Clear & Transparent Labels

Create a clean, professional finish with custom clear vinyl labels printed with your own branding or artwork. Because the unprinted parts of the label remain transparent, the colour and texture of the surface underneath can still be seen.

This creates what is often called a “no-label look”, making clear labels a popular choice for glass jars, bottles, windows, cosmetics, candles and modern product packaging.

What are clear labels?

Clear labels are printed on transparent self-adhesive vinyl rather than white paper or white vinyl. Your design is printed onto the clear material, while areas without print allow the product, container or packaging beneath to remain visible.

The edge of the label does not disappear completely, but it is considerably less noticeable than the edge of a white label. The final appearance will depend on the surface, lighting, artwork and how carefully the label is applied.

What can transparent labels be used for?

Clear labels work particularly well when you want the container or product to remain part of the design. Popular applications include:

• Glass jars and food containers
• Honey, preserve and sauce jars
• Drinks bottles and glass packaging
• Candle jars and home-fragrance products
• Cosmetic bottles and containers
• Clear boxes and product packaging
• Shop windows and indoor displays
• Logo and promotional stickers
• Wedding favours and personalised gifts
• Minimalist product branding

How colours print on clear vinyl

Printing on transparent material is different from printing on white paper. Standard printing inks are not completely opaque, so colours can appear lighter or more translucent on clear vinyl. The colour of the container underneath can also change how the printed design appears.

A design that looks bright on a white screen may look different when placed on clear glass, amber jars, coloured bottles or dark packaging. Strong, contrasting designs generally work better than very pale colours and fine details.

White ink and white underprinting

White ink can be used to create solid white elements on a clear label or printed underneath selected colours as a white base. This reduces the influence of the container underneath and helps colours, wording and logos appear brighter and more opaque.

• No white ink – printed colours retain a translucent appearance and are influenced by the surface underneath.
• White elements – selected wording, logos or graphics can be printed in white.
• White underprint – white is printed beneath selected coloured areas to make them appear stronger and more opaque.
• Selective white ink – some areas can remain transparent while others are backed with white.

White ink is available on selected clear-label options. If your design requires a particular white-ink arrangement, please supply suitable artwork or contact us before ordering.

Choosing artwork for transparent labels

Simple artwork often gives the best result on clear vinyl. Bold logos, strong lines and readable text allow the transparent material to complement the design rather than compete with it.

Before ordering, consider:

• The colour of the product or container beneath the label
• Whether coloured areas should be translucent or opaque
• Which parts of the design need white ink
• Whether important wording has enough contrast
• How the label edge will look on the finished surface
• Whether the container is smooth, curved, tapered or textured

If you are unsure, send us a photograph of the container together with your artwork and explain the result you want to achieve.

Clear labels for dark or coloured containers

Black and darker colours can work well without a white base when applied to pale or clear surfaces. On dark, amber or strongly coloured containers, however, printed colours and dark wording may become difficult to see.

White ink or a white underprint is usually needed when important elements must remain clearly visible on a dark background. Testing a printed sample on the actual container is the most reliable way to check the final appearance.

Gloss clear vinyl

Our clear labels use gloss transparent vinyl with permanent adhesive. The gloss surface complements glass and shiny packaging and helps create a smooth, polished appearance.

The vinyl is waterproof and suitable for many indoor and outdoor applications. However, waterproof does not mean resistant to every chemical, oil, solvent or cleaning process. If the label will face demanding conditions, test a sample before ordering.

Available formats and sizes

Clear vinyl labels are supplied on sheets, making them easy to store, peel and apply by hand. The specialist clear-label options shown on this page are available as rectangular labels in 37 × 24mm and 76 × 49mm.

Additional clear vinyl shapes and custom sizes may be available through our Custom Vinyl Labels or Die-Cut Vinyl Stickers ranges. Choose the appropriate label type in the calculator to see the options currently available.

Applying clear labels

Clear material can make dust, fingerprints and trapped air more noticeable than an opaque white label. Careful surface preparation and application will give the best result.

1. Clean the surface thoroughly and allow it to dry.
2. Remove dust, grease, polish and fingerprints.
3. Check the position before allowing the adhesive to touch the surface.
4. Apply one edge first and smooth the label down gradually.
5. Press evenly across the label to reduce trapped air.

Clear labels work best on smooth, flat surfaces and simple curves. Heavily textured, tapered or compound-curved containers may cause bubbles, creases or lifting, so test the label before ordering a larger quantity.

Supplying your artwork

For the best print result, supply vector PDF, AI or EPS artwork. High-resolution JPEG and PNG files can also be used when supplied at 300dpi at the finished label size.

• Use transparent artwork where you want the label material to remain clear.
• Clearly identify the areas that require white ink or white underprint.
• Add 2–3mm bleed if printed colour runs to the label edge.
• Keep important wording and logos 1–2mm inside the cutting line.
• Avoid very fine pale details unless they are supported by white ink.

We check your artwork and provide a PDF proof where required. Your labels are only printed after the design has been approved.

Why choose StickyLabels?

• UK label manufacturer established in 1973
• Clear gloss vinyl with permanent adhesive
• Full-colour printing
• White ink available on selected options
• Supplied on easy-to-use sheets
• Suitable for products, packaging and promotional use
• Artwork checked before printing
• Printed samples available for application testing
• Fast production and tracked UK delivery options

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Visit the StickyLabels homepage to explore our complete range of custom labels and stickers.