Helpfull tips on applying labels

[ff6849]

Ok I have read everything on this forum pertaining to labels, but wasn’t able to find any tips on how to put the label on the chip. Do any of you have any tips on actually applying the labels? I can only image that it will be quite tedious. I was thinking of using a set of modeling tweezers to hold the label while apply it, and using Q-tips rub the label after it’s been position to assure a good adhesion. Any tips that you found helpful when placing on your labels would be appreciated. I will be applying the labels on a set of Nexgen 8000’s. They will be paper labels printed by a fellow chip talk member.

I am concerned that they will be hard to handle and sticking everywhere, not to mention I have the patience of a spoiled three year old. I am afraid my wife and children will find me in corner talking gibberish in mild state of delusion covered with more labels then the chips, screaming “I am all in, I am all in, I am all in, I am all in”

[Captn_All_In]

Forget all of that!

Just use your hands, fingers are much better, plus if you have no paitence then you don't want to use tweezers!!


DO THIS:

1. Peel the excess material off of the labels (the entire sheet part, leaving just the labels behind)

2. Spray on your protective covering (I used Matte Finish)

3. Find a nice quiet spot that is devoid of distractions.....then turn on the radio to help occupy your mind.

4. Put your chips in stacks of 25 to start. Find a comfortable position where your arms have limited amounts of movement, but you can still freely pick up chips and peel labels.

5. Determine how you are going to locate the label in relation to your edgespots (i.e. your denom close to the bottom will be over the bottom edgespot)

6. Peel off two labels one label for your first and second label. Make sure that the denom or whatever your going to use to line up with an edgespot is in the same line as your finger.

7. Drop the sheet and pick a chip and adhere the label to the chip by pushing the label all the way to the bottom of the recessed area. Then press that portion down slightly with the thumb that is holding the label to adhere it slightly. Make sure your alignment is correct then use both of your thumbs to press the label firmly in place. (keep in mind you still have a sticker on your other finger)

**NOTE: Once you press the small portion down with your thumb if you find that your location is a little off you can still lift the label off the chip. If you find that it came off your finger and is partially adhered use a sharp object (I used a fillet knife) to just lift the label enough to pull it off the chip, relocate it and check it, then press it down firmly.

8. Flip the chip and repeat the process.

9. Repeat the process over and over again until your done.

Once you get the hang of it you will find yourself getting into a rythm and it will go rather quickly. After you have a stack of 25, or 50 done go back over them to maker sure that they are all firmly adhered. I do that by pressing down with my thumbs. If you ever get chips with the raised centers, i.e. cheap composite chips, then use something to press the label into the recess. I used a pointed nail file that was part of a pair of finger nail trimmers. I am not sure where you could find one like this (Probably a Pharmacy of some sort) but it is worth a shot. It did a great job because it was rounded over on one side and that smooth surface was great for pressing the labels in!

Well I hope this helped. Good luck with putting your labels on!!

[Captn_All_In]

Oh I almost forgot. Wash your hands well, and make sure they are dry, they don't have to be completely oil free just dirt and grime free!

Good Luck again!!!

[bsoder52]

Thanks for all that advise!
I'm getting my labels in soon and that info will come in handy.

Question: Is it typical to line up the label with denom near the bottom edge spot? Is there some type of typical pattern as to how to center the label in conjunction with the edge spots. I'll be using the Nexgen 8000's myself which have three edgespots per chip.

Thanks again!
Bsoder52

[imthatguy]

Originally Posted by bsoder52

Thanks for all that advise!
I'm getting my labels in soon and that info will come in handy.

Question: Is it typical to line up the label with denom near the bottom edge spot? Is there some type of typical pattern as to how to center the label in conjunction with the edge spots. I'll be using the Nexgen 8000's myself which have three edgespots per chip.

Thanks again!
Bsoder52

I think there is an inherent randomness that comes with labels on chips. I found that as long as both labels were lined up on each side, they looked fine. I guess you could be super-anal about it, to each their own...

[OnTheButton]

Lots of adult beverages, and a comfortable sitting position is my answer to you.

I've done about 3000 lables and it's never fun, but satisfying when complete.

Figure on about 100-150 chips (both sides) an hour.

The wife and I did 1000 chips together in about 3-3.5 hours.

She did the fronts, and made upsidedown stacks for me, I did the backs and put them into the case in sets of 25.

Not particularly riveting to do, but really cool when finished.

[_Z_]

Originally Posted by Captn_All_In

Forget all of that!

Just use your hands, fingers are much better, plus if you have no paitence then you don't want to use tweezers!!

I was kind of wondering about that, and curious if anyone had problems with the part of the label that is held- coming up later at some point because of skin oils. Washing hands definately helps, and maybe a latex glove might offer assistance as well. Have never done it, so I may be talking out of my ear...

In my case, I would use tweezers I guess. This may be because I've had a professional lifetime of handling small parts with tweezers, so using them a natural extension of my fingers. But this was a skill learned through much experience, and I remember being a total klutz at it when I first started... ops:

[JohnyChimpo]

I agree that the best way to apply labels is by hand. Took me about 6 hours to do these 500 chips. Seems long but I was VERY careful and I figured it was better to take a long time now rather than fix stuff later. These chios have about 100-150 hours of play and there has not been any peeling/lifting at all, or any fading. I decided to put my denominations on the bottom between to edge spots as shown.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoVie...id=76241997109

http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoVie...=1122664022220

Hope this helps.

[99%evil]

I did mine with the denom dirctly over an edgespot


I was very anal about placement, I found that when I started that I'd lightly place the label, then if it was not perfect I could use my thumb with pressure to slide the label over. The labels I bought had some incredible adhesive, I completely messed one up and it was a bear to remove.

One note, be careful with the krylon, I went a bit heavy on my first sheet and it appeared to compromise the adhesive a bit, I just did 2 coats after that, they're holding up great. I didn't peel off the backing to spray, I was afraid the krlon would seep into the adhesive and screw it up. It took several hours and I lined up the labels so they matched each other.

Unfortunately (not really) I bought a set of Martini Clubs and am now selling these, only a few 4-5 person games with them, some have never been touched.

[Captn_All_In]

Originally Posted by JohnyChimpo

I agree that the best way to apply labels is by hand. Took me about 6 hours to do these 500 chips. Seems long but I was VERY careful and I figured it was better to take a long time now rather than fix stuff later. These chios have about 100-150 hours of play and there has not been any peeling/lifting at all, or any fading. I decided to put my denominations on the bottom between to edge spots as shown.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoVie...id=76241997109

http://www.kodakgallery.com/PhotoVie...=1122664022220

Hope this helps.

Hey I remember seeing these way back. They still look really sharp, very nice design!!

Good point about taking your time!! It is well worth it!!!