Built around the application.

Surface type, moisture, curvature and handling can change the appropriate paper/adhesive construction. Coating or lamination can add protection, but it does not make every paper construction behave like a film.

• Finished size and shape
• Quantity and number of SKUs / versions
• Container or application surface
• Gloss / semi-gloss / matte preference
• Core, unwind and maximum roll OD if machine applied

Process colors on clear material are influenced by whatever sits behind the label. A separate white layer can create an opaque base beneath selected graphics while other areas remain transparent.

• Finished size and quantity
• Actual container material and color
• White ink layer or intended opaque areas
• Refrigerated / wet exposure
• Roll, liner and applicator specifications

Film generally handles moisture better than paper, but final performance still depends on adhesive, ink or toner, coating, edge exposure, application temperature and the product surface.

• Container material
• Rigid or squeezable
• Moisture, chemical, temperature or outdoor exposure
• Finished size, quantity and finish
• Core, unwind, maximum OD and liner requirements

White beneath selected areas can make printed color more opaque. Areas without white allow the silver substrate to influence the design. Brushed materials also have directionality that should be considered with artwork and roll orientation.

• Mirror, brushed or metallic-paper preference
• Areas intended to remain metallic
• White ink layer
• Container and environmental requirements
• Roll / applicator specifications

Treat gold as a substrate color in the file. White underprint can create more conventional color in selected areas while leaving other areas open to the metallic material.

• Desired gold appearance
• Exposed metallic areas
• White ink requirements
• Container, moisture and handling information
• Roll configuration

Fine detail, subtle screens and small reverse type should be evaluated with the actual paper surface in mind. Beige and kraft also influence unbacked printed color.

• White felt, beige felt or kraft preference
• Finished size and quantity
• Container diameter / curvature
• Moisture and abrasion expectations
• Hand or machine application

Fluorescent stock cannot be represented accurately on a monitor or standard CMYK proof. Dark printed elements generally provide the strongest contrast. Test barcodes if scan performance matters.

• Stock color or color system
• Quantity by version
• Barcode / variable-data requirements
• Permanent or removable intent
• Roll configuration

The strongest designs often expose holographic film selectively rather than everywhere. White can create quiet areas for brand marks and information while chosen accents remain open to the film.

• Crystal or rainbow preference
• White ink layer
• Exposed holographic areas
• Container and environment
• Roll / applicator requirements