News

How To: Choose & Use White Ink For Printing:

18th Mar 2019

The introduction of Digital Printing has rapidly changed the way we create our labels for businesses and the special effects we can produce.

Four colour digital printing uses the CMYK colour model: Cyan (Blue), Magenta (Pink), Yellow and Key (Black).

Subtractive colour printing protocol uses a white background. White paper is so commonly used today that the use of white ink at home would be unnecessary.

At Paramount Labels, we offer a fifth option to our four colour palette for clients that want Digital Printing with true versatility. – We offer the ability to print with a UV White Ink.

This means we’re capable of printing almost ANY colour on ANY label material!

How and Why Is White Ink Used?

When printing solid colours onto a Clear Label material, they must be underprinted with a white layer to print the 4 colour mix on top.

Emulating the existing design with White ink as a “backup” to the colour print will replicate the colours as if it were on a white paper.

This guarantees a strong block of colour to support the print, ensuring a vibrant and legible label regardless of the material type.

Like Tip-Ex liquid, White Ink requires a thicker pigment to prevent light passing through the material surface than any other colour. This can often lead to blocked printer pumps and extra maintenance on commercial printing machines. Hence these machines aren't developed for home use.

When Is White Ink Used?

When printing on labels such as: Silver, Brown Kraft, Holographic and Clear PP label materials. Many people don’t know the principles to printing and colour matching change…

Companies that use Clear Polypropylene for the “No Label Look” (often seen on glass packaging) will more than likely use a white print behind the colour for enhanced vibrance.

Failing to put down a White Ink behind print colours on Clear materials will leave behind a “washed out”, “translucent” or “stained glass” appearance.

On metallic and holographic materials, White Ink placement subtracts shine and effects of the material to allow for block colour.

When To Opt-Out of White Ink?

White print is only essential if the print required is White or if it requires a strong CMYK block colour without compromising the design from the non-white materials effects.

You Can Opt-Out of White Ink IF:

•  You’re using a clear label material applied to a solid white packaging container.
•  You want a translucent, stained glass print effect on a clear material.
•  You want all colours with special effects on a label to show through.
•  It’s Black print ONLY on a contrasting coloured background. (Black is a light absorbing colour that often does not need the support of White Ink.)

Quote & Try Before You Buy:

We are able to provide professional label printing on some of the most specialist and eye-catching label materials available on the market.

Get in touch with our team to request free quotes, samples and support for your designs using the potential of White Ink Printing.