Yes, but stickers and roll labels have different laminates, so what writes well depends on which you have.
Stickers
| Finish | What writes on it |
|---|---|
| Gloss | Sharpie and other permanent markers, and pen to a degree |
| Matte | Ballpoint pen as well as permanent marker |
Both sticker finishes take a Sharpie. If you'll use a ballpoint pen, choose matte.
Vinyl sheet labels work the same as stickers, in both finishes.
Roll labels
| Finish | What writes on it |
|---|---|
| Matte | Pen or Sharpie. This is the one to write on. |
| Gloss | Pen and marker go on, but scratch off with a fingernail |
| Unlaminated paper | Pen |
On roll labels, write on matte only. That includes trade templates printed on a roll. Our stickers and sheet labels come in Gloss or Matte. Roll labels and trade templates can also be Unlaminated: paper roll labels always are, and unlaminated BOPP is available on request. See laminated or unlaminated labels.
Why the finish matters
A matte laminate has a fine texture that gives a pen tip something to grip, which is why it takes the widest range of pens. Gloss is smoother, so ink sits more on the surface. It holds on our stickers and vinyl sheet labels, but on a gloss roll label a fingernail can scratch it away. Paper soaks up ink, which is why it takes pen, and also why it doesn't like water.
Making writing last
- Let marker dry for a minute before anything touches it.
- Clean written-on stickers with soap and water, not alcohol wipes, because alcohol takes permanent marker off a laminate.
- Choose a matte laminate for damp places, because writing on unlaminated paper can run or smudge when it gets wet.
- Expect to rewrite outdoor writing now and then. Ordinary marker fades in sunlight much faster than the print around it, and a UV-resistant marker lasts longer.
- Test the pen you'll actually use on one sticker or label before you rely on it.
Dry-erase
Dry-erase marker doesn't wipe cleanly off our standard laminates. A write-and-wipe surface needs a special laminate, which we can source for a custom order; ask us.
Leave a real box to write in
A thin printed line isn't a writing space. Design a pale panel with real height for the date, initials, or batch number, and keep it clear of dark colors and busy patterns, where writing disappears. For food labels and service tags, see dates, ingredients, and writing on food labels and HVAC service tags.
Having it printed instead
If every label gets a different name, number, or date, variable data printing prints each one in the same run. Prices are for print-ready artwork, so adding names, numbers, or codes is quoted. We can help; reach out for a quote.