How does self-adhesive label printing work at LabelExpress.eu?
At LabelExpress.eu, the entire process of ordering self-adhesive labels takes place online. You select the specifications in the calculator, check the price and pay for your order. You then upload your design, and we take care of the printing, die-cutting and preparing the finished labels for dispatch. You don’t need to send a request for a quote or wait for an individual quotation.
A self-adhesive label consists of printed material, a layer of adhesive and a backing sheet, which you peel off before applying the label. Its properties depend on the selected specifications, which you can tailor to the type of product, packaging and method of application:
- label dimensions and shape, including irregular shapes tailored to your design,
- material: paper or film,
- type of adhesive, suited to the substrate and the product’s storage temperature,
- finish and enhancements,
- delivery format: labels on a roll or on sheets,
- number of designs per order,
The minimum order quantity is 1 piece, so you can order both a small batch to test a new product and labels for regular production. Ordering smaller batches allows you to adjust production volumes to sales on an ongoing basis, without the need to hold large stocks.
We print without plates or printing moulds, and the labels are laser-cut.
Self-adhesive label printing: print shop or home printer?
Printing self-adhesive labels on a home or office printer is a good option when you need a few simple labels on an A4 sheet, for example to label ring binders or jars in the larder. However, for products intended for sale, it is not only the print itself that matters, but also the durability of the material, the precision of the cut-out and the consistency of colours across successive batches.
The key differences relate to:
- shape: laser-cut labels along the outline, eliminating the need for manual trimming,
- material: availability of moisture-resistant films and premium papers with high durability,
- adhesive: option to select the appropriate adhesive for application on glass, plastic, cardboard or products stored in cold conditions,
- finishes: lamination, varnishing, gold and silver foiling,
- consistency: maintaining a consistent appearance of labels across successive batches.
Professional printing also offers options not available on a standard home printer, such as white underprint on transparent film or raised varnish. These allow you to highlight selected elements of the design and give the packaging a more personalised and unique character.
Ordering from a printing company doesn't mean you have to buy thousands of labels. At LabelExpress.eu, you can place a small-run order to check how the label design looks on the target packaging and only then decide whether to print a larger batch.
What materials do we use for self-adhesive label printing?
At LabelExpress.eu, we print self-adhesive labels on a variety of paper and film materials. The choice depends primarily on the type of packaging, storage conditions and how the product will be used. You can combine the appropriate material with an adhesive suited to the surface on which the label will be applied. You’ll find the full, up-to-date range of materials and adhesives in the calculator.
- semi-gloss paper: a versatile solution for products stored in dry conditions,
- metallised, gold and silver papers: a decorative background that makes your logo and product name stand out,
- premium papers with a distinct texture: for cosmetics, spirits and artisan products,
- white PP film: resistant to moisture, grease and abrasion,
- transparent PP film: creates a ‘no-label’ look, where the print appears to be applied directly to the packaging,
- silver, holographic and PET films: for applications requiring a decorative effect or resistance to higher temperatures,
- standard, strong and removable adhesives: selected to suit the type of substrate.
Paper labels work well on products stored in dry conditions. They can also emphasise the natural or artisanal character of the product’s packaging. However, if the label is likely to come into contact with moisture, for example, on a drinks bottle, a cosmetic product used in the bathroom, or a product stored in the fridge, a film label would be a better choice. Selected premium papers are FSC®-certified.
Before ordering a larger print run, it’s worth testing the chosen label material on the intended packaging. To do this, you can order a small batch and check how the label looks and performs in use. You can also find detailed information about the properties of the materials on the pages dedicated to paper labels and film labels.
What shapes and finishes are available in self-adhesive label printing?
At LabelExpress.eu, you can order self-adhesive labels in rectangular, square, round, oval or irregular shapes. We laser-cut them all, so even an unusual shape does not require a cutting die or incur any additional costs.
