NOVELTY - A single ply label adapted to shrink around rims of a dry cell battery includes: a shrinkable polymeric film including 2 linear ends extending beyond the rims of the battery and a varnish layer applied over any graphics on the film and defining patterned edges.    USE - The label is shrunk over a battery to provide insulation, protection and labeling.    ADVANTAGE - The varnish layer forms a smooth, substantially continuous surface resulting from gaps between a pattern of varnish closing when the polymeric film shrinks around the rims of the battery.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - A single ply label adapted to shrink around rims of a dry cell battery, including: a shrinkable polymeric film having an inner surface adapted to adhere to the battery, the film including 2 linear ends extending beyond the rims of the battery; graphics applied to the outer surface of the film; and a varnish layer applied over the graphics and defining patterned edges; the patterned edges defining a predetermined area overlying the linear ends coated with varnish and a predetermined area of the linear ends uncoated with varnish.    INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for:    (a) a single ply label adapted to shrink around rims of a dry cell battery, comprising: a shrinkable polymeric film having inner and outer surfaces; a metallized layer deposited on the outer surface of the film; a print layer applied over the metallized layer; a varnish layer applied over the print layer and defining patterned edges associated with the rims of the battery; and an adhesive layer applied to the inner surface of the film; and    (b) a battery having an improved label shrunken around rims of the battery, the label comprising: a polymeric film having an inner surface in contact with the battery; graphics applied to the outer surface of the film; and a varnish layer applied over the graphics; wherein the film is shrunken at the rims of the battery and the varnish layer forms a smooth, substantially continuous surface resulting from gaps between a pattern of varnish closing when the polymeric film shrinks around the rims of the battery.