Source for Blank Chip Labels

[lwestatbus]

I've been working up designs for my chip labels and have access to all of the equipment to print them myself.

Can anyone point me to a source for blank 1" round chip labels? I've seen reference to different kinds in the postings here, including matte, glossy, waterproof vinyl, and probably others. I'd like to hear from those of you who made your own labels, where you got the blank label stock, and whether you liked or didn't like the materials.

Thanks,

Larry

BTW: Tried to search the forum but got 445 hits on "chip labels" as there was no way to search just the titles. Any way to add that feature to the forum?

[pie taster]

A lot of info in this thread on the scott keen forum over here... http://scottkeen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1936

blank labels can be found here... http://www.onlinelabels.com/

[PocketRocket]

You again! They're right in your own backyard.

Try http://www.onlinelabels.com

For some durability, I'd suggest their poly weatherproof labels. (Ask them to send you a sample first so that you can play with it a little. ) I got some of their weatherproof vinyl labels just before they discontinued them. Those were a bear to work with because the die cut often penetrated the paper backing sheet, but the labels themselves are pretty tough and difficult to damage. After you print them, spray them with one of the clear acrylics (Krylon products seem to work well and remain flexible with the label.) Some feature UV protection for photos; though you can also use one of their Crystal Clear products as well. My preference was for the Crystal Clear Satin, though others may prefer the matte finish, and I'm sure there might be others who may prefer the gloss or even their Triple Thick. I guess a lot would depend upon the nature of the graphic that is printed.

Can anyone point me to a source for blank 1" round chip labels?

[lwestatbus]

Thanks to Pie and Pocket.

I've had samples from Online Labels before (3/4" when I was foolishly thinking of putting labels on 11.5g dice chips). Wanted to check for experience with the different materials so I appreciate the info.

Now here's a follow up question:

I've got ten of each color of three different chip styles that have a recessed center for a 1" label (RPT NexGen, LV Edge Spot NexGen, and 11.5g Big Slick Texas Holdem). It was funny that my 'before experimentation' least favorites turned out to be my 'post experimentation' favorites after I put labels on them. I'm using photos of Florida coastal scenes as the background with "Larry's Banana River Card Room" / "Satellite Beach, Florida" around the perimeter. (BTW: My model was KY70's great Chicago skyline Southside Casino chips.)

Finally, the question: Does anybody have either the RGB or CMYK color codes for the chip bodies and edge spots on the three single edge spot color RPT NexGens? This is the White/Pale Blue, Red/White, and Blue/Green chips. (I can handle the white.) (I hate photoshop.) Thanks.

Larry

[PuckJunkieNY]

Finally, the question: Does anybody have either the RGB or CMYK color codes for the chip bodies and edge spots on the three single edge spot color RPT NexGens? This is the White/Pale Blue, Red/White, and Blue/Green chips. (I can handle the white.) (I hate photoshop.) Thanks.
Larry

I doubt they have the RGB or CMYK values for the chips themselves. Even if someone did give you values which they found worked for them I'm sure they would not be 100% correct for your printers printable color gamut. What are you using to print onto your labels BTW? Laser ink, toner, perhaps offset litho? ...other?

You'll probably have to experiment with your output device (printer) to find out values that match your chip colors best.

I'm also going down the path of determining if I want to make my own chip labels or just design them and let someone else print them. I have access to myriad of professional printing devices at my disposal so I my do some testing with various label stocks should I find spare time. I think I'll scour these posts to see what others have concluded first .

Good luck on you chips.

[lwestatbus]

Thanks, PuckJunkie, for the info. That's why I hate Photoshop and all of its cousins. You have to know what words like "gamut" mean. I have a Ph.D. in management information systems and the Adope Illustrator Manual reads like its in Martian. I don't have the first idea what they're talking about. Who cares what "alternating glyphs in CID fonts" means and "converting strokes to filled objects" sounds like the title of a porno film.

Unfortunately my test machine is an HP inkjet while the production machine is an HP LaserJet. I'd planned on iterating a few times before going final.

As I get into this mess the option of sending the job out for production looks more and more attractive. I just hate paying to do something if there is a sliver of a possibility that I could do it myself. But I've seen some pretty reasonable prices out there.

Think I'll head to the card room at the local greyhound park. If I have another day like last weekend I'll be able to afford to farm out the whole business. If I lose my shirt I'll just keep my current chips.

Thanks again to all for the advice.

Larry

[Cinos3]

I wrote an article on poker chip labels over at http://www.chiptalk.net/forum/cms_view_ ... php?aid=19

Give it a once over, may have some helpful insight.

[PocketRocket]

Sometimes you have to put the PhD aside and smell the roses/coffee. This may seem a little harsh, but it sounds pretty condescending when someone with some degree related to computer sciences thinks they're supposed to know anything and everything about a computer. I don't know how many times I've heard something along the lines of "Don't ask me those stupid questions, I am a programmer (or some related job title)" (which also meant that he/she is too focused on themselves to listen.

Illustrator is a powerful program that is the life's blood for any commercial graphic artist. As with any genuinely professional program, the powerful capabilities comes with it's own technical challenges. And it is probably that same reasoning why everyone isn't a network security specialist and they don't become one buying one book at the local geek shop. If you have a legit copy of Illustrator there is a second disk that has tutorials that will get you started. Additionally Adobe has training classes (yup, told you it wasn't easy) in the entire CS Suite if your needs are so inclined. If you don't know anything about graphics applicatoins, and don't want to devote the time to learning and all the industry specific terms that you might have to become familiar with, you might want to consider having someone else do your labels (like Jason, who also wrote that great article on chiptalk.net that he referred you to). An accomplished graphics illustrator may also need to learn a lot about the world of printing technology so that they can communicate with the folks that put their work onto paper (hint: kerning has nothing to do with the yellow stuff that comes in the KFC box).

The world of graphic illustration is complicated and just as unfamiliar to you as the world of IT is to a graphic artist.

Alternatively, you might want to consider the purchase of a consumer level program like Paint Shop Pro, Corel Draw Select, or even PhotoShop/Photo Deluxe, though all of these applications are still going to have a learning curve that you'll have to invest time into learning. About 10 years ago, as a technical professional in the computer industry, I learned to use applications like PageMaker, FrameMaker, and Corel Draw because I had to for other social affiliations. It didn't come to me automagically, just PageMaker alone took me an entire weekend to learn, and it came from reading the manual and supplemental publications in addition to many hours of trial and error. So please, don't think you have a right to know or use these applications intuitively, a lot of the folks who use these applications also went through many years of advanced education to become proficient in their usage.

[snip] I have a Ph.D. in management information systems and the Adope Illustrator Manual reads like its in Martian. I don't have the first idea what they're talking about. Who cares what "alternating glyphs in CID fonts" means and "converting strokes to filled objects" sounds like the title of a porno film.