Foil stamping can surprisingly create a luxurious feel at a low cost. It supports fine designs and solid processing. In addition to gold and silver, colored foils are also available.
Embossing involves pressing to create raised marks or patterns, offering a different expression than printing. It is only supported on paper materials.
To place an order, click the "Order" button on the quote PDF issued by our company. Clicking it will connect you to the order form. In the order form, please enter the necessary information such as order details, quantity, options, and your information. Please also attach the data at that time. The data is basically Adobe Illustrator data.
Mandatory Conditions for Data Submission and Design
Please pay attention to the preparation when submitting data for printing custom labels.
Please create at the actual size. (Same size as the quote request)
Include the cut line. (The die-cut will be created according to the cut line)
Outline the text. Select the text and press Mac (⌘+Shift+O), Win (Ctrl+Shift+O)
Use CMYK for color separation. RGB is not allowed. (The color may darken if RGB is used)
For spot colors, please specify the PANTONE or DIC number. See details here.
If there is white printing, please also include the white data.
If there is embossing or foil stamping, please provide clear instructions.
Avoid placing text information within 2mm from the inside of the cut line. There is a risk of the text being cut off if the cut is misaligned.
・Please ensure no information is missing when requesting a quote via the quote form. ・The information required for a quote includes dimensions, number of colors, material, special processing, and quantity. If these are not provided, we cannot give an accurate quote. ・If you require adhesives other than general, strong, or weak adhesives, please consult us. ・If the desired items are not available on the quote form, please write them in the remarks column. ・For non-white materials (such as transparent, gold, silver, or hologram), we recommend applying white underprinting to reduce the impact of the substrate on the printed area. ・In addition to regular gold foil paper, we also offer special gold foil. ・If you want the same specifications as the production examples, please include the URL of that page in the remarks column.
Label Delivery Formats
The finishing options for labels and stickers are sheet cut, single cut, roll, trim, and full cut. Sheet cut is useful for manual application. Single cut is suitable for novelty stickers. Roll is ideal for automatic application by machine. Trim is suitable for novelty stickers. Full cut is perfect for irregular shaped stickers. Please select the appropriate delivery format when requesting a quote. For more details, please refer to The 5 Types of Label Finishes.
Sheet Cut (Affordable)
Single Cut
Roll
Trim
Full Cut
Label Printing Tips
CMYK and RGB are different. CMYK is used for print data that involves ink, while RGB is for screens like PCs and smartphones. Therefore, create your print data in CMYK. Remember that RGB is based on light emission and not meant for printing. For more details, refer to RGB is not suitable for print data.
Four-color printing and spot color difference
Spot Color Ink
Four-color process and spot colors are different. For designs with single colors, printing with "spot color (PANTONE or DIC)" rather than "four-color process" results in a cleaner finish. The four-color process reproduces colors by layering four colors: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key Plate (Black). In contrast, spot colors are mixed to create the desired color, achieving a higher accuracy for corporate colors and specific hues. For more details, refer to The difference between four-color process and spot colors.
What Happens Inside Our Company
When you place an order, we verify that the details match the quote. If the details are correct, we proceed with the job. If there are discrepancies, a revised quote will be provided. If the data is incorrect, you will need to resubmit it. Once all conditions are met, materials are ordered, and a schedule is created. Once the schedule is confirmed, we will inform you of the delivery date. After materials arrive, the process involves printing, inspection, packaging, and shipping under strict quality control.
We can print small quantities, but the total cost for quantities less than 1000 is almost the same. Since we purchase materials in 100m units, the unit price for small quantities (1-999 pieces) is high. The unit price decreases as the quantity increases. If you want to lower the unit price, we recommend ordering more than 3000 pieces. If you want to print just 1 to a small number of stickers, online printing services might be a good option.
Can I make stickers at home or with a convenience store printer?
Yes, you can. You can buy sticker paper online or at 100-yen shops like Daiso, and create original stickers at home using your printer (inkjet or laser). This is a cost-effective way to make custom stickers from just one piece. For very cheap options, you can also use printers at convenience stores.
Note: Be aware that home printers may not use waterproof ink, so the print may smudge if it gets wet.
Our strength at Kojima Label Printing lies in providing functional and attractive product stickers to business customers using medium-sized printing machines. We excel at creating stickers that add value to products.
Are there ways to print stickers cheaply?
