PVC plastisol and silicone are the two materials most often compared in the production of raised labels, patches and accessories. Both can make flexible, colourful products with raised detail, but they differ in material structure, processing and appearance. In this article we compare the two in broad terms and explain why we at ASLAB use PVC plastisol in our own production.
What is PVC plastisol?
PVC plastisol is a fluid paste made by dispersing fine PVC paste resin in a plasticizer. It is injected into a mould and, when heated, gels into a soft, flexible PVC part. The plastisol we use in our own production is prepared with DOTP or DOA and contains no phthalates. We use it in the rubber labels, patches and home products we make by micro-injection, and we also prepare it as a raw material for you.
What is silicone?
Silicone is a family of polymers built from silicon-oxygen chains. Silicones used for labels and accessories are usually two-component or catalyst-cured systems. After shaping in the mould, they harden through a chemical curing process into a flexible part.
Key differences
- Material structure: plastisol is a paste of PVC resin and plasticizer; silicone is a different polymer family.
- Forming: plastisol gels with heat; silicone usually hardens by chemical curing.
- Colour work: in both materials colours can be filled into separate areas of the mould; the pigment system differs by material.
- Surface and feel: plastisol products offer crisp, solid relief and a smooth surface; silicone products have their own soft touch.
- Applications: both are used for labels, patches and accessories; the choice depends on what the product needs.
Why do we use plastisol?
Our micro-injection process works with PVC plastisol. Plastisol has a flow suited to filling fine mould details and multi-colour areas cleanly. Hardness and flexibility can be adjusted per product through the type and level of plasticizer. Our rubber labels are flexible products in the 1.8–2.2 mm range. We prepare the plastisol used in our own production with DOTP or DOA, in a phthalate-free formula.
What to consider when choosing
When choosing a material for a label or patch, these questions help:
- Which garment or accessory will the product be applied to?
- How many colours does the design have, and how detailed is it?
- How pronounced should the relief be?
- Does the brand or product group have a specific material preference?
The answers help decide which material suits your product better. Share your product and expectations at the quote stage and we will assess them together.
Our products made with plastisol
Plastisol as a raw material
We also prepare the phthalate-free plastisol used in our own production as a raw material for companies making their own products. The plasticizer option can be DOTP-based, DOA-based or a blend of the two. Packaging and quantity are clarified in the quote.
Questions to ask when deciding
A few questions guide the choice between plastisol and silicone: Which surface will the product be applied to? How many colours and how much detail does the design have? What conditions will the label or patch face during the product’s life? Is the target feel soft, or a more flexible, slick surface? The answers clarify the material choice.
If you are considering working with soft PVC plastisol, share your design and application and we will assess suitable options together.
Frequently asked questions
Are rubber labels made of silicone?
Although “rubber label” is the common name, the labels we make are soft PVC, produced from PVC plastisol by micro-injection.
Does plastisol contain phthalates?
That depends on the plasticizer used. Our plastisol is prepared with DOTP or DOA and contains no phthalates.
Conclusion
PVC plastisol and silicone are different material families; the choice depends on what the product needs. We use phthalate-free PVC plastisol in our own production. See our PVC plastisol page for details, and send your needs via the quote form.