Wax
- Matched facestock
- Paper
- Durability
- Economical, short-term
Data reference
Reference · Nº 04
Thermal-transfer ribbon selection by facestock
Match the ribbon to the facestock: wax for paper, wax-resin for coated synthetic, full-resin for polyester and hard synthetic surfaces. Using a wax ribbon on a resin-requiring material is a classic cause of an image that rubs off. Synthetic films need a matched thermal-transfer ribbon — direct thermal (no ribbon) will not last on them.
| Ribbon | Matched facestock | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Wax | Paper | Economical, short-term |
| Wax-resin | Coated synthetic | Mid — resists smudge & moisture |
| Full-resin | Polyester (PET) & hard synthetics | Highest — UV, heat, chemical & abrasion resistant |
Wax-resin
- Matched facestock
- Coated synthetic
- Durability
- Mid — resists smudge & moisture
Full-resin
- Matched facestock
- Polyester (PET) & hard synthetics
- Durability
- Highest — UV, heat, chemical & abrasion resistant
General ribbon-to-facestock matching. The right ribbon also depends on your printhead and durability target — confirm with your printer and material supplier.
How to read it
- →Synthetic films — PP synthetic, PET — require thermal-transfer with a matched ribbon; direct-thermal printing will not produce a lasting image on the non-absorbent surface.
- →For durable variable print (dates, lot codes, UDI) on synthetic film, specify a full-resin ribbon so the image survives handling and sterilisation.
- →Direct thermal needs no ribbon and suits short-cycle work, but the image fades under heat, UV and time — wrong for multi-year or outdoor labels.
Common questions
Which thermal ribbon should I use?
Wax for paper labels, wax-resin for coated synthetic, and full-resin for PET and hard synthetic surfaces. Matching the ribbon to the facestock is what stops the printed image from rubbing off.
Can I print synthetic film on a direct-thermal printer?
No — synthetic films need thermal-transfer with a matched ribbon (usually full-resin). Direct thermal will not produce a lasting image on a non-absorbent surface.
Your case is specific?
Tell us your surface, temperature and environment and we’ll match the exact material and adhesive — and ship a free sample.
Materials facts verified by
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