Mistakes to avoid · Nº 04
Label printing mistakes that make ink rub off or fade
The classic printing mistakes are matching the wrong ribbon or ink to the material and using direct thermal where you need durability. A wax ribbon on synthetic film rubs off; direct-thermal print fades in months; the wrong facestock beads inkjet ink. Match the ribbon and ink to the facestock and the print lasts.
- 01
The wrong ribbon for the facestock
WhyA wax ribbon on a resin-requiring synthetic film rubs off — a classic cause of an image that does not last.
FixWax for paper, wax-resin for coated synthetic, full-resin for PET and hard synthetics.
- 02
Direct thermal for a long-life label
WhyThe heat-sensitive coating fades with time, heat and UV — it is a short-term print method.
FixUse thermal transfer for anything that must stay scannable for years or go outdoors.
- 03
The wrong facestock for the printer
WhyBare BOPP or PE without an inkjet-receptive coating beads the ink; the wrong stock smears.
FixMatch inkjet-receptive stock to an inkjet printer and laser-rated stock to a laser printer.
- 04
Dye ink where it gets wet
WhyDye inks bleed and run when they meet water or humidity.
FixUse pigment, eco-solvent or UV ink plus a laminate for anything that gets wet.
- 05
No overprint compatibility
WhyAdding date or lot codes later on the wrong coating makes them bead or smear.
FixSpecify the overprint method up front so the facestock coating suits it.
- 06
Skipping a laminate on a demanding label
WhyUnprotected print scuffs off and UV-fades outdoors.
FixAdd a laminate for outdoor, handled or wet labels — it takes the wear.
Common questions
Why does my barcode rub off?
Usually the wrong ribbon: a wax ribbon on a synthetic film that needs resin. Use wax for paper, wax-resin for coated synthetic, and full-resin for PET and hard synthetics.
Why do direct-thermal labels fade?
Direct-thermal uses a heat-sensitive coating that fades with time, heat and UV. For a label that must last, use thermal transfer with a matched ribbon instead.
Avoid the guesswork
Tell us the surface, the environment and the job, and we’ll spec a material and adhesive that won’t fail — and ship a free sample to prove it.
Materials facts verified by
Kevin— co-founder, materials & manufacturing, Guangzhou. Every claim traces to the factory-floor knowledge base.About Euphora →