Label Application - best way?

[Charlatan]

I have no problem at all making labels up as I have a background in design but sticking them to the bottles is another matter. Looking through here there seems to be a few options people use, I just wondered what was the consensus of the HBF masses on the best method while keeping costs in mind. I have an A3 printer with a CISS hooked up so prints cost next to nothing. The options seem to be:

- Sticky photo paper (this is out on cost alone for me)
- Normal paper and use spray mount/photomount
- Normal paper and PVA watered down
- Normal paper and milk
- sticky back plastic
- (Any others that I have missed, please note below)

Im siding with Normal Paper and PVA watered down as it is the cheapest method and without testing them all seems like it would work. I know some just use sticky dots or even write on the caps but designing the label is part of the fun for me.

So what is the method you use?

 

[wigwamheed]

I haven't tried but I understand the milk method allows for easy removal when u next use the bottles

 

[Charlatan]

I haven't tried but I understand the milk method allows for easy removal when u next use the bottles

I did read that but milk has virtually zero adhesive qualities so slightly skeptical about that one... and would be concerned about possible smell from the foul-milk.

 

[mattrickl06]

Milk is great on glass bottles but terrible for plastic ones.

No smell either way

 

[winelight]

I just use self-adhesive labels, they are pretty cheap so the glue isn't that good to be honest, they simply wash off under the tap!

http://www.a4labels.com/products/round- ... 7670/23604

 

[Rukula]

I allways use milk. No problems with smells, and easy to wash off. This works for glass only it seems. Would not stick to my PET bottles

 

[PD]

I've started using those labels as shown by winelight ...however I get them from The Range 12 round labels to a sheet, 10 sheets to a pack, cost 49p per pack.... I bought a load.

 

[Kinleycat]

Print stick, a bit on either end and the middle of each label. :thumb:

 

[bottler]

Believe me a wee mix of ordinary flour and water works 100% :thumb: Its like wallpaper paste

 

[johnnyh]

Prittstick and the kids :)

 

[winelight]

I've started using those labels as shown by winelight ...however I get them from The Range 12 round labels to a sheet, 10 sheets to a pack, cost 49p per pack.... I bought a load.

Can you post a link? Can't find them on their website.

 

[operon]

As I work in a printers going to try out temporary crackback, cut into ovals using a cutter, should be easier to get off and look good.

 

[Charlatan]

I went a slightly different route...

I used a hot glue gun on PET bottles. The hope is the glue just 'picks off' when done but we will see.

 

[falafael]

I always used a pritt stick, never any problems!

 

[SloeBrewer]

I allways use milk. No problems with smells, and easy to wash off. This works for glass only it seems. Would not stick to my PET bottles

I labelled up 40 PET bottles last week, using powdered milk mixed with a little water. They all stuck and are still there, nice and firm a week later.

I found that if you move the label about a bit as you press it down, then using a tea towel, put both thumbs in the centre of the label and move each thumb out to the edges, to squeeze all the air and surplus milk out, they stick really well.

 

[earthwormgaz]

I just put a bit of milk in a bowl, then stick a few paper towels on the side. Dip the label in, stick it to the bottle and let it dry on the towel.

Doesn't stink, nice and natural.

 

[Andyhull]

I just put a bit of milk in a bowl, then stick a few paper towels on the side. Dip the label in, stick it to the bottle and let it dry on the towel.

Doesn't stink, nice and natural.

+1 for this too, i use semi skimmed milk as it makes my beer healthier than if i used full fat! :whistle: