In self-adhesive paper and film labels, if “tack” (initial adhesion strength) is not properly specified, the label may detach after application or leave unnecessary residue on the surface. Whether you use Grade-A side-run rolls or custom-cut stock, the five steps below will sharpen your decision-making process.
1. Determine the Application Temperature
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For applications below 0 °C, opt for low-temperature acrylic or hot-melt rubber formulations — adding heat will activate even low-tack grades.
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For the room-temperature range (15 – 25 °C), standard high-tack acrylic is the all-purpose solution.
!Tip: Storage temperature may differ from application temperature; consider the entire supply chain.
2. Analyze Surface Energy
| Surface Type | Example | Recommended Tack |
|---|---|---|
| High Surface Energy | Glass, metal | Low-to-medium tack |
| Medium Surface Energy | PP, PET | Medium-to-high tack |
| Low Surface Energy | PE, powder-coated surface | High tack, rubber-based |
!Tip: If PE bottles have a corona-treated surface, medium-tack acrylic can also adhere; be sure to test the corona level.
3. Is Removability Required?
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Temporary labels (storefront promotions, inventory transfer labels) → low-tack / removable acrylic.
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Permanence & safety (food packaging, chemical drums) → high tack.
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Repositionable products require “repositional” acrylic: low tack during the first 2–3 hours, followed by a permanent bond.
4. Assess Surface Texture and Curvature
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Düz & parlak cam yüzey: düşük‑orta tack.
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Ribbed, corrugated, or curved PE bottle: high tack + flexible PE film surface.
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Powder‑coated metal panel: rubber‑based high tack is the safest choice.
5. Choose a Cure Time That Matches Process Speed
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High-speed labeling lines (> 40 m/min) → hot-melt rubber or “fast-tack” acrylic for rapid wet adhesion.
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Low-speed / manual application → standard acrylic is sufficient, as the operator needs a few seconds for positioning.
Summary
Adhesive selection calls for a balanced analysis of temperature, surface energy, process speed, and removability requirements. When in doubt, request a sample and conduct print and application testing under real-world conditions.
📧ADHETACK rolls with different tack levels—get detailed information or request a free slit sample at [iletisim@adhetack.com].