Here are some tips to reduce costs:
1. Order directly from a specialized sticker and label printing company. Search for sticker printing companies online. 2. Design in dimensions that are easily divisible (e.g., 50×50mm). If the dimensions are standard, we may have pre-existing dies which can reduce costs by around 1000~8000 yen. 3. Use letterpress printing. It is cheaper compared to offset printing, potentially saving thousands to tens of thousands of yen. 4. Choose cheaper materials like high-quality paper or art paper. 5. For single-color designs, specify PANTONE (spot color) instead of four-color printing. 6. Skip lamination (surface protection film) if durability is not needed. 7. Plan your internal tasks to avoid rush orders. Short deadlines can incur additional costs.
At Kojima Label Printing, we use four printing methods: letterpress, offset, silk screen, and inkjet printing. We choose the printing method based on the customer's needs for cost, quality, price, quantity, and usage scenarios. Please specify your preference if you have one.
Here are the differences between each printing method:
Letterpress Printing: Ink is transferred to paper from the raised parts of the printing plate. This is the most common method for sticker printing and offers relatively cheap, high-quality results. However, letterpress printing is not suitable for gradients, which are handled by offset printing.
Offset Printing: Ink (oil) and water repulsion is used to transfer ink only to the printed area. Offset printing is more expensive but offers high-quality printing, suitable for high-resolution photos and detailed designs.
Silk Screen Printing: Ink is applied to a mesh screen, and a squeegee is used to transfer ink through the open areas of the screen to the sticker. Silk screen printing is expensive but suitable for outdoor stickers and decals due to its durability and resistance to fading.
Inkjet Printing: Ink is sprayed from a nozzle based on electronic data. Inkjet printing is cheap and suitable for small quantities, but the unit cost increases for larger quantities. It's best for up to about 100 pieces and is relatively rough but durable for outdoor use.
What types of paper are available for label printing?
Materials are broadly categorized into "paper" and "film." Each can be selected according to the intended use. If you are looking for cheap and economical options, we recommend high-quality paper. For a luxurious or impactful appearance, washi cotton is a good choice. For affordable durability, Yupo film is popular. Recently, there has been an increase in inquiries about eco-friendly materials for stickers. For more details, please refer to Sticker Printing Materials.
How do I create custom transparent labels?
Printing on transparent material will result in custom transparent stickers. Our transparent PET film is characterized by its smooth texture. It is transparent, so only the printed parts stand out. It has high durability and water resistance, making it suitable for various applications. For more details, please refer to transparent PET film.
Tell me about label adhesives.
Label adhesives come in various types depending on the application: general adhesive, strong adhesive, weak adhesive, removable, freezer, refrigeration, and ham adhesives. Even "general adhesive" is usually strong. Most orders use general adhesive.
Choosing the right adhesive depends on the label's intended use and the surface it will be applied to. Common mistakes include selecting a strong adhesive that leaves residue when removed or choosing a strong adhesive that doesn't adhere well to the surface, causing it to peel off after a few weeks.
Consult with the label printing company for suggestions on materials and adhesives. Feel free to contact us here.
What is the difference between stickers, labels, and decals?
Stickers, labels, and decals are adhesive materials used for different purposes, each with unique shapes, materials, and functions. Here's the distinction between them:
【Seal】 Seals are adhesive materials used to attach designs or text printed on materials such as paper or plastic. Seals are generally applied to surfaces like paper or plastic and are used indoors. There are various types of seals, differing in glossiness, color, shape, size, and printing techniques. For example, seals can include printed photos, logos, text, or character seals formed by the seal itself.
【Label】 Labels are adhesive materials used to display information such as contents, usage instructions, or warranty periods on products. Labels typically include product names, brand names, ingredients, calorie counts, nutrition facts, and barcodes. While labels are also used indoors, unlike stickers primarily used outdoors, labels are intended to display essential information to maintain product quality, such as expiration dates and storage methods.
【Sticker】 Stickers, similar to seals, are adhesive materials often used outdoors on vehicles like cars, motorcycles, bicycles, or product packaging. Stickers are more durable and robust than seals, offering weather resistance, water resistance, and chemical resistance. Stickers include "vehicle stickers" applied to car bodies and "adhesive stickers" for products.
These are the differences between seals, stickers, and labels.
Do you have any recommended seal printing companies?
In conclusion, there are many across the country. We recommend starting your search online by looking for "seal printing companies" that fit your needs.
Often, printed materials are lumped together under "printing companies," but in reality, there are categories. Each specialty printing company exists, so it's essential to consult with a printing company that fits your needs first. Our company provides high-quality seal printing for corporations. Please feel free to contact us for seal and label printing.Contact us here.
For more details, please refer to the following articles.
