What is the finish of a metal label?
The finish of a metal label is the combination of the underlying metal (tin, copper, brass or aluminium), the protective layer and how the label is protected against oxidation and wear. The finish not only determines how the label looks years later, but also where you can safely mount it, outdoors in the sun or protected indoors.
Key features
- Material thickness differs per metal: tin 0.16 mm, copper and aluminium 0.10 mm, brass only 0.06 mm, the ‘1 mm’ total thickness includes 3D relief and the self-adhesive layer.
- Aluminium is oxidation-resistant: stays stable outdoors without discolouration, supported by a yellow Lohmann adhesive developed specifically for aluminium.
- Tin, copper and brass oxidise over time: even if they have a protective layer; tin mainly darkens, copper and brass gain a patina.
- Printed top layer offers extra protection: fully printed labels protect the underlying metal, but you then no longer see the bare metal.
- Self-adhesive metal label: 1 mm flexible and mountable on curved surfaces, ideal for bike frames and bottles.
- Minimum order 250 pieces: smaller runs are possible, but unit price goes up; at 2,500 pieces it drops to about €0.60 each (aluminium, as an example).
- Lead time 4–5 weeks: production starts after approval of the free digital preview.
- Over 800,000 labels sold since 2021 to 1,200+ business customers in 19+ countries, 95% order again.
Which metal, which finish for your application
In practice, the choice of finish depends on three things: where the label will be placed, how long it should last and what you want to achieve visually. More guides on this topic are in the category Metal labels.
Aluminium is your first choice if the label goes outdoors. Aluminium does not visibly oxidise; it stays silver-grey and stable, even after months of sun and rain. That is reason enough for us to recommend it for outdoor equipment, garden furniture and anything that must stand in the weather for years. The yellow Lohmann adhesive we use bonds excellently to aluminium and provides a strong, lasting bond.
Tin is reserved for indoor applications. Yes, tin looks good at first, shiny and clean, but outdoors it oxidises quickly and turns dark grey to black. From experience we know customers who still place tin outdoors regret it after one season. A protective layer helps, but for outdoors aluminium is simply the better choice.
Copper and brass give a classic, warmer look. They oxidise gradually: copper turns green, brass darker. For those who want that patina, a vintage or industrial effect, they are perfect. But again: not indefinitely outdoors. Both get our 3M adhesive, which is a bit stronger than the Lohmann variant and works better with the slightly rougher surface of these metals.
Protective layers: how we protect your label
Even aluminium labels get a protective layer. That layer prevents fingerprints, dust and minor scratches during transport and installation. It is not a glossy coating you can feel; it is minimal and invisible. All versions and prices are on the page 1 mm metal labels.
For extra protection you can choose a fully printed top layer: your design is printed right to the edges and shields the underlying metal from direct contact with moisture and oxygen. This gives a stronger, fuller look and extended protection. The downside: you see none or only part of the bare metal; if you want that metallic shine, a printed top layer is less suitable.
Where the metal remains exposed, oxidation can still occur in part. That is normal and not a defect; it is chemistry. With aluminium this is not visible, with tin and copper it is.
Adhesive choice depends on your metal
Your label is only as strong as the adhesive underneath. We use two adhesive types: Read our guide about metal label thickness.
Yellow Lohmann adhesive (from Germany) for aluminium and tin. This adhesive is specially developed for softer, smooth metals and delivers a reliable, durable bond.
3M adhesive for copper and brass. This one is slightly more aggressive and better suited to the rougher surface of these metals. For very large copper or brass labels, large sizes with a lot of surface tension, we recommend a thicker Lohmann adhesive, otherwise the edges may lift.
Both are food-safe (where relevant) and resistant to temperature fluctuations of –20 to +60°C.
Installation affects lifespan
The finish of the label only starts to work well once it is installed correctly. A self-adhesive metal label must go on a clean, dry surface: no dust, no oil, no old adhesive residue. On oiled or waxed wood (common in furniture making) self-adhesive sticks much worse: our advice if in doubt is screw mounting or a hard badge.
For outdoor applications it is wise to set the label slightly in from the side so water cannot creep behind it. A millimetre of distance already helps a lot. More background on oxidation can be found on Wikipedia.
Do you want to remove a label later? Use a sticker remover, not sharp tools. Then no adhesive residue or scratches remain on the underlying material. This applies to all metal substrates.
Who is the right metal label finish for?
Outdoor use: industry, equipment, garden furniture
Aluminium with minimal protective layer is your standard. It lasts for years and does not fade. Many companies in industry and manufacturing choose aluminium precisely because they know the label still looks the same after three years. Read our guide about .
Premium branding: perfume, wine, cosmetics
Tin or copper give a more noble impression. Because these products usually stand indoors (in shop or home), oxidation is no problem. Labels for perfume bottles and benefit from the warmer shine and the option to form a beautiful patina later.
Furniture and woodworking
Here we often see tin and brass. Labels for furniture usually stand indoors and can benefit from a more classic design. Make sure your underlying wood is dry and free of oil.
Bicycles and flexible surfaces
Aluminium 1 mm label, self-adhesive. Only the flexible metal label follows the curve of a bike frame or mudguard; a rigid hard badge cannot do this. Bike labels and accessories call for aluminium because frames often stand in the weather and the label undergoes quite a lot of bending stress.
Musical instruments and candles
Labels for musical instruments and labels for candles can be elegant with tin or brass. Both are indoor applications with subtle demands: no direct heat exposure (so no problem) and lots of visibility. A printed top layer increases the premium feel here.
View our custom metal labels and enter your own specifications to get a tailored quote.
Frequently asked practical questions about finish
Can I use tin outdoors?
Tin oxidises quickly outdoors; within a few weeks to months it becomes dark grey to black. A protective layer slows this, but does not stop it. For outdoor applications we recommend aluminium, which stays stable. Tin is better for indoor applications where it keeps its shine.
How long does it take for copper to get a patina?
Copper forms a green patina after a few months of exposure to humid air. Many customers want this for vintage or industrial design. If you want to prevent this look, choose aluminium or a fully printed top layer that shields the copper.
What is the difference between a protective layer and a printed top layer?
A protective layer is invisible and minimal; it lightly shields the metal against fingerprints and small scratches. A printed top layer covers the metal completely with your design and offers stronger protection. The downside: you do not see the bare metal, so no metallic shine.
Can I remove my metal label later without damage?
Yes. Use a sticker remover (no sharp tools) and roll the label off carefully. Your underlying surface remains free of scratches and adhesive residue. This works for all metal labels.
Which adhesive is best?
That depends on your metal. Aluminium and tin get yellow Lohmann adhesive, copper and brass get 3M adhesive. Both are food-safe and resistant to temperature fluctuations. For very large copper or brass labels we recommend a thicker Lohmann adhesive.
