facestock

Facestock is the printable outer layer of a label stock, the material on which the printed image is applied and which remains visible on the finished label. In pressure-sensitive labeling, a label typically consists of facestock, an adhesive layer, and a release liner.

Facestock is usually made from paper or film. Paper facestocks can be coated or uncoated and finished with a topcoat to improve ink adhesion and durability. Film facestocks use polymers such as polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or vinyl, providing greater moisture resistance, chemical resistance, and environmental stability. Some specialty facestocks use metalized foils for appearance.

Key properties include caliper (thickness), tensile strength, dimensional stability, surface energy, finish (matte or gloss), opacity, and resistance to moisture, solvents, UV light, and temperature. The choice of facestock affects printability and durability, as well as compatibility with the chosen printing technology (direct thermal, thermal transfer, inkjet, laser).

In practice, facestock selection involves balancing cost, run length, application environment, and adhesive compatibility. Paper facestocks are common for cost-sensitive applications; film facestocks are used where durability is critical. Labels may also feature coatings to improve ink adhesion or to enable specific printing methods.

Typical applications include product labels, health-care and pharmaceutical labeling, asset and logistics labeling, and consumer packaging. The term can also appear as "face stock" in some contexts.