond, working with businesses ranging from solo artisans to larger companies. If you ever feel uncertain about your artwork setup, adhesive options, or anything else, you’re always welcome to send us your files for a free check. We look out for common pitfalls like low resolution, missing bleed, or unclear fonts to help you avoid costly mistakes.
Whether you need a small batch for a limited-edition product or a large run for a national launch, we strive to make the printing process straightforward and hassle-free. Our goal is to help your labels look just right the first time so you can focus on growing your business.
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Updated on 29 January 2026
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