Museum Object Labels That Look Like They Were Printed On.
Crisp, legible identification labels for individual artifacts, specimens, and collection objects — applied directly to cases, mounts, or surfaces with a finish that reads as part of the display, not a sticker on top of it. Archival-quality, dry-transfer application — no adhesive backing, no residue.
Built for the Case, Not the Wall
Object labels do a different job than wall captions. They sit close to the piece — inside a case, on a mount, or beside a specimen — where size, glare, and viewing distance are unforgiving. Ours are engineered for that: fine type that stays legible at 8–12 inches, a low-glare finish, and application that follows the exact contour of your case or plinth.
Legible up close
Optimized letterforms for short viewing distances.
Low-glare finish
Reads clearly under case lighting.
Case & mount ready
Applies to glass, acrylic, painted metal, coated wood.
From File to Finished Case in Under a Week
Send your label copy & sizing — object name, accession number, description, whatever your collection standard requires.
We proof it — you approve exact type, size, and layout before production.
We produce & ship — 3–5 business days production, free FedEx 2-day shipping, arrives in 5–7 business days total.
You apply — full instructions included; most labels take under a minute each once you've done your first one.
Surface compatibility: Best on smooth, sealed surfaces — glass, acrylic, painted or coated metal and wood. Not recommended for unsealed wood, brick, stucco, or other textured/porous surfaces. Not sure about your case material? Send us a photo — we'll tell you straight whether this is the right fit, or point you to an alternative.
Also used for custom exhibit labels, specimen labels in natural history collections, and identification labels for photograph and archive collections.
Not Sure Yet? Test It On Your Actual Case First.
We'll send a free sample label — your choice of type style, size, and one of our standard colors — so you can check legibility, finish, and adhesion on your own display before ordering. Ships USPS, arrives in 3–5 business days.
Simple, Per-Label Pricing
Priced by sheet size — shipping included. Object labels are available in one color only (black, white, or charcoal), and are supplied on a full sheet that you cut into individual labels, so one sheet typically covers many objects.
| Sheet Size | Price (One Color) |
|---|---|
| 8.5" x 11" — fits multiple 2"x4" object labels (Most Ordered) | $140.00 |
| 9" x 12" | $150.00 |
| 11" x 14" | $165.00 |
| 12" x 18" | $185.00 |
| 16" x 20" | $210.00 |
| 18" x 24" | $245.00 |
| Larger or custom sheet sizes | Contact us for a quote |
Most museums order: the 8.5" x 11" sheet in black or white — two of the three available colors (black, white, or charcoal), chosen for legibility in exhibit conditions. Start here if you're not sure.
How many labels fit on a sheet depends on your label size and margins — not an exact science, but here's a rough estimate:
≈ 24 labels per sheet
This is a rough approximation (0.25" gutter assumed between labels, no rotation). Actual yield depends on your text length, font size, and layout — request a free sample or a quote for an exact count on your specific labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these labels archival quality?
Yes — the material and inks are formulated to resist yellowing, cracking, and fading under normal gallery and storage conditions, and won't off-gas or chemically react with the object or case over time.
Are they acid-free?
Yes, the label material is acid-free, which matters if the label sits near or directly on a sensitive object, mount, or archival housing.
Are they removable or non-damaging?
Since there's no adhesive backing, they don't leave residue and won't damage the surface underneath when removed or replaced — unlike sticker or adhesive labels.
Do these work for specimen labels or photograph archive collections, not just art?
Yes — natural history specimens, archival photograph collections, and general collection-management labeling all use the same application. If your labeling standard differs from a typical art museum caption, send us your format and we'll match it.
What surfaces work best for object labels?
Smooth, sealed surfaces — glass, acrylic, coated metal, sealed or painted wood. Avoid unsealed wood, brick, or other porous/textured surfaces.
Are these permanent?
No — they're a durable, semi-permanent rub-on transfer designed to hold up well under normal gallery conditions (handling, cleaning, humidity changes), but they can be removed if you need to update or relocate a label. If you need a truly permanent, decades-long physical plaque, let us know — we can point you to the right alternative.
Can I update label text later if information changes?
Yes — since it's not permanent, mislabeled or updated pieces can be redone without damaging the case or mount.
Do you cut the labels for us?
Labels ship on full sheets; you cut to your exact placement. We include cutting guides and can walk you through it if it's your first order.
What if I have accession numbers, multiple languages, or a house style guide?
Send us your label template or existing style guide — we'll match type, spacing, and format across your whole collection so labels stay consistent case to case.
Choose Your Next Step