Ask the Experts
October 2010
Q: How do you get a label to adhere to an oily surface?
A: Often, new labels need to be placed on surfaces that are dirty, or oily. The label may be replacing an older one that is no longer legible or is damaged. Or, the new label could be communicating an updated safety message. Oily surfaces requiring safety labeling can include manufacturing equipment, shop environments, storage drums, hazardous material storage, recycling projects and more.
Here are a few tips for making sure your labels and signs stick to oily, dirty surfaces with staying power.
- First of all, the surface needs to be as clean as possible. If an old label has been removed, be sure that all of the old label material and the adhesive is removed as well. Grease cutting solvent, ammonia, or a plastic scraper can be used if needed. Use a label squeegee to flatten out all air pockets
- Use label supply that is of superior quality. DuraLabel supplies are extremely durable and are designed to resist moisture, fading, chemicals and abrasion and extreme environmental conditions.
- For best results, use DuraLabel Oily Surface Tapes. They're designed with a specially formulated "aggressive" adhesive that stands up to gasoline, moisture, sulfuric acid and most oil-based products by chemically bonding to oily, dirty surfaces. DuraLabel Oily Surface Tapes and Ribbons even stick to surfaces coated with WD-40.
For a free hard copy of our DuraLabel Supply Catalog that includes
Oily Surface Tapes and Ribbons call 1-888-326-9244
Or download a PDF copy here: DuraLabel Supply Catalog (low res) | DuraLabel Supply Catalog (high res)