Using our online calculator, you can also choose the type of print and finish:
- full-colour CMYK printing,
- white underprint on transparent, silver and holographic films,
- matt or gloss varnish,
- lamination with matt, gloss or soft-touch film,
- 3D and 3D Max varnish,
- gold and silver foiling, including 3D and 3D Max versions.
Each option serves a different purpose. Lamination provides additional protection for the label’s surface against wear and tear, which is particularly important for products that are frequently handled. A white underprint, on the other hand, helps maintain colour intensity on transparent and metallised films, minimising the show-through of the packaging’s background.
Gold and silver foil stamping, as well as 3D and 3D Max raised varnish, are primarily used to highlight selected graphic elements, such as a logo or product name. They work particularly well on labels for cosmetics, spirits, candles and confectionery, which are often chosen as gifts. You can calculate the cost of each finish directly in the calculator and immediately see how it affects the price of your order.
How do I prepare a file for self-adhesive label printing?
The file for printing self-adhesive labels should have the final dimensions, be in CMYK colour mode, and include correctly prepared bleeds and safety margins. Correctly preparing the design helps to avoid problems during cutting and ensures the correct positioning of text and graphic elements. You can find detailed technical requirements on the page dedicated to preparing files for printing.
Before submitting your design:
- save it in CMYK colour mode,
- add bleed beyond the cut line,
- keep a safe margin between text and logos and the edge of the label,
- for non-standard shapes, place the cut line on a separate layer,
- If your design requires a white underprint, create a suitable layer;
- prepare a separate file for each design.
You can create your design yourself using the free online designer on our LabelExpress.eu website, or upload a ready-made file. The designer allows you to create labels using text, logos and photos, without needing to know how to use professional design tools. We do not carry out bespoke graphic design work on request.
You can upload your files after placing your order via your customer account.
How much does self-adhesive label printing cost?
You can check the price of printing self-adhesive labels at LabelExpress.eu directly using the online calculator. The quote updates after every change to the parameters, allowing you to compare the available options and tailor your order to your budget without having to contact a sales representative.
The cost of your order is primarily influenced by:
- the label dimensions and print run,
- material and type of adhesive,
- the shape of the label,
- type of printing, including the use of white underprint,
- selected finishes,
- number of designs per order.
You don’t pay for plate or cutting-die preparation, and you can order as few as 1 item. This lets you match the print run to your actual needs, without investing in a large stock of labels that may become obsolete after a change in product composition or packaging design.
If you offer several variants of the same product, for example, different flavours, scents or sizes, you can order labels for them all in a single order. This way, you can order several designs for your entire product range without having to place a separate order for each variant.
How long does self-adhesive label printing take?
The standard production time for self-adhesive labels at LabelExpress.eu is 3 working days. For selected materials marked with the note (24h) in the calculator, labels can be ready in as little as 24 hours.
The production lead time is calculated from the moment your payment is cleared and we receive a correctly prepared file. Delivery time must be added to the production lead time.
- standard: 3 working days,
- express: in as little as 24 hours, for selected materials.
Short production lead times make it easier to order labels on an ongoing basis, without the need to keep large stocks for many months. This solution is particularly convenient for seasonal products, frequent changes to product ranges or when introducing new items to the range.
If you need the shortest possible lead time, choose a material marked with the note (24h) and check that your design complies with the technical specifications before submitting it. A correctly prepared file will help you avoid delays caused by the need to correct it.
How do I order self-adhesive label printing from LabelExpress.eu?
You can order self-adhesive labels from LabelExpress.eu entirely online. Use the calculator to select the product parameters, and you’ll see the price and estimated production time before you complete your purchase.
- Specify the label dimensions, print run and number of designs.
- Select the material, adhesive, shape and type of print.
- Add any finishing touches if required.
- Choose your delivery format: rolls for manual or automatic application, or sheets.
- Place your order and pay online.
- Upload your design files via your customer account or by email.
You don't need to have a finished design to check the price. You can first compare the available configurations and select the appropriate parameters, and upload your files only after placing your order.
