Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant Labels: Which One Do You Need?

How to choose the right label for your product and environment

Not all labels handle moisture the same way. If your products face condensation, spills, or water, choosing the right label material can mean the difference between a label that lasts and one that peels or smears.

Water-resistant labels work well for light moisture, like splashes or refrigeration. Waterproof labels handle full exposure, including submersion, ice, and outdoor conditions.

The key is matching your label to your product’s environment. From beverage bottles to cosmetics and packaged foods, the right choice depends on how your product is stored, handled, and used. Backed by Avery label testing and real-world performance standards, this guide will help you choose with confidence.

Waterproof vs. water-resistant labels at a glance

Based on real-world label performance and testing, here’s how the two options compare:

Choosing the right label comes down to exposure. Light moisture calls for water-resistant materials. Full or repeated contact with water calls for waterproof durability.

How Avery tests real-world label durability

Before a label goes on your product, testing ensures it performs in real-world conditions. Avery tests labels across more than 100 factors—including water, oil, adhesion, and wear—so they hold up through everyday use.

Surface adhesion matters

Durability isn’t just about resisting water. Labels also need to stick and stay in place across different packaging materials.

To ensure reliable performance, Avery tests labels on both:

• High Surface Energy (HSE) materials like stainless steel, copper, tin, aluminum, glass, and PET plastic, where adhesion is easier
• Low Surface Energy (LSE) materials like polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, acrylic, and PTFE fluoropolymer, where adhesion can be more challenging

Testing across both types of surfaces helps ensure labels perform consistently on a variety of containers, from bottles to jars and beyond—so you can choose the right label for your specific use.

Water-resistant label testing

Water-resistant labels handle light moisture and everyday handling.

To test performance, Avery water-resistant labels follow IP44 IEC standards, which measure resistance to water exposure. The test applies labels to both HSE and LSE surfaces, sprays them with water, and vigorously rubs them 10+ times with a cotton swab. If the ink doesn’t smear or bleed, the label passes the test.

What this means for your products:
Labels stay legible and in place when exposed to splashes, condensation, or routine handling.

Waterproof label testing

Durable waterproof labels stand up to more demanding environments, including full water exposure.

To ensure durability, Avery waterproof labels meet ISO 6425 standards, originally developed for underwater diving watches. Testing includes:

1. Fully submerging labeled products in water for at least seven days
2. Removing the label and vigorously rubbing it 10+ times with a cotton swab
3. Checking for ink smudging, peeling, or adhesion failure

What this means for your products:
Labels maintain their look and adhesion even in wet, humid, or submerged conditions.

When to choose water-resistant labels

Choose water-resistant labels if your products may get wet—but won’t stay wet. They handle light moisture and everyday handling, making them a reliable option for packaging exposed to splashes, condensation, or occasional wiping.

Best for:

• Refrigerated products with light condensation
• Health and beauty items stored in dry environments (like lotions, shampoos, and cosmetics)
• Food packaging that may be wiped down but not submerged
• Bottles and jars exposed to occasional moisture

Performs well when:

• Labels face brief or intermittent moisture
• Products sit in cool or humid environments
• Packaging gets handled, wiped, or lightly rinsed

Not ideal for:

• Products stored in ice or water
• Shower or bath environments
• Outdoor exposure with prolonged moisture

Pro Tip: If your label only needs to handle splashes or short-term moisture, water-resistant labels offer a dependable and cost-effective solution.

 When to choose waterproof labels

Choose waterproof labels when your products face regular water exposure or stay wet for extended periods.

They’re built for durability in demanding environments, helping labels stay in place and maintain their look even with repeated or prolonged moisture exposure. Based on Avery durability testing, waterproof labels perform reliably in environments where moisture exposure is constant or unavoidable.

Best for:

• Products stored in ice or water, like beverages and chilled foods
• Bath and body items used in showers or wet environments
• Outdoor products exposed to rain, humidity, or changing weather
• Packaging that faces frequent or heavy moisture

Performs well when:

• Labels face continuous or repeated water contact
• Products are used in wet, humid, or extreme environments
• Packaging needs to maintain a clean, professional appearance over time

Not necessary for:

• Products with only occasional splashes or condensation
• Packaging stored in dry or lightly humid environments

Pro Tip: If your labels need to hold up in water—not just around it—waterproof materials provide the added durability and long-lasting performance.

Find the right label for how your products are used

The best label choice depends on how your products are stored, handled, and used. Looking at real-world scenarios can help you quickly decide which option will perform best.

How to test your labels before selling

Once you’ve narrowed down the right label type, testing it in real-world conditions can help confirm your choice. A few simple checks can help you confirm your labels will hold up once your products reach customers.

Try these simple tests:

• Spray test: Lightly mist the label with water and check for smudging or ink transfer
• Refrigeration test: Store your labeled product in the fridge overnight and check adhesion and appearance
• Ice or submersion test: Place the product in ice water for several hours to see how the label holds up
• Rub test: Wipe or rub the label firmly to check for smearing or peeling

After testing, check that the ink remains clear and doesn’t bleed, and that the label stays fully adhered with smooth edges. Your label should maintain its overall appearance without peeling, smudging, or lifting—especially in the conditions your product will face.

Testing your labels ahead of time can help you avoid issues after launch and ensure your packaging looks as polished as your product. These simple checks mirror real-world conditions and give you added confidence that your labels will perform as expected.

The right label makes all the difference

Choosing between waterproof and water-resistant labels comes down to how much moisture your products will face—and how often. Light exposure calls for water-resistant materials, while full or repeated contact with water requires waterproof durability.

Once you’ve identified the right label for your needs, the next step is choosing the best option for your packaging.

Need help choosing the right label? Avery Customer Care is here to help at (800) 462-8379. You can also explore label options by use or compare materials to find the best fit for your products.

• Facebook
• Instagram
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• LinkedIn