Labels

Redoing my panel and looking for label material suggestions. Have used 3M Scotchcal vinyl film and Gerber Quantum marking films in past. Since they are designed for external vinyl signs, the printing holds up very well to UV. The problem is the adhesive. Since some of the labels are only 1/8" x 1/4", the surface area for adhesion is very small. In addition, the texture of the panel surface also reduces the surface area for adhesion. After a couple of years they start to come off. The films are designed for very large exterior signs where there is a large surface area for adhesion. Any suggestions? The only thing I could think of was to use a small dab of epoxy on the back of each label.

On Friday, January 1, 2016 at 6:40:27 PM UTC-5, wrote:
Redoing my panel and looking for label material suggestions. Have used 3M Scotchcal vinyl film and Gerber Quantum marking films in past. Since they are designed for external vinyl signs, the printing holds up very well to UV. The problem is the adhesive. Since some of the labels are only 1/8" x 1/4", the surface area for adhesion is very small. In addition, the texture of the panel surface also reduces the surface area for adhesion. After a couple of years they start to come off. The films are designed for very large exterior signs where there is a large surface area for adhesion. Any suggestions? The only thing I could think of was to use a small dab of epoxy on the back of each label.

Transfer tape we use for seals makes an excellent label backing.
UH

I've used engravers.com with good results. They'll make placards any size, thickness you design for very low price, ~$10 for two 1/2" x 4".

I've used engravers.net with good results. They'll make placards any size, thickness you design for very low price, ~$10 for two 1/2" x 4".

On Friday, January 1, 2016 at 11:40:27 PM UTC, wrote:
the texture of the panel surface also reduces the surface area

The texture of the surface you are applying the label to is the problem. You need a thicker adhesive to get down into all the grooves. 3M468 transfer adhesive is five thousands of an inch thick and 3M467 is two thousands. There are other products that will give the same performance.