how to remove sticky labels and other adhesive advice from Mercian Labels UK

Different adhesives have different applications

Permanent adhesives are the most common and are not designed to be removed

Peelable adhesives are designed to allow the label to be removed within a short time of application, but will leave a residue on the application surface

Ultra-peel adhesives are the weakest and are useful for marking up high value goods where the label must be very easily removed

Frost fix adhesives are useful for products that are stored at cold temperatures

Marine adhesives can withstand protracted submersion under water

Security adhesives have various properties that indicate tampering of the label.

You can download full product specification sheets of our adhesive products here

Recommendations for adhesives

The adhesives on self adhesive labels are sensitive to temperature and moisture, and we recommend that you apply them in accordance with the following conditions:

1) check that the application surface is smooth, clean, dry and free of dust, water, oils, waxes and silicone sprays and is preferably above 10 degrees C. If necessary and appropriate, clean the surface using a little Iso Propyl Alcohol, available as a fluid or convenient disposable wipes from 3M, Intronics or others.

2) Make sure that the storage, application and service temperature / humidity are correct for the adhesive being used. Most correctly stored labels should have a shelf life of 2 years. The most common problems that we face are the label storage temperature being too cool ( less than 10 degrees C) which detrimentally affects the label adhesive. In general, warmer storage and application temperatures give better results.

3) Remember that the adhesive takes at least 24 hours to "set" and gain its full strength. If the label does not stick for any reason, then check conditions in step 1 again as it is most likely that there is a problem with the application surface. 4) Do not clean the labels with any organic solvents, cleaners or anything but a gentle wipe with a damp cloth. The use of organic chemicals may harm the label material, adhesive or print.

type of adhesive	storage temperature (where the labels are stored)	storage humidity (where the labels are stored)	application temperature (where the labels are applied)	service temperature (where the labels are used after application)
permanent	15 - 25 degrees C	44% - 55% RH	+5 - +40 degrees C	-10 - +80 degrees C
peelable	15 - 25 degrees C	44% - 55% RH	+5 - +40 degrees C	-10 - +80 degrees C
frost fix	15 - 25 degrees C	44% - 55% RH	-20 - +40 degrees C	-40 - +60 degrees C
ultra permanent	15 - 25 degrees C	44% - 55% RH	+5 - +40 degrees C	-10 - +80 degrees C

Recommendations to remove self adhesive labels

When removing the label initially, take your time, peeling slowly, warming up the label beforehand with a warm air hair dryer to lower the viscosity of the adhesive

If there is a residue left, try washing it off with warm soapy water first. If that doesn't work (not all adhesives are soluble in water) try using a little isopropyl alcohol (or methylated spirits if you don't have any IPA), testing beforehand on an unseen section of the surface to make sure that the solvent will not damage the surface.

As a last resort, a stronger organic solvent such as acetone (similar to nail varnish remover) could be used, but will probably mark many synthetic surfaces permanently

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