Description

What Are Waterproof Labels & Why Are They Used For?

Labels and nameplates can be required throughout the marine sector on ships, helicopters, rigs and other offshore structures. They can provide identification, operating instructions, inspection information and safety details for control panels, valves, pumps, motors, life-saving equipment and many other products.

Often positioned outside permanently, these labels need to withstand water exposure, extreme temperature, salt spray, UV and heavy abrasion. This makes the requirement for a robust, waterproof solution — manufactured using quality materials, processes and adhesives — abundantly clear.

With almost 50 years’ experience, our team is perfectly placed to design a quality solution bespoke to your precise application.

Polycarbonate: A High-performance, Long-lasting Visual Underwater Labelling Solution

Polycarbonate, with a 3M solvent-based adhesive, represents a durable solution for many marine environments. These products can be either under-surface digitally printed or silkscreen printed. This ensures that the ink remains fully protected by the plastic substrate, guaranteeing durability and long service life of your label.

Both of these printing options enable the colours to be reproduced to match your specification. With the digital print option, there is no limit to the number of colours that can be incorporated.

316 Stainless Steel or Anodised Aluminium: For the Most Extreme Applications

For labels required to withstand the most rigorous and demanding external environments, such as an oil rig, an etched stainless steel solution might be appropriate. These are supplied with text detail etched into the surface using chemicals.

With no inks to wear away, these provide the most permanent, abrasion-resistant solution possible, requiring a significant deterioration in the surface to render the nameplate unreadable. If required, these products can be paint-infilled.

316 stainless steel differs from 304 stainless steel due to the addition of molybdenum. This alloy drastically enhances corrosion resistance, making it especially suitable for saline environments.

For applications where a more visual finish is required, we have in-house anodising capabilities, whereby we digitally print onto the electrically-charged pores of high-quality aluminium, sealing your design beneath an incredibly durable anodic layer.

Tried and Tested in Challenging Marine Environments

Since 1974, we have been the trusted, one-stop supplier of labels for customers across the marine, offshore, and oil and gas sectors.

All of the products we supply have been rigorously tested to the requirements of ANSI B71.4 at registered independent laboratories, ensuring that they retain colour stability and legibility for a minimum of five years. We have also performed salt mist testing on our anodised aluminium products.

Start Your Project Today

To discuss your requirements with our team, don’t hesitate to get in touch by filling in our request a quote form.

You can also reach us by phoning 01845 522 184 or by emailing webenquiry@gsmgraphicarts.com. You might also like to request our brochure and sample pack, or even some copies of the results proving our products’ durability!