Clear Label Question

[la3739]

Hello,

When I googled my question, this forum was brought up, along with someone else asking about clear labels, so I figured you guys could hopefully help me too

I'm using Avery 8660 clear labels for something I'm mailing out and have printed on them with my ordinary deskjet printer. They look great, but I'm aware that if any water gets on them, they will smear. Actually, the ink will totally wipe off, from what I've seen when I've done tests.

At Joann fabric, I asked for a matte spray that I could use to seal the labels from moisture, and they pointed me to Krylon Matte finish. Stupid me went ahead and bought it, and when I tried it out today, I see that it doesn't work. I guess I need a different product.

So my first question is, does anyone know what exact product would keep my labels perfect in case they get wet?

My second question is, if I was to not bother sealing the labels with a spray, would anything bad really happen? When they get sent through the post office system and journey on over to the recipients mailbox, is there really a huge chance they will get wet? I know that's such a stupid question, but if for some reason someone has input I would so appreciate it!

Thanks a bunch :-D

[dgmlmax]

I'm not familiar with these labels but I'm wondering if you could just put some clear packing tape on over the label and then trim around it... maybe?

Dina

[la3739]

I would just stick tape over them, but I want them to look nice so tape doesn't work that well... more interested in a spray, if anyone knows a good product.

[cbet]

Krylon makes a paper finish called "matte scrapbook protectant spray"

I haven't used it on clear labels, but I tried it to make homemade rub-ons with non-inkjet overhead transparencies and not only did they not work as rub-ons, I couldn't get them off the transparency at all.

First I sprayed the transparency and let it dry, then printed it and let it dry, then sprayed it once more and let it dry again.

A quicker solution is to print the label, put it on the envelope and cover it with another of the same, unprinted label. I've done that at work.

[trulyblessed]

Not sure why the Krylon didn't work, I use it all the time on my Avery clear label sheets when I make tiles and never had a water problem. After printing, I let it dry awhile, then spray a light coat of Krylon, let dry well and spray another coat...sometimes I do a 3rd coat. Now, I save myself the grief and do them on my laser LOL

[la3739]

Thanks everyone. I think my Kyrlon didn't work because I need the protectant spray type, like one of the previous posters mentioned. The type I have I think doesn't work on the material my labels are made from.

I also tried just putting another clear label over the one with the ink, but it doesn't look very nice :(

I'm going to call craft stores today and see what i can find!

[dgstamper]

When you buy clear labels, also transparencies you should make sure you are buying what is appropriate for the printer you will be using. The ink will not smear or be water solvable.

Be very careful of using labels & transparencies for ink jet printers in laser printers. Laser printers use heat to set the ink, the labels and transparencies will melt on the fuser roller.