How To Remove Attractive Yet Sticky Wine Labels on Bottles

For wine lovers, we know how important the wine labels are. It influences the decision as to whether you are going to buy a particular bottle of wine or not. Other times the label is so attractive that personally, I want to keep it in our library of wine labels as a wine label collector. Labels are so important such that Statista.com estimated that in the United States, approximately 38 percent of regular wine drinkers believed the appeal of the bottle or label design was an important factor when choosing wine in 2019. That is why at 4OVER4 we take this seriously and we ensure that we use the best and most-friendly adhesives to ensure that our labels peel off easily without leaving any wrinkles.

Types of wine labels

There are different types of wine labels which you can choose from: Custom shaped labels- These labels are cut into different shapes such as square, blank diamond shaped wine label, round, oval, or any other shape that the user will prefer. Source Roll wine labels- As their name suggests these labels are custom wine labels on a roll made from superior paper and encircle the bottle. They are perfect for gift bags at trade shows and conventions. Any shape wine labels- Custom die-cutting is applied to these labels to capture the exact description that a user wants. The wine label shape can assume any shape because the technology used fashions them with perfection. Experts quip that there are different materials that wine bottle labels are made of and the material determines the method you will use. Wet methods would apply better for paper labels because the paper is more permeable to water than plastic. Plastic requires more heat or physical means such as a razor to remove. The method you choose should also be informed by your intention to save the label or the bottle or both. Two types of adhesives are used to make labels stick on bottles. Manufacturers use either pressure-sensitive adhesives or water-based glues. Source advises that you should use a razor or a knife and lift a quarter inch of the corner to know the adhesive construction that the label is hanging on.

Using baking soda

Baking soda works well for wine bottles that are full of wine without affecting the quality of the wine. This method has been quoted as one of the most effective label removal tactics by Popular Mechanics. You need a rag, a sink or bucket, baking soda, a towel, and steel wool but it is optional. First, soak the label portion of the wine bottle in water with 5-10 tablespoons of baking soda for 30 minutes. Ensure that the water is at room temperature. Remove the bottle from the water and wipe the label off with a rag. Parts of the label may remain on the bottle and here is where the steel wool comes in. You can scrap it off with your nails or steel wool. Once the bottle is clean give it time to dry and acclimatize with room temperature. The new label can now be applied to the bottle.

Using hot water to remove wine labels

Unlike the baking soda method, this method works with an empty wine bottle especially if you intend to reuse the bottle. The essentials for this method are gloves, hot water from a kettle, a towel, and probably steel wool but it is optional. Wear your gloves and fill the wine bottle with hot water from a tap or a kettle if the tap water is not hot enough. However, you need to note that if you are using hot water from a kettle you need to soak the bottle in hot water before. You will prevent the bottle from getting cracks from a sudden change in temperature. Allow the bottle to sit for ten minutes and try removing the label with steel wool or fingernails and if it proves impossible refer to the baking soda method.

Ammonia or Oxiclean to remove sticky wine labels

Fill sink or bucket with a gallon of water laced with a quarter cup of ammonia or OxiClean. Let the bottle soak for thirty minutes in the mixture. Depending on the adhesive used, you might find the label floating on the water intact. If not, take a knife or razor and slowly lift off the edge of the label and if you notice that the label is not peeling away easily, that means that it’s not the right method to remove that particular label. When peeling it with a knife do it in a diagonal position as opposed to fingers so that the label does not get wrinkles. Source

Conclusion

We can conclusively say that labels are almost as important as the drink itself and that is why you need to engage a printing company that understands how to make premium private labels a success. You need not worry about where to find premium wine labels because there are many templates that you can peruse online. Also, look for a printing company that is aware of the American regulations and guidelines about labels. The mandatory requirements for a wine label are brand, type of wine, percentage of alcohol by volume, name, and location of bottler, sulfites, and a government warning.