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If you’ve ever received a batch of product labels only to find that the colours look off, the text is blurry, or the labels start peeling off after a week — you’re not alone.
Label printing can look simple, but it’s one of those small details that can make a big difference for your brand. The right label gives your product a polished, professional look. The wrong one? It can make even the best product look untrustworthy.
At Niagara Print Express (NPE), we work with hundreds of Canadian businesses — from local coffee shops to craft breweries — who once struggled with inconsistent label printing. Over the years, we’ve learned exactly what goes wrong (and how to fix it).
Here are the five biggest mistakes people make when printing labels — and how to avoid them to make sure your products always look sharp, consistent, and ready to impress.
1. Ignoring the Label Material and Finish
One of the most common mistakes: choosing the wrong type of paper or finish for your labels.
A glossy label might look great on a wine bottle but terrible on a candle jar. A paper label might peel off easily when used on a refrigerated product. Each material reacts differently to moisture, temperature, and handling — so material selection matters a lot more than most people think.
Common problems:
- Labels that fade or smudge when exposed to water or oil
- Peeling edges on curved surfaces like bottles and jars
- Dull or unprofessional finishes that don’t reflect your brand quality
How to avoid it:
Match the material to the product environment.
- Use waterproof or vinyl labels for beverages, sauces, and refrigerated products.
- Use matte labels for premium or minimalistic branding.
- Try clear labels for a clean, modern, “printed-on” look.
At NPE, we help you choose the right material for your specific product type. Whether you’re labelling wine bottles, handmade candles, or skincare jars — we’ll recommend the perfect combination of adhesive, finish, and durability so your labels stay beautiful and intact.
2. Rushing the Design Process
Designing a label isn’t just about sticking your logo and ingredients list on a rectangle. It’s a visual story — the first thing your customer sees when they pick up your product.
Many businesses rush this step and end up with cluttered layouts, hard-to-read fonts, or colours that don’t match their brand identity. Poor design can make your label look amateur and confuse potential buyers.
Common design issues:
- Fonts that are too small or hard to read
- Colours that don’t print accurately or clash
- Overloaded designs with too much text
- Missing key information (like expiry date or barcode area)
How to avoid it:
Start by thinking about who you’re designing for — what will appeal to your ideal customer. Then, focus on clarity and balance:
- Choose high-contrast colours for readability.
- Leave breathing room (white space) around text and logos.
- Make sure important details (like product names) stand out.
If design isn’t your strong suit, no worries — NPE has an in-house design team that specializes in label layouts. We can either fine-tune your existing design or create one from scratch that fits your product perfectly.
3. Forgetting About Label Size and Shape
Another mistake? Printing labels that don’t fit your packaging correctly.
You might have the most stunning design, but if it wraps awkwardly, covers important packaging details, or bubbles up around curves — it’s a missed opportunity.
Common problems:
- Labels that are too large or small for the container
- Misaligned placement or edges that lift
- Inconsistent sizes across product batches
How to avoid it:
- Always measure your packaging first — the exact area where the label will sit. For bottles or jars, take into account curves and tapering. For boxes, check edge folds.
At Niagara Print Express, we guide clients through the measurement process. Our experts can help you test-fit the label before printing in bulk, ensuring it looks perfect every time.
We even offer sample prints so you can see exactly how your label fits before committing to a full order — saving time, money, and frustration.
4. Overlooking Print Quality and Colour Accuracy
Even the best design won’t shine if the print quality is off.
You’d be surprised how often businesses print beautiful designs on low-quality printers, only to end up with dull colours, streaks, or pixelated text. When your labels represent your brand, every detail matters — especially colour accuracy.
Common issues:
- Blurry images or pixelation
- Inconsistent colours (the logo looks different on each batch)
- Ink bleeding or fading
How to avoid it:
- Always print with a professional label printer that uses high-resolution printing and calibrated colour systems.
At NPE, we use advanced digital printing technology that ensures every label looks sharp, consistent, and true to your brand colours — batch after batch.
We also match Pantone colours when needed, so your labels maintain the same shade of blue, red, or gold every single time. That level of consistency builds customer trust and brand recognition over time.
5. Not Testing Before Bulk Printing
The biggest mistake of all? Printing thousands of labels before testing a single one.
Even small errors — a typo, wrong colour tone, or slightly off size — can turn into a costly disaster when printed in bulk.
Common problems:
- Misaligned cut lines
- Inaccurate colour output
- Missing text or misprints
- Adhesive not working properly on certain surfaces
How to avoid it:
- Always request a sample print or proof before approving the final batch. Check everything carefully — spelling, colour balance, print alignment, and adhesion.
At Niagara Print Express, we offer proofing options so you can see exactly what your label will look like before full production. We’ll even suggest improvements if we notice anything off. That’s the benefit of working with a local print team that truly cares about your results.
Bonus Tip: Choose a Printing Partner That Cares About Quality
Ultimately, avoiding all these label printing mistakes comes down to one thing — working with a trusted, experienced printer who values your brand as much as you do.
When you partner with Niagara Print Express, you’re not just sending files to a machine. You’re working with a team that reviews your design, checks your materials, ensures the colours are perfect, and delivers a product you’ll be proud to show off.
We take pride in helping Canadian businesses — big and small — create labels that stand out, stick perfectly, and last long.
Whether you’re printing product labels, food packaging stickers, or promotional labels, our goal is to make the process easy, stress-free, and reliable.
Conclusion: A Perfect Label Tells a Perfect Story
A label is more than a sticker — it’s a first impression, a silent salesperson, and a symbol of your brand’s quality.
By avoiding these five common mistakes — and working with the right print partner — you’ll ensure every label on your product reflects professionalism, trust, and consistency.
So the next time you’re ready to print labels, remember:
Choose the Right Material
Pick label materials that match your product’s surface and environment — from waterproof vinyl to textured paper.
Take Your Time with Design
Plan your design carefully — the right fonts, spacing, and logo placement make a huge difference in print clarity.
Measure the Proper Right Size
Always measure containers or packaging before finalizing your label size. A perfect fit makes your product look premium.
Check Your Perfect Colours
Colours on screen may differ from print. Always use CMYK values and ask for a sample proof to ensure accuracy.
Always Test Before Printing Big
Print a few samples first — test adhesion, readability, and durability before you order a large batch.
And when in doubt? Let Niagara Print Express handle it for you.
We’ll make sure your labels stick, shine, and sell.
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