Labeling

Labels and signs are essential for Kanthaus to work. In this article the term "label" is used for smaller signs (e.g. on food containers) and "sign" for those which contain more (abstract) information.

Application methods

TL:DR; use patafix—don't use masking tape

Method	Surface				Method notes
	Glass	Plastic (PET/PE)	Wood	Wall(paper)
Thermal labeller	Good	Good	OK	Bad	Text deteriorates with heat/light
Embossing labeller	Good	Good	Bad	Bad	Limited character range
Permanent marker	Good	OK	Bad	Bad	Quality depends on handwriting
Patafix + sign	Good	Good	OK	OK	Most flexible
Sticky paper labels / masking tape	OK	Bad	Bad	Bad	Adhesive often only removable with acetone, damaging many surfaces

Key:

• Good: Label stays in place and can be removed from surface with minimal clean-up and without damage.
• OK: Label mostly stays in place, or removal requires clean-up or leaves visual trace.
• Bad: Label falls off, or removal requires extensive clean-up or damages surface.

Types

• labels which show what a container contains (e.g. salt, detergent)
• labels for finding stuff
• labels to inform about rules and customs
• instructional

Attributes

Durability

Labels are more or less exposed to decay. They can get wet, oily, hot, sun-bleached and touched in various ways.

Readability

Handwriting can be hard to read, even though it may add points on a personality scale. We think that printed text should be the default.

Informational value

The informational value is not only in the sign but is created with the person reading it. This means that there's signage which might contain zero information for members but a lot for visitors. Also vice versa. While creating a sign, it makes sense to think about who is mainly addressed.

Tools

Printer

See Printing for information on setting the printer up.