Waterproof labels for jars and glass bottles are essential in many businesses and households. Water-resistant labels from Enko Products are also a great alternative to waterproof ones for short-term use. 

Jar and water bottle labels need protection from moisture, humidity, and as a bonus, temperature changes. Waterproof labels make it easy for you to label these items as they can withstand moisture and other outdoor elements that can easily erode labels made from ordinary paper.

In this article, we will discuss steps on how you can label jars and water bottle items with stickers that are waterproof.

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CONTENT

Can I make my own waterproof labels for bottles & jars?

How to make waterproof sticker labels

What to Consider when making your waterproof labels

Can I make my own waterproof labels for bottles & jars?

Yes. Making your own waterproof labels is cost-effective and easy. You have several options on how to make waterproof labels for glass bottles and jars. 

Option 1: Print labels using paper and desktop printer and reinforce the top layer with coating. 

Whether for small business or household use, printing labels for jar and water bottle items using paper and a desktop printer is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to create waterproof labels. 

You can customize your design and waterproof your paper using a few supplies you can find online or in the supermarket. 

Read on to learn how to design and print a waterproof label for a your jar or water bottle using this method. 

Advantages: This cheap DIY method is ideal for labeling household items, home brew and preserves, bottled products in bottles and jars, and multiple other options.

Disadvantages: Your own printed labels are conducive for temporary use only, and these labels do not last as long as heavy-duty industrial-grade labels.

(A) Place a waterproof sheet over the surface of your printed labels.

Waterproof and synthetic-based labels are expensive and usually not printable on inkjet and laser. A cheap alternative to these labels is clear adhesive sheets over your labels printed using paper and inkjet or laser printer. 

(b) Spray a waterproof coating over the surface of your printed labels. 

Another great way to waterproof your label is by spraying clear acrylic or polyurethane coating or lacquer sealers. The top coating serves as a barrier against moisture. 

Sheet Labels

: 400 (100 sheets)
: 3-1/2″ x 5″
: Deskjet & Laser Printers
AS LOW AS $11.77/PACK

Option 2: Use synthetic-based sheets to print your labels. 

A synthetic-based or plastic-based label offers high-level protection against moisture for an extended period. The type of label comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl, among others.

This label can also withstand cool temperatures, refrigeration, abrasion, and other chemicals. 

Advantages: This type of label is durable, waterproof, and ideal for commercial uses such as product branding, transport, shipping, and storage.

Disadvantages: The label is difficult to print on and is also more expensive than water-resistant and non-waterproof media

Learning how to design and print your waterproof labels for your business as a startup is difficult and expensive. We recommend finding a professional label maker specializing in printing labels using poly sheets.

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Option 3: Reinforce your labels with Lamination for Extreme Durability and Waterproofing. 

Laminating the surface of your labels offers durability and protection against water and moisture. Creating laminated labels with options to have them professionally done is also easy. 

Advantages: Laminated labels are extremely durable and waterproof. They are ideal for long-term labeling needs.

Disadvantages: They are difficult to contour into a jar and water bottle and are also more expensive than overcoat sheets. 

Option 4: Use Shrink Sleeve Labels. 

Learning how to make waterproof labels for jars and bottles is perfect for short-term and low-volume labeling needs. 

If you want to ramp up your production volume and speed, we highly recommend using shrink sleeves. They are durable, cost-effective, and aesthetic. 

Advantages: Shrink sleeve labels are highly waterproof and durable. They fit perfectly on bottles and jars without easily detaching. They also withstand cold and warm temperatures.

Disadvantages: These labels are difficult to DIY, and you will need to have these labels professionally done. 

How to make waterproof sticker labels

Direct Thermal Labels

: 500
: 4″ x 3″
: Direct Thermal
AS LOW AS $7.47 / ROLL

Step 1. Use a Clear Overcoat Spray. 

  1. Purchase a waterproof clear gloss overcoat spray. 
  2. Print your label using self-adhesive media. Make sure the ink or print has dried. 
  3. Remove any excess paper or matrix from your label. 
  4. Place the label on a clean, dry, working surface. 
  5. Shake the spray can. 
  6. Spray the coating evenly on the label surface in a sweeping motion about 10 inches away. 
  7. Shake the can after every sweep. 
  8. After spraying, wait for the label to dry. 
  9. Peel the label and apply them on a clean, dry surface. 

Step 2. Use a Clear Overcoat Sheet. 

Option 1. Use a clear overcoat sticker sheet.

  1. Purchase a clear self-adhesive overcoat sheet slightly bigger than your labels and, if available, the same shape as your labels.  
  2. Print your labels on any printable paper or media. We recommend using self-adhesive paper. 
  3. Wait for your labels to dry. Gently clear your label surface from any dust or dirt.
  4. Apply the clear overcoat sheet on your label. To evenly apply your overcoat on your labels, press on the surface and remove any bubbles. 
  5. Cut the labels according to any custom shape using a cutter or a Cricut, if applicable. 
  6. Let the overcoat set. 

Option 2. Use a laminating film. 

  1. Print your labels. Wait for your labels to dry. 
  2. Cut your laminating film to fit the size of your labels. 
  3. Place the laminating film over the surface of your labels. If using self-adhesive labels, do not place the film on the adhesive side. 
  4. Place the sheets on the laminating machine. 
  5. Cut your label to any custom size and shape. 
  6. Peel and apply on a clean, dry surface. 

What to Consider when making your waterproof labels

We have discussed steps on how to make your waterproof labels for jars and bottles. You are now ready to create your own sets of labels from home or office.

When making your labels, we recommend the following tips.

1.

Use the right printer for your paper.

Different printers use different agents or methods to create images and texts. 

If you are using an inkjet printer, remember that this type of printer uses inks that are water-soluble. The prints can smudge and wash off when in contact with water. Some inkjet printers use pigments and can be waterproof. 

Using a laser printer provides better waterproofing compared to inkjet printers. Laser printers use toner instead of inks which do not easily dissolve or smudge when in contact with water. 

2.

Use the right materials.

The trick to learning how to make waterproof labels for jars and bottles is to learn the qualities of the materials you will use, including your paper or media, printer, and adhesive. If possible, you want all your materials to be waterproof. 

But, you can also use water-resistant media for short-term labeling purposes. These media may not last long, but they can protect your text and graphic elements from low exposure to moisture. 

3.

Waterproof labels are also prone to damage. 

Waterproof labels are also vulnerable to damage when exposed to abrasion, extreme temperatures, and elements. The best way to extend the life of your labels is to apply them for their intended purpose. 

You can also test a label against various agents such as oil, water, cold, and heat exposure. 

Final Thoughts

Our article on how to make waterproof labels for jars and bottles offers a few practical tips you can do at home or in your office. These methods are easy to follow using readily available and affordable materials, and these methods are perfect for small businesses which print labels at low volumes. Many suppliers sell waterproof labels and offer customized services, including label printing.

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Gene Paul Lim

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