What are aluminium, copper, brass and tin labels?
Aluminium, copper, brass and tin labels are thin self-adhesive metal labels made from a single material, 1 mm thick including adhesive and 3D relief. They are used to apply a brand name, model or information to products and are flexible enough to bend on curved surfaces. Schild Inc produces these labels in the EU with 100% pure metal, no alloy or coating that hides the material.
Key features
- Material purity: each label is 100% the chosen metal (aluminium, copper, brass or tin), no zinc alloy or plastic core
- Thickness: 1 mm total (flexible); material thickness varies: tin 0.16 mm, aluminium/copper 0.10 mm, brass 0.06 mm
- 3D relief: standard on all four types; contrast between relief and flat area determines visibility
- Self-adhesive: each label comes with industrial adhesive (yellow Lohmann for aluminium and tin, 3M for copper and brass)
- Lead time: 4–5 weeks after approval of the free digital preview
- Minimum run: 250 pieces as standard; test pack of 50–100 pieces available for new customers for metal labels
- Price per piece: for example €1.27 per aluminium label (3.5 cm) at 250 pieces, dropping to €0.60 at 2,500+ pieces (excl. one-off cutting cost)
- Removal: sticker remover (no sharp tools) leaves no adhesive residue or scratches
Aluminium: the choice for outdoor use
Aluminium is silvery white and stays that way. Outdoors in rain, sun or snow, it does not oxidise, does not discolour and does not lose shine. This is the main reason why entrepreneurs in the bike, car and outdoor industries choose aluminium. An aluminium label on a bike mudguard or mountain bike frame still looks identical after two years. More guides on this topic are in the category Metal labels.
The material thickness is 0.10 mm, so the label is light and bends with curves. You use yellow Lohmann adhesive (from Germany), the same standard as in aerospace. This adhesive bonds strongly to metal, rubber and lacquered surfaces. In practice we recommend aluminium if you are unsure: it is the safest choice for almost any application.
Price example: €1.27 each at 250 pieces (3.5 cm size). Large labels (up to 180–220 mm) are calculated per cm² (€0.04/cm²).
Copper: refined and red
Copper is warm reddish brown, shiny and looks luxurious. After a few months outdoors it develops a green patina layer, that is oxidation. For indoor use (furniture, cosmetics, candles) this gives a beautiful vintage effect. For outdoor use we do not recommend it, unless you want that green patina as part of your brand design. All versions and prices are on the page 1 mm metal labels.
The material thickness is 0.10 mm, so just as flexible as aluminium. Copper gets 3M adhesive, which is stronger than the Lohmann, because copper has a smooth and different electromagnetic surface. For very large copper labels (more than 50 cm²) we recommend a thicker Lohmann adhesive, because the standard 3M adhesive can lift at the edges due to surface tension.
From experience we know that copper labels are popular in luxury perfumery, on wine and on wooden furniture. The metal feels premium and has a handmade look.
Brass: warm fine yellow
Brass is golden yellow, which looks warmer than aluminium. Outdoors it develops a dark brown patina after a few months, faster than copper. Indoor use (interior, candles, craft products) always shows brass nicely. Read our guide on metal label finish.
Brass is the thinnest metal of the four: only 0.06 mm material thickness. This makes it the most flexible, ideal for very wavy surfaces or very small curves. Brass also gets 3M adhesive. A common mistake is assuming that brass is stronger than copper; the opposite is true. Copper is harder; brass is fuller, warmer, and bends more easily.
See our custom metal labels and choose your material.
Tin: silver with fast oxidation
Tin is silver-grey, very bright, and the thickest of all four (0.16 mm material thickness). This extra thickness makes tin stronger than the other three; you can pull harder on the label without it tearing. Tin gets yellow Lohmann adhesive.
Attention: tin oxidises quickly outdoors. After a few weeks it develops a grey, dull layer. This is not rust, but oxidation of the surface. After a few months tin gets darker. A printed top layer (full-colour print) protects it, but then you do not see the bare tin or only partly; where the metal remains exposed it can still partly oxidise. For indoor use tin is ideal: on small electronic devices, industrial rating plates, or where you want the silver colour and strength.
Advice if in doubt: are you in a humid climate or outdoors? Choose aluminium. Do you want refined warm tones and will you stay indoors? Choose copper or brass. Do you have surfaces that undergo a lot of stretch and stress? Choose tin because of the extra thickness.
Adhesive, surface and bonding: what you need to know
Each metal gets its own adhesive type. Aluminium and tin get yellow Lohmann adhesive, copper and brass get 3M adhesive. This is not random; it has to do with surface chemistry. Read our guide on metal label thickness.
