Labeling your bottles

[Steel]

Hey I had a question on how to put labels onto bottles. Not the actual slapping it on, anyone can do that, but some technical questions

First, what kind of paper should I use? I'm not asking about permanent labels, but of ones that come off rather easily. Should I use a thinner paper or should I use thicker papers? Rice paper or some other types of specific paper?

Second, what should I use for the glue? I know doc uses Milk, but what other things could I use other than milk? And what process should I use to spread it? and anything else you might find relevant

Third, I wanna include my notes via a QR-code on the label (put on when I make them), I have found QR-code creating, but I think I'll need a site to put them on, is there any website suggestions that are already made?

Well, This is something I want to do not only when I send the beer in for competitions, but also just to bring wherever I go, namely other people's houses, just for presentation's sake. Nothing more annoying than when someone gives you a brew and you have no clue what it is

[siwelwerd]

I've used appropriately sized mailing labels in the past. A soak in hot PBW seems to get them off just fine.

Well, This is something I want to do not only when I send the beer in for competitions

For competitions, don't put your own label on the bottle--simply the entry slip from the competition *rubber banded* to the bottle. If you send a nice fancy labeled bottle to the comp, the organizers will remove it and utter obscenities in your general direction due to the added hassle.

[spiderwrangler]

Many brew shops carry label paper that has a dry adhesive on one side. You can print them out and wet the back and slap them on. Comes off with water (don't put a bunch in the ice chest!).

[Bugeater]

I create my labels using the label templates in Microsoft Publisher. I just print them out on plain paper and cut them out with scissors. To put them onto the bottles I get out my trusty tape gun with the 2" wide transparent tape. I stick the label first to the tape and then stick the tape/label combo to the bottle. As long as the tape overlaps all sides of the label, it holds up surprisingly well when submerged in water. As long as you take the label back off in a day or two, it comes off with very little glue residue left.

Wayne

[spiderwrangler]

I'd imagine that a soak in PBW should loosen up the glue if it's left on for longer than that? If not, there is a product called 'goof off' that removes sticky stuff well. I've been meaning to get some to remove the backing of the White Labs vials (after I remove the label).

[Bugeater]

I would be careful about using Goof Off on those vials. The solvents in it (which includes acetone) will probably dissolve the plastic. I've used the stuff for years. It is the only thing that will remove bumper sticker adhesive quickly. It will even work on those stickers the soda companies put on those corny kegs.

Wayne

[Hoser]

A neat trick is to take a paint brush and "paint" milk on the back of your printed label. Believe it or not, it actually works! I can't remember where I learned it....Otherwise a glue stick like you used in elementary school works well, too.

[spiderwrangler]

I would be careful about using Goof Off on those vials. The solvents in it (which includes acetone) will probably dissolve the plastic.

Hmmm... As durable as those vials are, I was just figuring it'd be fine. Probably still worth giving a try, I'll let you know if I end up with a puddle or not...