One of the most important decisions to make when implementing a pipe labeling strategy is what type of label stock to use. In most cases, any standard label stock will work just fine for marking pipes. You do, however, need to consider several things before making a final decision.Things to Think AboutWhen deciding what type of material you want to use for your pipe labeling, you will want to look at the environment where they will be placed. If the pipes are out in the open where they may get bumped or exposed to any type of harsh activity, then choosing a more durable material may be warranted. If the pipe is made of stainless steel, you may want to choose a label option that won’t be corrosive.Even looking at the solution traveling through the pipe can be important. If the pipe is transporting steam or other hot solutions, the pipe may get very hot. Choosing a low-grade label stock may not be a good idea in this case as the adhesive might not stick properly.Pipe Labeling Stock OptionsStandard Vinyl Label Stock – The majority of pipe labels will be made on standard vinyl label stock. This stock is very durable, can come in a variety of colors, and can have any text or symbols easily printed onto them.High Performance Vinyl – Outdoor pipes, or pipes that are exposed to harsh conditions can benefit from high-performance vinyl labels. These labels are thicker, have stronger adhesive, and last 10+ years.Reflective Vinyl – Specially made vinyl labels that are reflective are good for low-light areas. The vinyl itself is the same as standard label stock so it is durable and long-lasting.Brushed Metal Stock – Brushed metal labels are very durable, can come in aluminum or gold colors, and are desirable for many industrial-grade applications.Magnetic Stock – Magnetic labels aren’t commonly used for pipe markings, but they can be in some situations. These labels are magnetic so you can use them to hang papers or other informative items where needed.Low Halide Stock – Halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine are commonly found in label adhesives. These can be corrosive to stainless steel. Choosing the low-halide stock is often necessary when being applied to stainless steel pipes. Similar Questions What are different types of pipe labels?Can I create custom pipe labels and still be compliant?How do I clean pipe labels?Where should I place pipe labels?What information can I include on a pipe label?What text should I use on a pipe label?What do user-defined color combos mean for pipe marking?What are the ANSI standards for pipe color codes?What are the different standards of pipe marking?Additional Resources Valve Tags: Guide for Pipe IdentificationFloor Marking for FactoriesANSI Color Codes for Pipe MarkingPipe Color Codes – ANSI/ASME A13.1Labeling Electrical Conduits

What are different materials you can use for pipe labels?

Pipe Marking

One of the most important decisions to make when implementing a pipe labeling strategy is what type of label stock to use. In most cases, any standard label stock will work just fine for marking pipes. You do, however, need to consider several things before making a final decision.

Things to Think About

When deciding what type of material you want to use for your pipe labeling, you will want to look at the environment where they will be placed. If the pipes are out in the open where they may get bumped or exposed to any type of harsh activity, then choosing a more durable material may be warranted. If the pipe is made of stainless steel, you may want to choose a label option that won’t be corrosive.

Even looking at the solution traveling through the pipe can be important. If the pipe is transporting steam or other hot solutions, the pipe may get very hot. Choosing a low-grade label stock may not be a good idea in this case as the adhesive might not stick properly.

Pipe Labeling Stock Options

Standard Vinyl Label Stock – The majority of pipe labels will be made on standard vinyl label stock. This stock is very durable, can come in a variety of colors, and can have any text or symbols easily printed onto them.
High Performance Vinyl – Outdoor pipes, or pipes that are exposed to harsh conditions can benefit from high-performance vinyl labels. These labels are thicker, have stronger adhesive, and last 10+ years.
Reflective Vinyl – Specially made vinyl labels that are reflective are good for low-light areas. The vinyl itself is the same as standard label stock so it is durable and long-lasting.
Brushed Metal Stock – Brushed metal labels are very durable, can come in aluminum or gold colors, and are desirable for many industrial-grade applications.
Magnetic Stock – Magnetic labels aren’t commonly used for pipe markings, but they can be in some situations. These labels are magnetic so you can use them to hang papers or other informative items where needed.
Low Halide Stock – Halogens such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine are commonly found in label adhesives. These can be corrosive to stainless steel. Choosing the low-halide stock is often necessary when being applied to stainless steel pipes.