Mission, Kan.

New inks and adhesives, as well as innovative design concepts, are stimulating label sales. According to Carl Gerlach, marketing director for Gill Studios, Shawnee Mission, Kan., labels are one of the most creative products that distributors can offer to their customers. "Between the imprinting and the diecutting, a label or decal gives imaginative distributors wonderful opportunities to impress their customers," he said. Gerlach explained that, in general, Gill Studios refers to flexographically printed paper substrates intended for short-term, indoor applications as labels, and the more durable, screen-printed poly and vinyl products typically used outdoors as decals. "However, a harsh, indoor industrial environment requires

Flexible, colorful, lovable decals By Maggie DeWitt When I was a kid I liked watching my brother put the decals on his model cars and planes. Cutting around the designs, he'd soak them in water before sliding them off the paper backing and onto the model. Suddenly imbued with a sense of movement and energy, the plastic shapes were transformed into race cars and fighter jets, and you could now tell the good guys from the bad guys. Decals continue to impart interest and information, but they are no longer just the flat, one dimensional decorations of yesteryear. Today's decals offer a smorgasbord of features. Whether the

Weather- and water-resistant labels withstand harsh elements By Stacey Wenzel You wouldn't dare go to the beach without sunscreen, would you? Or brave winter's snow and cold temperatures without wearing a hat and gloves? We all know that we need to protect ourselves from such extreme elements. The same holds true for labels. If a label can't survive harsh conditions, then it can't perform its job properly. However, with the right protection, labels can withstand some of the most demanding environments. According to Carl Gerlach, director of marketing for Shawnee Mission, Kan.-based Gill Studios, the outdoor durability of a label or decal typically

Stick with this profitable product By Stacey Wenzel What exactly is a decal anyway? Are there differences between a decal and a label? They are both adhesive products, but depending on who you ask, the definition for each varies. Some may think labels are typically used for short-term applications, while decals are designed for more durable, longer use. Decals are often printed on stronger materials like vinyl, whereas labels are normally printed on paper. In addition, the use of heavier, thicker inks for decals differentiates the two. Whatever your criteria are for defining a decal, one thing remains the same. The market is growing and can provide high

The silk may be gone, but screen printing is here to stay By Stacey Wenzel Although screen printing is one of the oldest forms of printing, it shouldn't be thought of as ancient history. Screen printing, formerly known as silk screening, still has its niche within the industry and is a popular printing method for labels, decals and advertising specialties. The technique is similar to stenciling, where an image is transferred onto a screen that is typically made from polyester. The ink is poured on top of the screen and forced through the open areas with a squeegee. This allows the ink to be placed directly onto the material. "It's