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.
Attributes
Durability
Labels are more or less exposed to decay. They can get wet, oily, hot, sun-bleached and touched in various ways.
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.
Design
Contrast
High contrast is important for readability and accessibility. The contrast checker by legibility.info can help put this in perspective. Unless you have a good reason to do something else, black on white is recommended.
Handwriting vs Printing
Handwriting can be hard to read, even though it may add points on the personality scale. If it's important that everyone reads it, printing is recommended.
Case
Just write normally and properly. Add emphasis with bold or italic, NOT BLOCK CAPS.
Tools
Printer
See Printing for information on setting the printer up.