How to Avoid Air Bubbles in Clear Labels: Tips for Smooth Results
Written by: BernauLena
|
|
Time to read 5 min
When air bubbles appear under clear labels, they seriously affect the overall look of the product--especially for handmade goods and scented products that require high packaging beauty. So, how can we apply clear labels in a way that avoid bubbles? And if bubbles do appear, what can we do to fix them? In this article, let’s explore the common causes of bubbling, how to apply clear labels correctly to prevent it, and how to fix the problem if it happens.
Before we look at how to apply clear labels correctly, let’s first understand the six main reasons why bubbles happen.
Uneven glue coating
Most labels, include clear labels, are made of three parts: the face material (top), adhesive, and the backing paper (the bottom). if the glue is not spread evenly, the label may not stick well in some spots. Areas with less glue won’t fully contact the surface, and leave small gaps. These gaps can trap air and create bubbles. So it’s important to choose labels with high quality at the first place.
Dirty or uneven surfaces of containers
If the bottle or container surface is not clean or smooth, air can get trapped. Dust or dents will lead to bubbles.
Wrong label material for the container
Soft bottles, like squeezable containers, require flexible label materials such as PE, PVC, or PP, because they can bend and deform during use. If you apply hard materials like PET or BOPP on these bottles, the labels may not move with the container, leading to bubbles, wrinkles, or peeling. On the other hand, hard bottles have a stable, rigid surface, making them better suited for firmer label materials like PET or BOPP, which adhere smoothly and showcase high print clarity. Using the wrong material for the bottle type can result in poor adhesion and visible bubbles, negatively affecting the product’s appearance and brand perception.
Labeling machine’s speed
The machine applying the label must match the speed of the moving bottle. When labels are dispensed too slowly, they get stretched or dragged, resulting in visible wrinkles. On the other hand, if the label is applied too quickly--before the bottle is properly positioned--air can get trapped underneath, creating bubbles or causing the label edges to lift. This problem is especially obvious with clear labels, as their transparency makes the air bubbles highly visible and damaging to the product’s appearance.
Static electricity
Clear labels are usually made of film, which easily generate static electricity, especially in dery weather. Static can attract tiny dust particles from the air. When dust gets between the label and the surface, it creates small air bubbles. Static can also make the label stick too early or in the wrong position, so air can’t escape smoothly. This often leads to air bubbles. To avoid this, try to keep your workplace at 20–22°C and around 50% humidity if possible. Or use anti-static tools to prevent the problems.
Too much moisture in the environment
Labels lose water during production. If they are put in a high humidity environment, the adhesive may absorb water and swell, causing air bubbles. So keep a relatively dry environment and use coated clear labels can solve this.
How to Apply Labels Without Bubbles
Now that we know what causes air bubbles in clear labels, let’s look at how to apply them rthe right way. Whether you are labeling by hand or using a machine, the method maters. Good technique can stop bubbles before the problem happen.
Manual Labeling
If you are labeling products by hand, here is a simple way to reduce bubbles:
Check for Dust and Surface Shape Always make sure the surface is clean and dry. Wipe off any dust before sticking. Also, avoid applying labels on curved or bumpy areas unless the label is designed for it.
Start slowly
Don’t peel off the whole label at once (especially if the label is big) . instead, peel just a small part of the label, such as one edge or corner. Carefully stick that part onto the surface and make sure it’s aligned correctly.
Smooth the surface
Then, slowly peel off the rest of the backing paper while smoothing the label down little by little. Use your fingers or a squeegee (like a credit card) to slowly press down the label. Start from the part that is already stuck and move outwards as you go
Machine Labeling
If you have many products, it’s better to use a labeling machine to save time. But you still need to follow good practices.
Use the Right Label Thickness
Thicker clear labels have more rigidity. This helps them stay smooth, especially on curved surfaces like bottles. In addition, thicker labels are more stable and less likely to curl or lift when the temperature or humidity changes. This is important for products like cosmetics or bottles stored in different environments.
Match Machine Speed
When applying labels with a machine, the bottle should move a little faster than the label is released. This motion presses the label down evenly and helps push the air.
Control Static and Humidity
Clear labels made from plastic materials builds static easily. This attracts dust and causes bubbles. So make sure the static is removed to get a smooth results.
How to Fix the Air Bubbles
Even if you are careful, sometimes air bubbles still appear. Don;t worry--there are ways to fix them.
Press The Bubbles Out Gently
If the bubbles are small and the label was just applied, you can press them out using your fingers from the center to the edge.
Re-stick the label
It the bubbles won’t go away, you can remove the label and apply it again. Carefully remove the label, clean the surface, and stick the label again. This will be suitable to removable clear labels.
Use a Pin or Needle
This is the fastest way to remove bubbles from labels.
Use a clean needle or pin to poke a tiny hole in the bubble. Then press down on the bubble with your finger or a squeegee. This method is quick and usually leaves no visible marks. However, some people might not like the idea of poking the label, so choose your way.
Conclusion
When labeling your products, it’s frustrating when air bubbles appear. That’s why it is important to know how to apply clear labels properly. In this article, we’ve discussed in detail how to label clear labels and what to do if air bubbles occur. If you still have questions, feel free to contact our customer service , we ‘ll get back to you soon.
About Betckey
Betckey Premium Labels is a leading supplier of compatible direct thermal labels, committed to high-quality and eco-friendly products as well as competitive pricing. We offer better products than manufactured original at 70% less price. Now, our Amazon store ranks first in the US, Canada, and Western Europe with thousands of positive ratings. Visit betckey.com and get special discount when purchasing! Sign up now and we'll send you a special discount towards your purchase. By the way, welcome to follow our official @ Tik Tok and @ Youtube accounts to get Betckey’s latest news!
It has been so hard for me to find this exact product anywhere other than amazon that would ship to Alaska but I am so happy BETCKEY did! I will be purchasing from here any time I need lables in the future
These work well in a Rollo label printer. It was easy to set up the label form in MS Word and to print to the printer. This was my first time setting up a label printer and these labels work great.
Fits and works great with the Dymo 450. Larger sized labels are great for longer addresses or printing in a larger font. Great packaging and great value.
