Whether you're a small business owner, product manufacturer, or marketing professional, we're here to help make sense of inkjet label printing. We'll compare DIY printing methods with professional services, highlight various types of inkjet labels, and provide insights on selecting the right materials and equipment for your labeling needs.
What Are Inkjet Roll Labels?
Inkjet roll labels are adhesive-backed materials designed for use with inkjet printers. These labels feature a special coating that allows the ink to adhere properly, resulting in crisp, vibrant prints. Inkjet labels are ideal for full-color printing.
It's important to note that inkjet roll labels are distinct from sheeted labels. While many sheeted labels are designed to work in both laser and inkjet printers and can absorb liquid ink, inkjet roll labels are specifically engineered for optimal performance with liquid ink. Using the wrong type of label in your printer can lead to poor print quality or may even damage your equipment.
Types of Inkjet Roll Labels
Blanco Labels offers three primary materials for inkjet roll labels:
- Matte: These labels have a non-reflective finish, ideal for readability and barcode scanning.
- High Gloss: With a shiny surface, these labels make colors pop and are great for product packaging.
- High Gloss BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene): Offers enhanced durability and water resistance.
Blanco Labels provides a range of label shapes, sizes, and dimensions. These can be used for branding, shipping, mailing, and other purposes.
When to Use Inkjet Roll Labels
Inkjet roll labels are particularly beneficial when you need:
- Full-color, high-quality printing
- Flexibility to print small batches or variable data
- Quick turnaround times for label production
Best use of inkjet roll labels
- Weatherproof labeling: High Gloss BOPP labels are perfect for outdoor use or products exposed to moisture.
- General Purpose labeling: Matte labels work well for office organization, inventory management, etc.
- Food labeling: High Gloss labels can create attractive packaging for foods or beverages.
- Product labeling: Use any of the finishes to create eye-catching labels for cosmetics, candles, or handmade goods.
Key Considerations for Printing Inkjet Roll Labels
Print Your Own Inkjet Labels
Printing your own inkjet labels can be ideal for those who require small quantities or frequently changing designs. This approach can give you more control over the printing process; however, it can also be time-consuming.
DIY printing is well-suited for:
- Individuals testing different label designs
- Small-scale projects with variable needs
- Companies needing to print labels on demand
Keep in mind that while DIY printing offers immediacy, it requires an initial investment in equipment and ongoing management of supplies.
Supplies for DIY Printing
To get started with DIY inkjet label printing, you'll need to source the right materials and equipment. Blanco Labels offers a range of supplies to support your in-house printing needs:
- Inkjet Roll Labels: Available in various materials, sizes, and shapes to suit your specific requirements.
- Inkjet Printer Supplies: For those using Primera® or Afinia® printers, Blanco provides compatible supplies and parts. Keep in mind, you need to partner the label with a proper inkjet cartridge. There are dye-based and pigment inks, and most are printer-specific. Dye-based inks are known for their vibrant colors but are less UV-resistant, making them suitable for indoor labels. Pigment-based inks provide greater durability and UV resistance, ideal for outdoor and long-lasting labels. For example, Blanco's BOPP high gloss inkjet labels with a 3” core and 6” OD work best when paired with pigment inks.
By sourcing these materials from Blanco, you can ensure compatibility with your printer and achieve the best print quality.
Types of Inkjet Printer
Inkjet printers come in various types to match your labeling needs. At Blanco, we have a variety of top-of-the-line printers. Our labels work in all inkjet printers, including Epson and Cannon.
Afinia L901 Plus Color Label Printer for inline and high-volume printing.
Afinia L901 Color Label Printer delivers fast print speeds and low costs.
Afinia L502 Industrial Duo Ink Color Label Printer for affordability and convenience.
Work with a Label Manufacturer to Print Your Labels
While DIY printing has its advantages, there are times when working with a professional label manufacturer like Blanco Labels is the best choice.
Consider partnering with Blanco when:
- You need large quantities of labels (typically over 10,000)
- Your labels require complex customization or special finishes
- You want to leverage expert knowledge in label design and materials
- You need consistent quality across large print runs
- Your time is better spent on core business activities
Blanco Labels’ process is always straightforward and efficient. Call us to discuss your project! We have the production capabilities to handle large-scale printing jobs for consistent quality and fast delivery.
Ready to explore professional label printing services? Call Blanco Labels for a consultation at 888-325-2626 or contact us.
Why Choose Blanco Labels
Our reliable service, cost-effective solutions, and extensive industry knowledge make us an ideal partner. With Blanco Labels, you're not just getting labels – you're gaining a dedicated team focused on enhancing your product and streamlining your labeling process.