Frequently asked questions about self-adhesive label printing
Can I order self-adhesive label printing from just 1 piece?
Yes, at LabelExpress.eu you can order self-adhesive labels from as little as 1 piece. This allows you to produce a small test run, check how the label looks on the final packaging, and only then decide on a larger print run.
How much does self-adhesive label printing cost?
The price depends on the dimensions, print run, material, shape, type of print, finishes and number of designs. You can check the exact amount using the calculator on LabelExpress.eu, without having to send a quote request. The quote is updated after every change to the parameters.
How long does self-adhesive label printing take?
The standard turnaround time for self-adhesive labels is 3 working days, and for selected materials, labels can be ready in as little as 24 hours. We count the lead time from when payment is received and a correctly prepared file is submitted. Delivery time should be added to the production time.
Is a cutting die required to print self-adhesive labels in an unusual shape?
No, at LabelExpress.eu we laser-cut labels along their outline. You can therefore order any shape, including irregular ones, without the need to create a cutting die or incur additional costs for its preparation.
Can several label designs be printed in a single order?
Yes, a single order can include several different designs, for example, labels for different flavours or product variants. You specify the number of designs in the calculator and prepare a separate file for each one.
What material should I choose for printing self-adhesive labels for products exposed to moisture?
For products likely to come into contact with water, steam or grease, it is best to choose film labels, for example made from white or transparent PP film. Paper works best in dry conditions. Before ordering a larger print run, it is worth testing the chosen material on the actual packaging.
Can self-adhesive labels be printed on rolls or sheets?
Yes, you can select both delivery options in the calculator. Labels on rolls are suitable for both manual application and use with labelling machines. Sheets, on the other hand, are a convenient solution for manually applying smaller quantities of labels.
Can I design a self-adhesive label online for free?
Yes, LabelExpress.eu offers a free online designer where you can create your own label design by adding text, logos and photos. You can also use a ready-made design from your own graphics software and upload it after placing your order.
| Colours available | We offer labels in a wide range of colours, from classic white and transparent, through elegant cream and natural kraft, to striking gold and silver, which add prestige and character to your products. You can print labels with your own graphics with us. |
|---|---|
| Size | any |
| Materials | A wide range of label materials: foil and paper, smooth and textured. |
| Adhesive type | It is the adhesive that determines the durability and effectiveness of your label. Choose the one that suits your needs from the following options: standard, strong, removable, opaque, rubber, acrylic, or transparent. |
| Use areas | Product, handicraft, alcohol, informational, event, packaging, personalised, for labelling machines, in sheets, on rolls |
| Usage | LabelExpress labels are ideal wherever aesthetics, the need to convey product information and brand image building are important – from the food, cosmetics and alcohol industries to manufacturing, e-commerce and promotional activities. |
| Processing time | The standard production time for labels is 3 working days. For selected materials, an express option is available, with labels ready in as little as 24 hours. Materials eligible for express production are marked in the calculator. Delivery time is added to the production time; this depends on the country and the chosen delivery method. |
| Packaging | in sheets, on rolls, in boxes |
| Advantages | Less waste, reduced CO₂ emissions, small print runs, excellent print quality |
| Advantages of cooperation | Print smarter with less waste and top quality. Get 24-hour express or 3-day standard service. Produce only what you need – no storage, lower CO₂ emissions, and perfect labels for your packaging. |
| Competitiveness | You don't need to order in advance, you save time and work faster, you are more environmentally friendly. |
| Competitive edge | Get labels fast – even within 24 hours. Order small batches to match current needs, avoid surplus, and respond quickly to market demands. Optimised orders mean less waste and lower CO₂ emissions. |
| Environmental features | Less waste, reduced CO₂ emissions, small print runs |
| Environmental advantages | Choosing short-run printing is a strategy, not a compromise. You eliminate overproduction and storage, reduce waste and your carbon footprint. Less inventory means less waste, more control and faster response to market needs. |