Liners

Self-adhesive labelstock is comprised of the following components, from top to bottom:

Self-adhesive labestock
1. Face
2. Adhesive
3. Release coating
  • Silicone coating
  • Applied to the upper side of the liner
4. Liner
  • Paper or film bottom layer

Liners contribute to the label's
  • Clarity
  • Strength
  • Convertibility
  • Application

The release coating is a silicone layer added to the upper side of the liner. The chemistry of the silicone defines the force required to release the adhesive (and therefore the label face) from the liner.
    

Film, glassine and kraft liners

Liners can be divided into three types of material: film, glassine and kraft.

Material Properties and end-uses
Film Clear polyester (PET) or polypropylene (PP) liners are specially designed for use with clear film face materials in applications requiring excellent clarity – a smooth film liner provides a smooth adhesive layer for uniform contact with the substrate being labeled. Good strength characteristics for high-speed and difficult applications.
Glassine Uncoated transparent, white and yellow liners for roll-to-roll applications in a variety of weights. Options for automatic dispensing, photocell dispensing systems and special applications.
Kraft Kraft liners are coated on one side. They are more rigid when extra stiffness is needed, a variety of weights are available. Kraft liners are used in roll-to-sheet/VIP labeling applications because they provide suitable lay-flat properties for reliable feed-through in laser and ink-jet printers and copiers.