Will the printed color match the color I see on my PC monitor?
No, it will not. The colors on PC monitors and smartphones vary by manufacturer, and colors differ between Mac and Windows. Since individuals may adjust their monitor color settings differently, the printed material will not exactly match what you see on your screen. There will be slight color variations. Therefore, we recommend conducting a test print beforehand to confirm the colors.
For more details, please refer to the following article.
In short, RGB is a color representation method for monitor screens, while CMYK is suitable for printing. These are different representation methods, and it's important to use them appropriately based on the purpose. When ordering seal printing, always create your data in CMYK.
RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, the primary colors of light. RGB is suitable for color representation on screens, used in computer monitors, displays, and smartphones.
On the other hand, CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key Plate (Black), the four colors suitable for printing. CMYK represents the four colors of ink used in the printing process, which are combined to express various colors.
For more details, please refer to the following article.
If you have specific color instructions for seal printing, please refer to the PANTONE color guide and specify the number. You can purchase the PANTONE color guide online.
【Note】Do not trust the PANTONE or DIC colors displayed on your PC monitor while working in Illustrator. Monitor colors vary by manufacturer, and colors differ between Mac and Windows. Additionally, individuals may have different color settings on their screens. Therefore, the PANTONE colors you see on your PC monitor will not be accurate. If you don't have the PANTONE color guide, a physical color sample is acceptable. We prefer receiving instructions using color guides or actual printed materials.
What does it mean to specify PANTONE colors for seal printing?
Accurate Color Specification: PANTONE is a color standard that guarantees precise color reproduction. It's important to provide the PANTONE number when specifying colors. By specifying the number from the actual color chip (color guide), you can avoid color discrepancies and achieve your desired color.
Color Verification: PANTONE colors may vary depending on the type of printer and paper used. Therefore, it's crucial to verify the color sample before printing. If the color is particularly important, it's advisable to print a sample for confirmation.
Ink Mixing: Spot colors are created by mixing several inks. Therefore, the printing company will mix the inks according to the specified PANTONE number.
Printing Material: The print quality and color reproduction may vary depending on the material to be printed. For example, high-quality or Japanese paper, which absorbs moisture, may darken the print color slightly (similar to how wet newsprint darkens). Please be cautious with light colors. We will try to match your desired color as closely as possible, but please understand that this phenomenon may occur.
By considering these points, you can expect accurate color reproduction by specifying PANTONE colors.
For more details, please refer to the following articles.
What is the difference between "color four-color" and "spot color" in seal printing?
"Color four-color" printing uses four basic colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) known as CMYK, layering these four colors to express numerous colors. Four-color printing is a fundamental method used for many printed materials, suitable for producing colorful prints like photos, illustrations, and graphics. Simply put, four-color affects the entire print area. The magazines you read are all printed in four-color.
On the other hand, "spot color" creates your desired color by mixing inks. Spot color printing is used when you need to reproduce specific colors accurately, such as for company logos or product labels. Simply put, spot color is suitable for single points. Note that four-color printing cannot accurately reproduce spot colors. If you have a specific color in mind, use spot color.
For more details, please refer to the following article.
Seal finishes mainly include sheet cut, single cut, roll, trimming, and punching (cutting out, full cutting). The main uses are as follows:
Sheet Cut・・・Multiple seals are attached to a single sheet (product labels) Single Cut・・・・A single seal is attached to a single sheet (stickers) Roll・・・・・・Seals are wound on a roll (machine application/product labels) Trimming・・・・・・Seals are cut into right-angle rectangles (rectangular/stickers) Punching・・・・・Seals are cut out with a die (shaped/stickers)
When creating seals and labels, it is necessary to consider the convenience of the application process. Seals may be applied automatically or manually to products, so please specify according to your needs. Get a quote here.
For more details, please refer to the following article.
Is it possible to die-cut seals into unique shapes?
Yes, it is possible. Die-cutting in seal printing refers to cutting seals into specific shapes or sizes. Using a die, the seal and its backing are punched out, allowing for the creation of unique, original seals.
Many customers use die-cut seals for novelty stickers, cutting company logos or names into specific shapes for use at events or exhibitions.
Adding a single slit (back slit) to the backing makes it easier to peel off and apply the seal. Complex shapes may increase die costs, so please feel free to consult with us first. Contact us here.
Feel free to contact us. Our response is very quick.
If you’ve decided on the specifications, we recommend checking the price. In most cases, we respond within half a day. Please provide the dimensions, colors, and quantity of the labels and stickers when making your request.
