Face stocks are available in both paper and synthetics. Below are some of the different paper face stocks.

  • Thermal Transfer (Matt and High Gloss)

  • Direct Thermal (Visible Light, Near Infrared Scan-able, Infrared Scan-able)

  • Semi Gloss

  • High Gloss

  • EDP – Smudge proof

  • Laser

  • Inkjet

  • Silver or Gold Foil Coated

  • Tags

  • Matte Litho (We just use Thermal Transfer)

Film Face Stocks

Various Types of Synthetics Kimdura Polyester Polyethylene Polylefin Polypropylene Polystyrene Vinyl Flexible Vinyl Semi Rigid
Strength High High Low High High Low Low Low
Tear Resistance Stretches & Tears Into Layers No Stretch No Tear No Stretch No Tear Stretches In Both Directions Stretches, Does not tear easily No stretch, tears easily Stretches & tears Tears in jagged little lines
Temperature Capability Fair Excellent Poor High High Poor Fair Fair
Durability Poor Maximum Low Good Good Fair Good Good
Clarity or Opacity Excellent Poor Poor Good Good Poor Excellent
Rigidity High High High Medium
Printability Excellent Good Fair Good Good Fair Fair Fair
Dispensibility Good Good Good Good Fair Fair Good
Chemical Resistance Good Good Excellent Good Excellent Poor Excellent Excellent
Outdoor Resistance Limited Excellent Limited Limited Limited Poor Excellent Good
Convertability Good Excellent Poor Good Excellent Fair Good Good
Smell None None None None None None Shower Curtain Smell Shower Curtain Smell
Density Test (in water) Floats Sinks Floats Floats Floats Sinks Slowly Curls Curls
Acetone Test No Reaction No Reaction No Reaction No Reaction, slight curl No Reaction No Reaction Column 3 Value Column 4 Value
Notes Scotch Tape removes topcoat Pearlescent appearance on adhesive Tin like sound when shaken
Type of Ribbon Used Wax & Resin Resin Resin Wax & Resin Wax & Resin Resin Resin Resin
Conti Systems U.L. Construction No Yes No Yes No No No No
Cost (1=Low, 6=High) 4 5 3 2 1 3 6 6