Designing and printing custom labels for any product is a big task on its own. But when it comes to labeling small products, the challenges multiply. From limited design space to ensuring the label adheres properly to small surface areas, it's essential to approach these tasks with precision.
And for products with tight mandrel containers—those small cylindrical tubes often less than half an inch in diameter—the task becomes even trickier. So, how do you make sure your label sticks and stays?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the unique challenges of labeling small products and provide examples of products that require special attention, along with the right label materials to ensure your labels look perfect and perform well.
The Challenges of Labeling Small Products
Common Challenges with Labeling Small Products
Smaller packaging comes with its own set of design and practical challenges. Here’s a look at some common hurdles:
- Limited Design Space: You have less room to work with, which means your branding, information, and design elements must be concise and legible on a much smaller canvas.
- Adhesion Issues: Small, curved surfaces—especially tight mandrel containers—make it difficult for labels to stay flat. Labels can “unravel” due to the natural tendency of the material to return to its flat state.
- Wear and Tear: Small products like lip balms and vapes are often handled frequently, requiring labels to be durable enough to withstand moisture, friction, and regular use.
What Are Tight Mandrel Containers?
Tight mandrel containers are small cylindrical tubes with very little surface area, typically with a diameter of less than 1 inch.
Products like lip balm tubes, eyedropper bottles, and vape pens commonly fall into this category. The problem? Wrapping a label around these tiny products can cause it to lift or peel, especially if the label material isn’t up to the task.
When labels are applied to these tight curves, the adhesive plays a critical role. A standard label material might not adhere well to the tight curvature, leading to peeling at the edges, which not only looks bad but also diminishes the product's perceived quality.
The Solution—Choosing the Right Label Material for Small Products
At Wizard Labels, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with peeling or unraveling labels. That's why we recommend White BOPP (Tight Mandrel) material for small cylindrical containers.
This material comes with a stronger adhesive designed specifically for small, curved surfaces. It provides a firm grip and helps prevent the label from lifting or peeling, ensuring your product maintains a professional appearance.
Here's a breakdown of label material options for small products:
Lip Balms
Lip balms are one of the most common small products with tight mandrels. Their slim, cylindrical shape makes them tricky to label, as regular adhesives can lift at the edges. White BOPP (Tight Mandrel) labels are ideal here, as they have the extra-strong adhesive needed to stick firmly around the small circumference.
Eyedropper Bottles
Eyedropper bottles have small, round surfaces that make it challenging for labels to stay put, especially in high-moisture environments like a bathroom cabinet. Tight Mandrel BOPP labels provide the perfect solution for these types of products, ensuring the label sticks tight and doesn’t peel, even when frequently handled.
Essential Oil Bottles
Essential oil bottles are typically small, cylindrical, and prone to frequent use. If the diameter is less than 1 inch, Tight Mandrel BOPP is recommended to ensure durability. However, for slightly larger bottles, standard BOPP works well, especially with oils, since both materials are water- and oil-resistant.
Small Candle Jars
Although small, candle jars usually have a wider surface area than lip balms or eyedroppers. In these cases, standard BOPP labels provide excellent durability and moisture resistance while sticking firmly to flat surfaces.
Testing Your Labels Before You Order
If your product has a diameter of less than 1 inch and your label is designed to wrap around it, we recommend testing both Tight Mandrel BOPP and Standard BOPP materials.
The smaller the surface area, the more critical it is to ensure the label adheres properly. As a rule of thumb, if your label needs to wrap around a small, curved surface for more than 3 inches, it’s best to test samples first to ensure proper adhesion.
At Wizard Labels, we’re happy to provide free samples of both materials so you can see how they perform on your specific product before placing a larger order.
Additional Tips for Small Product Labels
Here are some extra tips to ensure your small product labels perform perfectly:
- Keep Designs Simple: With limited space, make sure your design is clean and uncluttered. Focus on key brand elements like your logo and essential product information.
- Use Legible Fonts: Small labels require fonts that are easy to read. Avoid overly decorative fonts that can be hard to decipher on smaller surfaces.
- Consider Durability: Small products are often handled frequently, so make sure your label material can withstand regular use without smudging, peeling, or fading.
Final Thoughts
Labeling small products, especially those with tight mandrel containers, can be a challenge. However, with the right materials—like White BOPP (Tight Mandrel)—and proper planning, your labels can not only stick securely but also make your products stand out on the shelf.
Whether you’re labeling lip balms, eyedropper bottles, or vape pens, Wizard Labels has the expertise and materials to ensure your labels are as durable and beautiful as your products.
Ready to create custom labels for your small products? Contact us today, and we’ll help you find the perfect solution!