Etched-look label and method

#This invention relates to a process for providing a simulated etched or frosted look to a surface, as well as a product made from this process. More specifically, the invention relates to a coated label film that may be applied to a bottle to simulate the look of an etched or frosted outer surface.

#A now-popular packaging style for wine and other beverages in glass bottles is to treat the exterior of the bottle with a physical or chemical etching process to create a soft matte or frosted appearance. The etch treatment can be all-over, in a design, or with area(s) omitted for screen printing.

#Physical etching is accomplished by sandblasting fine particles against the surface to be decorated. In chemical etching, an acid is applied to react with the glass surface. Either method is laborious, costly, involves the use of harsh chemicals, and produces waste material requiring expensive disposal. Also, some assert that a glass bottle so treated may suffer impaired strength.

#It is well known to apply labels made of a flexible film substrate to glass and plastic bottles using either a pressure sensitive adhesive or by providing a sleeve over-wrap which is shrunk by application of heat in order to closely conform the film label to the outside shape of the container. Such labeling substrates are usually printed with the desired ornamentation or indicia on an inward side of the label film that is applied toward the container. In this manner, the printing will not be scuffed or marred during manufacture, shipping, handling, or prior to and after sale. Such labels are very durable and present an attractive, relatively glossy appearance.

#The treatment of glass with a physical or chemical etching process to create a soft matte etched or frosted appearance is well known. Recently, glass bottles for wine and other beverages have been so treated to provide an attractive look. However, when an adhesive label is applied to such bottles, even when the label is produced from transparent film material, the etched or frosted appearance is lost in the area covered by such a label.

#The present invention provides a label and process for making the same which will simulate the etched or frosted appearance when applied to an ordinary glass or plastic container, such as a jar or bottle. Examples of this product and method are set forth below. It should be noted that these examples are representative only and do not represent all ways in which the invention can be practiced. These examples are illustrative of the Applicants' best currently-known mode for carrying out the invention. As used herein, the terms “etched” and “frosted” are used interchangeably and to the extent a difference may be perceived in the trade, it is a difference in degree only.