Avery Removable Labels Review: Strong Hold, Clean Removal
An Amazon verified buyer summed up the experience with Avery Self-Adhesive Removable Labels, 1 x 1.5 Inches, White in one line: “They stick like they mean it, but come off clean like they were never there.” With average ratings hovering between 4.5 and 4.7 stars across major platforms, they score a solid 8.5/10 in practical everyday use.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Best for users needing clean removal on smooth surfaces; less ideal for textured or painted surfaces.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong adhesion without residue | Not recommended for painted drywall |
| Easy to write on with Sharpie or pen | Limited size range may not suit all labeling needs |
| Durable material resists smudging | Price jumps at specialty retailers like Walmart |
| Removes cleanly from paper, plastic, glass, and metal | Short-term use performs better than long-term in sunlight |
| Compatible with inkjet and laser printers | Small adhesive surface area limits use on rough items |
| Free Avery templates for customization | Smaller packs cost proportionately more |
Claims vs Reality
Avery advertises these labels as sticking firmly while still “removing cleanly without leaving a residue,” and user data strongly supports this claim—but with caveats. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “The sticker is durable and can be used with a Sharpie marker without smudging. It also doesn't leave any hassle or stickiness when removed.” This lines up with the manufacturer’s promise.
However, "ideal for drawers, containers, boxes, shelves" is not universally true. While these surfaces yield reliable performance, some Reddit feedback points out they’re less effective on textured walls or surfaces exposed to heat, with one user advising to “test on potential surfaces before committing”.
Avery’s “multi-use” wording suggests universality. In practice, they excel on smooth surfaces such as glass or metal, but neither marketing nor instructions stress their unsuitability for painted drywall—a gap highlighted in user stories where painters found peeling damaged paint.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The strongest praise revolves around adhesion quality. Trustpilot feedback echoed Amazon ratings: “I used the stickers on various pieces of furniture, appliances, and household goods, and not one of them has fallen off even after two weeks.” For office administrators, this means documents and folders stay labeled without risk of mysterious label loss.
Durability is another recurring compliment. A Reddit user emphasized: “They held up well over time. Writing with a fine-tip Sharpie stays sharp and clear.” This durability matters to archivists and crafters who use labels in storage or creative projects.
Ease of removal consistently made users happy. In kitchens, organizers found them perfect for rotating food inventory. A verified buyer noted: “When removing the sticker, there is no hassle or left behind stickiness.” That makes them ideal for temporary pricing or seasonal decor.
Common Complaints
One consistent frustration is with painted surfaces. Avery clearly warns against drywall use, but users who missed that line reported tearing paint. This affects home renovators and estate sellers who need wall labeling.
Another complaint surrounds their size limitations—other Avery lines offer more shapes, but this model’s fixed rectangle restricts creative design projects. A craft seller on Twitter mentioned: “Wish they came larger, I have to layer two for my jars.”
Heat exposure also impacts longevity. Labels left on sun-facing surfaces fell off faster than expected, especially outdoors. This creates problems for market vendors or signage applications in warmer climates.
Divisive Features
Printer compatibility is a split subject. While most praised their seamless inkjet/laser performance, a few found feeding smaller sheets into printers tricky despite Avery’s “Sure Feed” claim. A Trustpilot review cautioned: “Alignment took a couple tries, but once set, it printed beautifully.”
The adhesive strength itself is divisive—some prefer it for secure temporary labeling, while others wished for less tack for ultra-delicate surfaces. This tension depends on whether the user prioritizes firmness or minimal impact.
Trust & Reliability
No significant scam concerns emerged from Trustpilot patterns, and resale vendors on eBay maintain high ratings—one seller with 99.9% feedback underscored “labels stick, stay and remove cleanly without leaving residue.” Avery’s long standing brand presence in office supplies adds to buyer confidence.
In terms of long-term durability, users reported consistent results over months. One Reddit story described labels still intact after “6 months in storage” without fading or peeling—valuable for archivist or warehouse contexts.
Alternatives
From Reddit’s “best removable labels” ranking, the Avery Removable 1 x 2 5/8 inch White ID Labels (6460) offer larger capacity for big-text labeling, while Houselabels HL-30334-R provides Dymo-compatible rolls for thermal printers—better for high-speed retail. Chalkboard label sets appeal to craft markets needing reusable decorative labeling, but lack the printer compatibility of Avery 05434.
Price & Value
As of the latest Amazon listing, the 500-pack runs about $7.64–$8.49 ($0.02 per label). Walmart carries it at $25.54, making Amazon significantly better value unless ordering in bulk from specialty suppliers. eBay prices hover around $8.75 new, sometimes bundled with multi-pack discounts.
Community tips include buying multiple packs during holiday deals to offset shipping costs to international locations. Resale value is low due to low original cost, so bulk purchase makes most sense for constant labeling needs like retail or office administration.
FAQ
Q: Will these labels damage painted walls?
A: They’re not recommended for painted drywall. Users have reported peeling paint when removing them from such surfaces.
Q: Can I print on them with an inkjet printer?
A: Yes, they’re compatible with both inkjet and laser printers, and work well with Avery’s free design templates.
Q: Will they hold in outdoor conditions?
A: Short-term, yes, but prolonged sun exposure reduces adhesion. Indoor use yields better longevity.
Q: Are they fully removable without residue?
A: On smooth surfaces like glass, metal, or plastic, they typically leave no sticky residue when peeled away.
Q: Can I reuse a label after removal?
A: No, most removable labels lose adhesive strength after the first use and are designed for single application.
Final Verdict: Buy if you need professional-looking, easily removable labels for smooth surface organization, product pricing, or short-term signage. Avoid if labeling textured or painted walls, or if your projects demand larger formats. Pro tip from the community: stock up from Amazon during discount periods and print designs using Avery’s free templates for best results.
