Process printing uses the four colours of cyan, magenta, yellow and black (CMYK). A combination of these colours are printed in layers which combine to create images and a broad range of colours. Whereas spot colour printing uses a pre-mixed ink to print the desired colour as one layer. Spot colours are often used for text, block colour areas and simple graphics. The Pantone Matching System (PMS) is frequently used for spot colours. It is the worldwide colour matching standard that ensures consistency of colour across multiple print applications.

Pressure sensitive is another term for self-adhesive labels, which is the kind of labels that we make. The term means that the labels will adhere to a surface only when pressure is applied.

Coated materials are papers that have a glossy finish achieved during their manufacture. The coating process protects the inks against water damage. Uncoated materials have more of a matte finish and will absorb the inks printed on the paper, and make them appear slightly flat.

Yes, we do this by printing on the adhesive. This is sometimes called reverse printing.

One of our experienced Account Managers would be happy to advise the right material for your application as part of an expert consultation.

Each application has different challenges, and important considerations include; what the label is being applied to, how long do you want it to stay on, is it being applied in below freezing conditions, will it go into freezing conditions after application, is the label going outdoors and subject to UV sunlight, will it be subjected to harsh conditions such as cleaning solvents, is it being placed on a flat, smooth surface, or small diameter curved surfaces?

Choosing the correct adhesive is very important and we offer a wide range of adhesives to suit most applications. Learn more about adhesives or contact us to arrange an expert consultation.

Our flexible mix of digital and flexo print technologies means that in theory, we can print from one label to one million.

One of our expert Account Managers would be happy to discuss your specific label requirements and determine a solution that’s right for you.

Our turnaround times are dependent on your specific label requirements, and whether it is a new or repeat order.

Our Account Managers would be happy to advise the turnaround times you can expect.

Yes! Hally Express is our fast, responsive and flexible service offering operating within a 5-day turnaround.

Labels should be stored at a temperature of 25°C ±2 and a relative humidity of 50% ±5. Store them in original packaging and away from direct sunlight. Rolls of labels should be stored horizontally, not vertically.

QR codes (quick response codes) are small codes that are scannable by mobiles in order to provide consumers with instant access to content. QR codes can be linked to websites, special offers and promotions, interactive experiences, apps, exclusive content like videos, product information, and more. Try scanning the one below directly through your phone's camera or with one of the many freely available QR code scanner apps. 

Thermal printing is the ability to overprint variable information to a label such as a use by date, a price, or a batch code. There are two thermal printing methods; direct thermal and thermal transfer.

Each method uses a thermal print head that applies heat to the surface being marked. Thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to produce durable, long-lasting images on a wide variety of materials.

No ribbon is used in direct thermal printing, which creates the image directly on the printed material. Direct thermal media is more sensitive to light, heat and abrasion, which reduces the life of the printed material.

For more details, read our blog post Understanding Thermal Labels: Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer. 

Special label materials are required for both types, see our thermal labels page for more information.