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Security Tape Troubleshooting Guide

Security Label Troubleshooting Guide


1) How quickly will the tamper evident feature be functional?

For the recommended surfaces and an application temperature of 70F (or higher), the tamper evident feature (OPENED) should function within 10 seconds, but we recommend to allow 1 minute.

Applying labels at temperatures less than 70F may require more cure time on the surface, but never more than 1 hour.

2) After 1 minute, the security label can be removed cleanly and it does not show the tamper evident message (VOID OPENED). What's the problem?

Let's work through the checklist.....

  1. Confirm the surface is on the "RECOMMENDED SURFACES" list for the label you purchased.
  2. When applied, the surface must be a MINIMUM of +10F. To confirm if temperature is an issue, temporarily move to a location where the surface can achieve a higher temperature (ideally +70F) and test again.
  3. The surface must be dry. Moisture of any kind can cause a problem. Dry thoroughly with a clean paper towel and repeat the test.
  4. The surface must be clean. Wipe with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove dust or other loose particles, then repeat the test.
  5. If there are possible chemical contaminants (oil, lubricants, release agents, etc), clean the surface with 100% iso-propyl alcohol. Wipe the alcohol dry with clean dry cloth or paper towel, then repeat the test.
  6. If the surface has a clear coat or clear varnish, confirm if the varnish is still present after the label is removed. It is possible for the label to remove the clear coat if it is not bonded well to the underlying surface. If the varnish was removed, we recommend testing our non-residue labels/tape, which feature a less aggressive adhesive.
  7. The surface may require a longer cure time. Smooth surfaces usually only require a 1 minute cure. Rough and textured surfaces usually require more cure time. Plastic and powder coated paint usually require more cure time. Apply again and allow the label to cure up to 4 hours. Longer curing (beyond 4 hours) only marginally improves performance.

If you cannot identify the problem from the above steps, the label selected will not meet your needs. Please contact us for next steps.

3) I purchased non-residue security stickers, but it leaves an adhesive residue on the surface. What the problem?

  1. When removing, to minimize adhesive residue, peel the label at a sharp angle (180 degrees).
  2. For some 'high energy surfaces' (like glass, bare stainless steel, etc), the Secure-Guard and Secure-Guard Plus labels will not function as a non-residue label.
  3. The Secure-Guard and Secure-Guard Plus labels are non residue in temperatures ranging from 0F to 120F. For temperatures outside of this range, the non-residue feature may be impaired and revert to conventional security label that leaves adhesive residue.
  4. If the labels remain on the affixed surface for more than 90 days, the non residue feature may be impaired and revert to leaving a residue.
  5. If leaving an adhesive residue is a continuing issue, please give us a call. We have a non-residue label in development -- it's new and improved !!!

4) How can I clean up the adhesive residue?

  1. Sometimes, if you rub the adhesive residue with your finger, it will roll up into a ball and it can be removed in a few seconds.
  2. If the adhesive is more stubborn, you will need an adhesive solvent. We like household, citrus-based solvents like "Goo-gone" or "Orange-Sol". Another option is iso-propyl alcohol (100%). Avoid using rubbing alcohol -- it can leave an oily coating that will interfere with adhesion for the next label.

5) While applying the label, I touched the adhesive with a finger and it accidentally activated the VOID feature. How do I prevent from ruining my security stickers before they are affixed?

  1. If your fingers are dry, they may activate the VOID feature. Apply a small amount of hand moisturizer to your hands and fingers before handling the security stickers.
  2. Minimize handling the label. Peel back the paper backing to 'flag' the label and expose the adhesive. Then apply to the surface without touching the adhesive.
Questions? Need Help?
Questions? Need Help?
136-8887-5315