How to Make Labels Water Resistant

Paper labels are highly susceptible to water damage.

Labels are a convenient way to organize appliances or inform people of the contents of a bottle, yet they often fall victim to the elements. Too much heat can cause the adhesive to weaken and exposure to air will cause labels to grow brittle over time. Water can also cause significant damage to labels. The paper weakens and the ink can run, rendering writing illegible. There are two ways to stave off water damage. First, purchase vinyl labels, which are completely waterproof. For old labels, you can make a waterproof solution at home.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pots
• Spoon for mixing
• Alum
• Castile soap
• Gum arabic
• Glue
• Clothes pin

Instructions

1. Mix 8 oz. of alum and 3 3/4 oz. of castile soap in 2 qt. of water in a pot. Heat the solution on low and mix well.

2. Mix 2 oz. of gum arabic and 4 oz. of glue with 2 qt. of water in a separate pot. Again, mix and heat over a low flame.

3. Combine these two mixtures once all of the ingredients have dissolved.

4. Dip the label into the solution and hang the label to dry with a clothes pin. Once the label is dry, it will be completely waterproof.

Tips & Warnings

• The solution can also be brushed on a label that cannot be dipped in the solution (e.g. labels that are attached to an item and cannot be removed). Brushing the solution on may also help prevent any ink on the label from running when the solution is applied.

• When hanging the label to dry, try to clip the smallest amount of label possible to prevent any damage. This is especially important with older labels.

References

• Chest of Books: Waterproofing Paper
• Waterproof-Paper.com: Vinyl Labels