- Core Material Categories and Features of Golden Label Stickers
Golden label stickers are typically made of a base material + surface coating/finishing process. Different combinations determine their texture, durability, and application range. The main types and characteristics are as follows:
(1) Paper-Based Substrates: Low Cost, Easy Processing, Suitable for Indoor Short-Term Use
Paper-based substrates are the most basic type of golden labels. The golden effect is achieved through “gold ink printing” or “hot-stamping foil.” Their key advantages are low cost, easy die-cutting (into circles, special shapes, etc.), and good adhesion, making them ideal for paper-based carriers such as gift boxes, book covers, and cards.
Common types:
Coated paper: smooth surface, vibrant golden print, suitable for display labels.
Matte paper: soft surface, understated golden tone, ideal for luxury-style gifts.
Kraft paper: combined with hot stamping to create a “vintage gold” look, suited for cultural and handmade products.
Limitations: poor water resistance (wrinkles or fades when wet), weak abrasion resistance (scratches easily with frequent contact), and poor heat resistance (ink may melt above 50℃). Therefore, they are suitable only for indoor, short-term use (e.g., holiday gift packaging, temporary labels), not for outdoor or high-contact applications.
(2) Film-Based Substrates: Durable, Versatile, Balancing Texture and Function
Film substrates, with superior physical properties, are the mainstream choice for mid-to-high-end golden labels. Gold effects are created by “metallic coating,” “gold printing,” or “hot stamping,” offering waterproof, wear-resistant, and heat-resistant performance.
PET Film (Polyethylene Terephthalate): the most widely used film base. With high surface smoothness, it can produce either glossy gold (mirror-like metallic shine) or matte gold (subtle, non-reflective finish). It is acid- and alkali-resistant, waterproof, oil-proof, highly durable, and tear-resistant. Commonly used on plastic packaging (cosmetic bottles, food jars), electronics casings, etc., with long-lasting color. PET also supports “transparent base + partial hot stamping” designs, suitable for glass containers where the underlying material should remain visible.
PVC Film (Polyvinyl Chloride): more cost-effective than PET, with better flexibility. It can be used for “soft golden labels” applied to curved surfaces, and it is highly water-resistant, making it suitable for humid environments (e.g., bathroom products). However, regular PVC may release harmful substances at high temperatures, making it unsuitable for direct food contact. It can also become brittle in low temperatures, so caution is needed for outdoor use. For food-related applications, only food-grade PVC or PET should be used.
OPP Film (Oriented Polypropylene): similar gloss to PET, slightly lower cost, and more eco-friendly than PVC (recyclable). Suitable for brands with sustainability requirements. However, it has slightly weaker abrasion resistance compared to PET and may scratch with long-term contact, so it is better for low-contact uses such as gift box decoration labels.
(3) Metal Foil Substrates: Premium Metallic Texture for High-End Applications
Metal foil substrates (such as aluminum foil or copper foil) achieve the most authentic metallic gold look, with strong visual impact—ideal for luxury branding, premium packaging, and commemorative labels.
Common types:
Aluminum foil: gold-coated surface, lower cost than copper, durable gloss, and oxidation-resistant.
Copper foil: heavier and warmer gold tone, ideal for vintage or luxury styles, but higher cost and prone to oxidation (darkening) over time—thus requiring an extra protective coating.
Features & Applications: high hardness, strong abrasion resistance, and high-temperature durability (over 100℃). Suitable for metal products (e.g., thermos cups, tools) and glassware (e.g., premium wine bottles). Brushed-finish foils can create a “brushed gold” effect for an even more premium look, but poor flexibility makes them unsuitable for curved or deformable surfaces.
- Application-Oriented Recommendations: Matching Materials with Use Cases
Different application scenarios have varying performance requirements. Choosing the right material avoids both “over-specification” and “underperformance.”
(1) Food & Cosmetics Packaging: Safety, Water Resistance, and Heat Resistance Are Key
Labels for food (e.g., chocolates, bakery gift boxes) and cosmetics (e.g., cream jars, lipstick tubes) often come into direct contact with products or are used in humid environments (e.g., bathrooms). Thus, materials must meet three requirements: non-toxic safety + waterproof/oil resistance + heat resistance.
Recommended materials: food-grade PET film (FDA-approved), with UV printing and lamination to ensure colorfastness while resisting moisture and oils. For curved containers (e.g., lipstick tubes), soft food-grade PVC film can be used for better adhesion.
Avoid: standard PVC (possible plasticizer migration), uncoated paper labels (easily stained by oil/water), and untreated copper foil (may react with acidic foods).
