How long do MakeID labels last outdoors?

In actual outdoor use, the outdoor lifespan of MakeID labels ranges from a maximum of 5 years (such as the MakeID P31S PET Label) to a minimum of 3 years—this depends entirely on 4 core factors:

• Material (PET, PP, Nylon, etc.) 
• Label structure (e.g., self-laminating type)
• Printing technology (thermal transfer, direct thermal, inkjet) 
• Environmental conditions (sun exposure, heavy rain, extreme temperature, high humidity in coastal areas) 

Why Some Labels Last 5 Years While Others Only Last 1 Year: Key Factors Affecting Outdoor Label Durability

Most outdoor label failures (fading, peeling, blurring) are caused by non-outdoor-oriented designs. The key differences lie in materials, printing tech, and structure.

Material: UV-Resistant, Heat-Resistant, and Waterproof – All-Weather PET Labels Stand Strong

Outdoor conditions are tough, and the right material makes all the difference. PET consistently outperforms PP and Nylon when exposed to sun, rain, and temperature changes.

• Strong UV resistance helps prevent fading
• Stable under high and low temperatures
• Excellent water and moisture resistance
• Adhesive remains reliable over time

In real applications — such as equipment panels, outdoor enclosures, and exposed assets — PET clearly outperforms PP and Nylon.

Why thermal transfer lasts longer outdoors – is the text “embedded” or “on the surface”?

Even with the same material, printing technology can make a huge difference.

The key question: Is the text fused into the label, or just sitting on the surface?

Heat shrink durability depends on the printing method used.

Thermal transfer is almost the only reasonable choice for long-term outdoor applications. Almost all MakeID outdoor-ready labels (including P31S and D50) use thermal transfer — which is why they can last up to 5 years.

The only note: thermal transfer requires a compatible ribbon, not ordinary ink, but compared to long-term durability, this is a minor inconvenience.

Label Structure: Most Durable – Self-Laminating Labels Add a “Protective Shield”

Even the right material and printing method aren’t enough if the text is exposed.

Self-laminating labels provide the highest level of outdoor durability. A clear protective layer wraps over the printed text, isolating it from the environment.

 Self-laminating labels are ideal for cables, wires, and industrial outdoor environments, ensuring your text stays legible for years.

Summary