Waterproof Labels in Australia
Waterproof labels are made from synthetic facestock rather than paper, so they resist water, moisture, oils, chemicals, tearing and abrasion and stay legible in wet, outdoor and harsh conditions. Label Warehouse supplies durable, water-resistant and weatherproof labels in Australia for everything from outdoor asset tags and drum and chemical labels to cold-store, marine and industrial labelling. Available in a range of sizes, cores and roll counts, with fast despatch Australia-wide.
What makes a label waterproof?
The difference is the material. Waterproof labels use a synthetic (polypropylene) facestock in place of paper, which does not break down or go soggy when wet. Paired with the right print method and a strong permanent adhesive, the result is a tear-resistant label that keeps its print and its grip through moisture, oils, cleaning chemicals, abrasion, temperature swings and UV exposure. That is why synthetic waterproof labels outlast ordinary paper thermal transfer labels in tough environments.
How waterproof labels are printed
For a fully durable, waterproof finish the print itself has to be as tough as the label. Synthetic labels are printed by thermal transfer using a resin or wax/resin ribbon, which bonds a hard-wearing, water and scratch-resistant image to the synthetic surface. A standard wax ribbon or a direct thermal print will smudge or fade on synthetic stock, so match synthetic labels with the correct ribbon. Browse the matching thermal ribbons (choose resin for the harshest conditions, wax/resin for general durability) to complete the job.
Waterproof label sizes and cores
We stock waterproof synthetic labels in popular sizes, including the 100 x 150mm (4x6) and white 100 x 150mm formats, the 75 x 48mm and 90 x 40mm labels, and smaller sizes such as the 50 x 28mm and 40 x 28mm. As a guide, a 25mm (1 inch) core suits desktop label printers and a 76mm (3 inch) core suits industrial machines, while some rolls also come on 38mm or 40mm cores. Labels are available with permanent or removable adhesive, perforated or non-perforated, and in a range of colours for coding.
Compatible with your label printer
Our waterproof synthetic labels print on standard desktop and industrial thermal transfer printers, including Zebra (ZD220T, ZD420, GK420t, ZT230), TSC and Brother. Set the printer to thermal transfer mode and load a resin or wax/resin ribbon for the most water and scratch-resistant result. Not sure which label, ribbon or core suits your printer? Our team can match it for you.
What waterproof labels are used for
Synthetic waterproof labels suit any job where paper would fail:
- Outdoor and marine - asset tags, signage and equipment labels exposed to rain, sun and salt.
- Chemical and industrial - drum, GHS and warning labels that face solvents, oils and abrasion.
- Cold-store and freezer - labels that stay stuck and legible through condensation and sub-zero temperatures.
- Food, beverage and cosmetics - products handled in wet, refrigerated or bathroom environments.
- Logistics and asset tracking - durable barcode and freight, retail and inventory labels, including colour-coded options.
For everyday indoor labelling where waterproofing is not needed, standard direct thermal or paper thermal transfer labels are the more economical choice.
Why buy waterproof labels from Label Warehouse
- Genuinely durable - synthetic stock plus the right ribbon for water, chemical, abrasion and UV resistance.
- In stock and fast despatch - popular sizes ship same or next business day, Australia-wide.
- Labels and ribbons together - get the matching resin or wax/resin ribbon in the one order.
- Expert help - we will match the right synthetic label, ribbon and core to your printer and environment. Call 1300 198 684.
Frequently asked questions
What are waterproof labels?
Waterproof labels are made from synthetic facestock (such as polypropylene) instead of paper, so they resist water, moisture, oils, chemicals, abrasion and UV, staying legible in wet, outdoor and harsh conditions.
Are these labels really waterproof?
Yes. The synthetic facestock does not break down when wet, and with a resin or wax/resin ribbon the printed image is water and scratch-resistant too, so the whole label holds up in moisture and outdoors.
What material are waterproof labels made from?
Most of our waterproof labels use a polypropylene synthetic facestock, which is tear-resistant and waterproof, with a strong permanent adhesive suited to demanding surfaces and conditions.
How do I print waterproof labels?
Print synthetic waterproof labels on a thermal transfer printer using a resin or wax/resin ribbon. This bonds a durable, water and scratch-resistant image to the synthetic surface.
Which ribbon should I use with synthetic labels?
Use a resin ribbon for the harshest conditions (chemicals, outdoor, abrasion) and a wax/resin ribbon for general durability. A plain wax ribbon is not recommended on synthetic stock as it can smudge.
Can waterproof labels be used outdoors or in a freezer?
Yes. Synthetic waterproof labels with a suitable adhesive and a resin ribbon are made for outdoor, marine, chemical and cold-store or freezer use. Ask us to confirm the right label for your conditions.
What is the difference between waterproof and paper labels?
Paper labels are economical for everyday indoor use but fail when wet. Waterproof synthetic labels cost a little more but survive water, chemicals, abrasion and outdoor exposure where paper tears or smears.
What core size and roll counts are available?
Waterproof labels come on 25mm (desktop), 38mm, 40mm and 76mm (industrial) cores in a range of sizes and roll counts, with permanent or removable adhesive. Match the core to your printer.
From outdoor asset tags and chemical drum labels to cold-store, marine and industrial labelling, Label Warehouse supplies the waterproof and weatherproof synthetic labels, plus the matching resin and wax/resin ribbons, that keep Australian labels legible in the toughest conditions. Whether you need 4x6 synthetic shipping labels, small product labels or colour-coded asset tags, you will find the right size, core and adhesive here. Not sure which waterproof label suits your printer and environment? Call our team on 1300 198 684 or order online today for fast delivery Australia-wide.