Guide, 2 min read
The Asset Tagging Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Plan an asset tagging project from scope and data cleanup through numbering, label application, reconciliation and regis…
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Self-adhesive asset labels are the quickest way to tag assets, but they only last if the surface suits them. This guide goes through the surfaces you will meet in a typical Kenyan office, school, hospital or workshop, where peel-and-stick labels hold well, where they struggle, and what to use instead. For products see self-adhesive asset tags.
Why surface matters
A pressure-sensitive adhesive bonds by flowing into the surface under pressure. Smooth, clean, high-energy surfaces such as metal and glass give it plenty of contact. Textured, dusty, oily or "low-energy" plastic surfaces give it very little, so the label lifts at the edges within months.
Surface-by-surface guide
| Surface | Self-adhesive result | Better option if it fails |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop and monitor casings (hard ABS plastic) | Good | Clean with alcohol first |
| Bare or painted smooth metal | Very good | n/a |
| Glass | Very good | n/a |
| Powder-coated cabinets and chairs | Fairtexture reduces contact | Acetone-activated tags |
| Laminated furniture (melamine) | Good | n/a |
| Raw or unsealed wood | Poorabsorbs and dusts | Acetone-activated tags or screws |
| Soft plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene) | Poor | Rivets or laser marking |
| Rubberised or silicone-coated items | Very poor | Tag a hard part of the item, or laser mark |
| Outdoor equipment and vehicles | Fair to poor over time | Riveted aluminium tags |
How to tell if a plastic will hold a label
Press a spare label onto a hidden spot, leave it for a day, then try to lift a corner. If it peels off cleanly and easily, choose a different fixing. Hard, glossy plastics usually pass; soft, slightly waxy plastics usually fail.
Preparation makes the difference
- Clean with isopropyl alcohol to remove hand oils and dust.
- Let the surface dry completely.
- Apply at room temperature, not on cold or damp surfaces.
- Press firmly over the whole label, not just the centre.
- Avoid handling the label area for the first day.
Placement tips
- Choose flat areas; avoid curves, edges and seams.
- Keep away from vents, heat sources and areas cleaned with strong solvents.
- Use the same position on similar assets so auditors find tags quickly.
- On laptops, avoid the base near rubber feet where labels get scraped.
Mixing fixing methods in one project
Most organisations use self-adhesive labels for IT equipment and switch to acetone-activated or riveted tags for furniture, workshop equipment and vehicles. All can share the same design and number series. Our tagging team chooses the right method for each asset on site.
Frequently asked questions
Why do my asset labels keep peeling off?
Usually because the surface was dirty, textured or a low-energy plastic. Clean with alcohol before applying, or switch to acetone-activated or riveted tags on difficult surfaces.
Do self-adhesive labels stick to powder-coated metal?
They can, but the texture reduces contact. Acetone-activated tags bond much better on powder-coated cabinets and chairs.
Can self-adhesive labels be used outdoors?
For long-term outdoor use, riveted aluminium tags are more reliable than adhesive labels.
How do I test a surface before tagging everything?
Apply a spare label on a hidden spot, wait a day and try to lift a corner. If it comes off easily, use a different fixing.
Written by the Vexar Solutions team
We have made aluminium asset tags and carried out asset tagging for Kenyan organisations since 2016. About us.
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