Applying labels by hand can be a tedious task, but it is important to do it carefully to ensure that the labels are applied evenly and without wrinkles or bubbles. Here are some tips on how to apply labels by hand:

It’s important to start with a clean vessel and clean hands. Take care to remove the liner (backing) from the label without touching the adhesive. When you touch the adhesive it can become contaminated with dust and dirt.

1. Prepare the surface. Before you apply the label, make sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of dust and grease. You may need to wipe down the surface with a damp cloth or alcohol pad.
2. Peel the label from the backing. Be careful not to touch the adhesive side of the label. If you do touch the adhesive side, try to wipe it off with a dry cloth.
3. Position the label. Align the label carefully on the surface. If you are applying the label to a curved surface, start by applying the label at the center and then work your way out to the edges.
4. Apply the label. Once the label is aligned, press down on it firmly to apply it to the surface. Start at the center of the label and work your way out to the edges.
5. Remove any wrinkles or bubbles. If there are any wrinkles or bubbles in the label, use a credit card or squeegee to smooth them out. You can also use a pin to prick any bubbles and then smooth them out.

If the label is small, you can generally remove the entire label liner, then align the label on the labelling area, and press the label to the surface. Then, press out any bubbles or wrinkles from edge to edge or canter to edge. A bit like sticking a screen protector to your smartphone, slowly but surely wins this race.

Larger labels may have a slit across the liner so that you can expose the adhesive backing bit by bit. This allows you to apply the label one section at a time, and you can ensure its smooth application as you go rather than having to smooth and eliminate bubbles at the end, which can be tricky and not always work. For the larger self-adhesive label you’ll need to take the same care as with the small label, clean hands and avoid contamination, but you’ll also need to think of label placement as a one shot wonder if the adhesive is permanent!

But! If you don’t get the label position right the first time, or the bubbling is too much, then try using a hair dryer to softer the adhesive and then gently lift the label to reposition it.

Here are some additional tips for applying labels by hand:

• If you are applying a lot of labels, you may want to invest in a label applicator. A label applicator can help you to apply labels more quickly and evenly.
• If you are applying labels to a product that will be exposed to moisture, such as a food product or a product that will be used in the bathroom, be sure to use waterproof labels.
• If you are applying labels to a product that will be exposed to heat, such as a candle or a product that will be used in the oven, be sure to use heat-resistant labels.

By following these tips, you can apply labels by hand quickly and accurately.