Waterproof tags and labels are used to protect against environmental hazards that pose a risk for exposure to moisture or water during manufacture, transport, or storage.
You can find waterproof labels being used heavily in industries where protection from moisture is a necessary requirement.
Many shipping and logistics companies also rely on waterproof labels to ensure that marked containers arrive at their destination with information intact.
Waterproof materials not only reduce the risk of damage to labels from moisture but also typically provide resistance to other environmental factors as well. A number of label substrates are well-suited for resisting moisture including stainless steel, aluminum, and polyester.
Additional processing can make these tags not only waterproof, but also heavily resistant to harsh chemicals, temperatures, or physical conditions.
Durability
The primary focus of this type of label is to protect against harsh conditions. Labels that will be affixed to assets that are outdoors or in certain industrial settings will encounter water and other elements.
They are also often chosen for items that may be stored in a non-controlled warehouse environment where humidity could cause moisture to build up at certain times.
In extreme environments, resistance to chemicals, water, and other wear is critical.
Legibility
An environment that may contain water or moisture is likely to have other hazards that may pose a risk to the readability of a label.
Selecting a label that is resistant to abrasion or extreme temperatures but is susceptible to corrosion could pose a risk over time.
Even if a label that remains intact, if it is no longer readable, it would need to be replaced.
Materials
Aluminum/Stainless Steel
For the utmost protection in terms of waterproof tags, metal substrates are the solution.
Both aluminum, stainless steel, and brass materials provide more than adequate protection from water and other elements.
Their corrosive resistant properties offer peace of mind when using them within a wet or potentially wet environment.
Marking processes for metal labels such as embossing or stamping leave nothing for water to wash away. While the photo anodization process protects information beneath an anodic layer of aluminum for max protection.
Vinyl/Polyester
Plastic labels are generally more pliable and come in a variety of materials such as polyester and vinyl. The most durable of plastic label options and can withstand many challenging environments.
The level of weatherproofing and durability is often dictated by the substrate material, but there is also the consideration of the printed information wearing.
Laminates and other treatment options are used as a deterrent to this wear, however these are not perfect solutions and will wear over time in harsh conditions.
Attachment Methods
Another key element to factor in when searching for waterproof tags is the attachment method you will be using.
While screws and bolts are typically fine in these environments, you will want to make sure the hardware you use is not overly susceptible to rusting and wearing.
If you opt for an adhesive backing for the tags, ensuring the adhesive used is also waterproof is critical.
Applications
A waterproof label should be able to withstand the same conditions as the equipment or tool to which it is attached. Some examples of common applications include:
- Shipping Containers
- Outdoor Equipment
- Oil Rigs
- Food Production
- Shellfish Harvesting
Wrap-Up
Selecting a weatherproof label involves careful consideration of the material, process, and suitability for your intended application. By taking these factors into account, your organization will be able to select the best tag or label that will be fully compatible with your waterproofing requirements.