Full-color labels are best for photos, gradients and bold brand colors, start at 10 cases and cost the least. Ultra-clear labels look printed directly on the bottle and are best for simple logos and a premium look (from 20 cases, about +$0.03 per bottle at volume). 3D line labels layer two images for depth and are best when you want the bottle itself to be the conversation piece (from 20 cases, about +$0.19).
Key takeaways
- Full-color: most versatile, lowest minimum (10 cases), best for photos and dense designs.
- Ultra-clear: minimalist 'no-label' look; design around the water showing through.
- 3D line: a two-layer label with real depth, best for bold, simple artwork.
- All three are water-resistant plastic labels that stay on in ice.
- Not sure? A $30 sample kit includes swatches of all three finishes.
Your label finish changes how your brand looks from across the room and up close. All three of our finishes are printed on durable, water-resistant plastic, but each one creates a very different effect. Here's how to choose.
The three finishes at a glance
| Full-Color | Ultra-Clear | 3D Line | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Bold, opaque, edge to edge | Design floats on the water | Two layers with depth |
| Best for | Photos, gradients, busy designs | Logos, text, premium brands | Simple bold art, wow factor |
| Minimum | 10 cases (240 bottles) | 20 cases (480 bottles) | 20 cases (480 bottles) |
| Price at volume | Baseline | About +$0.03 / bottle | About +$0.19 / bottle |
| Popular with | Events, sports, weddings, retail | Hotels, law firms, real estate | Product launches, casinos, VIP |
Full-color labels
Full-color labels print edge to edge in four-color process with Pantone matching at no charge. They handle anything: photographs, gradients, patterns, sponsor walls and small text. Because the label is opaque, your colors look exactly like the proof regardless of the water behind it.
Choose full-color if your design has photos or many colors, you need the lowest minimum, or you want the lowest price per bottle.
Ultra-clear labels
Ultra-clear labels are printed on clear film, so anything that isn't ink shows the water. The result looks like your logo was printed directly on the bottle: clean, modern and premium.
Design tips for ultra-clear:
- Use simple logos and text with strong shapes.
- Ask for a white ink layer behind colored text so it stays vivid against the water.
- Avoid thin lines and small type; they disappear against clear water.
- Remember the back of the label shows through the bottle, so keep the back panel light.
Choose ultra-clear if you want an upscale, minimalist look for a hotel room, law office lobby, boardroom table or wedding tablescape.
3D line labels
3D line labels use two layers: a front image and a second image printed on the inside that shows through the bottle. As the bottle turns, the layers shift against each other and create real depth.
Choose 3D line if you want people to pick up the bottle and talk about it, such as at a product launch, a VIP event or a brand activation.
Which finish for which industry?
- Hotels and resorts: ultra-clear for in-room amenities. See hospitality.
- Law and professional offices: ultra-clear or a dark full-color label for conference rooms. See law offices.
- Events and conferences: full-color with the large 4" × 8" label for sponsors. See events.
- Weddings: full-color for photos and patterns, ultra-clear for monograms. See weddings.
- Casinos and nightlife: 3D line or black full-color for a premium look. See casinos.
See them in person
Finishes look different in hand than on screen. Our $30 sample kit includes every bottle size and swatches of all three finishes, and the $30 is credited to your first order. You can also compare finishes on our bottles page or ask for a proof in two finishes to compare side by side.
Frequently asked questions
A clear plastic label printed with your design so that anything not printed shows the water and bottle behind it. It creates a premium, 'painted on' look.
Full-color is the most popular because it handles any artwork, has the lowest minimum and the lowest price. Ultra-clear is the most popular upgrade for hotels, law firms and weddings.
You can, but photos lose contrast because the water shows through. Photos look best on full-color labels; ultra-clear is best for logos and text.
Yes. All three finishes are durable, water-resistant plastic labels bonded to the bottle, so they won't slide off in a cooler.
