Can label
Matte art paper with gloss lamination, wet-strength adhesive200 minimum · 5 to 7 business daysA can label is a full-wrap label sized to a standard beverage can, built with a wet-strength adhesive and gloss lamination so it survives a cold, condensing cooler without peeling at the seam, which is where a can label typically fails first. We produce them from 200 units, ready in about 5 to 7 business days after proof.
When to choose it, and when not to
Choose a can label for a canned beverage, soda, or seltzer brand that's labeling standard aluminum cans rather than printing directly on them, and where the can spends time in a cold cooler or ice bath.
Choose direct can printing instead if you're running large enough volumes to justify a pre-printed can order from a can supplier. At high volume, direct printing on the can itself often costs less per unit than a separate label.
Specifications
| Stock | Matte art paper with gloss lamination overlay |
|---|---|
| Adhesive | Wet-strength permanent adhesive |
| Format | Full-wrap, sized to standard can diameter |
| Digital CMYK, offset available above 5,000 units | |
| Seam | Overlap seam positioned and sized for a clean wraparound |
| Minimum | 200 units |
| Lead time | 5 to 7 business days after proof |
| Prototype | On request; timing confirmed in your quote |
| Sizes we run | 8 x 4.75 in (standard 12 oz can) 8.25 x 5.25 in (16 oz can) custom size for your can diameter |
Materials that suit it
Questions people ask
Will this survive sitting in an ice-filled cooler for several hours?
Yes, that's specifically what the wet-strength adhesive and gloss lamination are built for. For extended multi-day cold exposure, we'd recommend a test run with your exact can and cooler conditions.
How do you make sure the label fits our exact can size?
Send us your can's exact diameter and height. Standard 12 oz and 16 oz sizes are common, but we size to your specific can.
Can you print a design that wraps seamlessly with no visible seam?
The overlap seam is positioned to be as unobtrusive as possible. A design with a busy pattern hides the seam better than a design with large flat color blocks, and we can advise on layout.
Is 200 units realistic for testing a new can flavor before a bigger run?
Yes, it's our minimum and commonly used for testing a new flavor or limited release before committing to a larger production order.
Do you offer a metallic or foil accent for a premium can label look?
Foil accents are available as an add-on for logos or key design elements.
What file specs do you need for a full-wrap can design?
A print-ready file at the exact wrap dimensions with bleed is ideal. Send us what you have and we'll flag any adjustments needed before printing.
How is a can label different from a beer label?
The can label is a full wrap sized to a standard beverage can, with the overlap seam positioned so the design wraps cleanly, on matte art paper with gloss lamination and a wet-strength adhesive. The beer label uses the same ice-bath build for bottles, as a wraparound or front and neck set. Both start at 200 units in 5 to 7 business days after proof. If you run both formats, the artwork usually needs separate files.
Similar styles
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Ready to price your can label?
Send the size and quantity for a quote and a dieline, usually within one business day. Your digital proof follows, usually within one business day of your artwork. Design help and the Swatch Book of materials are free.