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

Labeling method	Glass	Wood	Wallpaper	(Painted) Wall	Plastic (PET/PE)
Thermal labeller	Good	OK	OK	OK	Good
Embossing labeller	Good	Bad	Bad	Bad	Good
Permanent marker	Good	Bad	Bad	Bad	OK
Patafix + paper/etc	Good	OK	OK	OK	Good
Adhesive paper labels / masking tape	Bad	Bad	Bad	Bad	Bad

• 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.

Different kinds of labels

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

Different requirements for labels

Durability

Labels are more or less exposed to decay. They can get wet, oily, hot, sunlighted and touched in various ways. Laminating and/or tightly taping it is advised.

Readability

Handwriting can be hard to read, even though it may add points on a personality scale. We think that printed letters are the way to go.

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 adressed.

Tools

Printer

See Printing for information on setting the printer up.

Labeling Machines

Right now (Nov'24) there are three labeling machines in the house. two are embossers, the other one prints.

Pro:

• It's a low threshold option to make a somewhat durable label

Con:

• The printed ones don't do well on kitchen spices, not too durable

Typewriter

WIP