Vial labels by material and finish
Matte film reads cleanly under lab lighting and photographs without glare; gloss film maximizes color density; paper belongs on dry secondary packaging, not on vials. Each stock's limits are stated up front, because a returned batch costs us both more than a straight answer.
White matte film
The vial workhorse
Water-, smudge-, and abrasion-resistant once the pigment ink cures. Reads cleanly under lab lighting and photographs without glare. Permanent acrylic adhesive standard; freezer-grade adhesive on request for below-zero storage.
White gloss film
Maximum color density
Same durability profile as matte film with richer color depth. It's the pick when brand color carries the label. Expect glare under harsh direct light; matte photographs more evenly for catalog shots.
Clear gloss film
Bold dark art only
Durable film stock, honest physics: our press prints CMYK without white ink, so every color reads translucent on clear. Dark, bold designs work on glass; light palettes and fine detail mostly disappear.
Paper (matte or gloss)
Secondary packaging, not vials
Sharp and economical on dry cartons, inserts, and shelf boxes. Not water-resistant. Condensation from cold storage marks it, which is why we don't recommend paper on vials at all.