The adhesive bonds best to clean, dry and degreased metal. In practice we recommend wiping the target surface first with a dry cloth and then with a damp (not wet) cloth, to remove dust and old grease. Let the surface dry for 30 seconds. Only then stick the label on. Press firmly for 10 seconds.
On oiled or waxed wood (for example on furniture) self-adhesive bonds less well. Our advice: use a screw mounting or choose a hard badge with a hole, which you fix with adhesive or a screw. More on this application is on our page about labels for furniture.
You can always remove a label without damage: use a sticker remover (yellow bottle from any DIY shop). Spray along the edge, leave for 20 seconds, peel off slowly. Adhesive residue? Spray again and rub out gently. No scratches, no surface damage.
Who are aluminium, copper, brass and tin labels for?
Bike manufacturers and outdoor brands
Bikes face rain, sun and salt. A label must bend with the frame or mudguard; a rigid alternative will not fit. A 1 mm metal label (preferably aluminium) follows this curve. Schild Inc has supplied bike manufacturers in 19+ countries since 2021 with a 95% reorder rate. See specific options on labels for bikes and accessories.
Luxury cosmetics, perfume and wine
A warm copper-coloured or golden yellow brass label on a glass bottle looks premium. Indoors it keeps looking good; oxidation actually makes it more interesting. Many perfume brands choose 3D relief for tactile luxury. More background on oxidation is on Wikipedia.
Furniture makers and woodworking companies
On oiled or unfinished wood a self-adhesive label bonds less well. Copper or brass looks refined, but screw mounting or a hard badge works better. Read more on labels for furniture.
Candles, interior and handmade
Brass and copper give a warm, handmade character. A small 3 cm² label on a candle or plant pot feels artisanal. Tin adds industrial silver. No outdoor impact, so oxidation is not a problem.
Price, quantities and timing
An aluminium label of about 3.5 cm costs about €1.27 per piece at 250 pieces. At higher volumes the price drops: 500 pieces ≈ €0.75, 1,000 pieces ≈ €0.64, 2,500+ pieces ≈ €0.60 per piece. These are price examples; the exact price depends on size, shape and material.
Schild Inc works with one standard minimum run: 250 pieces. For new customers we offer a test pack of 50–100 pieces for metal labels; this is cheaper than 250 pieces, but the price per piece goes up. If you really want under 250, it is possible, but 250 pieces is usually the most cost-effective starting point.
Lead time is 4–5 weeks after your approval of the free digital preview. That is time for precision: our cutting tool (die-cut) is custom-made per order, so not a millimetre off.
You get a free quote by filling in your configuration on the product page or by contacting us directly. Schild Inc has sold over 800,000 metal labels to 1,200+ business customers since 2021; 95% order again.
Comparison: metal label vs hard badge
Schild Inc also makes hard badges (2–3 mm thick, cast from coloured zinc alloy). A very common misconception: badges always have a thread. Untrue, a hard badge has a pre-drilled hole. You fasten it with a screw, bolt or magnet through the hole, or you bond it on.
Hard badges are not flexible. On round surfaces (bikes, bottles, tubes) they do not follow the shape; they stay flat. That is why labels are better for outdoors and for anything curved. Badges are ideal where you need extra strength, deep relief or magnet mounting. And badges also start from 250 pieces; you cannot go below that run.
The table above shows the full comparison.
Preparation and maintenance advice
After the label is on your product, little maintenance is needed. Aluminium does not undergo oxidation so it stays the same. Copper and brass outdoors develop patina, which is part of the design. Tin indoors stays silver.
Never saw, polish or scrape over the label; that damages the surface and the relief. Cleaning is easy with a soft, damp cloth and mild soapy water. No aggressive cleaners or acetone.
If you want to replace a label later, spray sticker remover along the edge, wait 20 seconds, peel off. The surface stays clean and you can stick a new label straight away.
Conclusion: which metal should you choose?
Yes, aluminium is your first choice if the label will sit outdoors, needs to fit a round or curved shape, or if you are unsure. It does not oxidise, is flexible and has the same strength as copper.
Yes, copper or brass if your application is indoors, you want luxurious warm tones, and you see the oxidation (patina) after months as part of your design.
Yes, tin if you want extra thickness and silver, your label undergoes a lot of mechanical stress, or it is for indoor use.
No, not all four at once to save costs; choose based on climate, application and your brand look.
Schild Inc helps you make that choice. Request a free quote by configuring your size, shape and material. You get a digital preview, no physical sample (which saves costs). Lead time 4–5 weeks, and 95% of customers order again, which says enough about quality and service.
