How to Make Waterproof Inkjet Labels Leave a comment
Many businesses wonder how to make waterproof inkjet stickers and labels for bottles, or other products that might be exposed to liquid. While there are many options to ensure your labels are durable and water-resistant, it’s important to note that labels made on most standard commercial label printers will never be fully waterproof.
However, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the materials and products you can use to make your labels as waterproof as possible. When your company needs labels that can stand up to freezer temperatures, or exposure to liquids so that they don’t bleed and run, Chicago Color Label can help.
Making your own DIY waterproof inkjet stickers & labels
If you’re already printing your own laser or inkjet labels on sheets, have very low label quantities, and your not quite ready to invest in a more expensive, automatic solution, here is a video on creating your own DIY waterproof inkjet labels inexpensively using packing tape. It involves using wide packing tape and a suitable (yet cheap) application tool to cover your printed labels. Keep in mind that this method is fairly labor-intensive as it requires a lot of prep and trimming but we love DIY solutions to problems and this seems like a good option.
Water-Resistant & Waterproof Label Materials
Of course, companies know that some label materials are more water-resistant than others. Standard paper labels and ink aren’t going to be waterproof at all. Synthetic materials and materials certified BS5609 are going to be the closest you can get to waterproof labels. Industries that use BS5609-certified label materials to protect against mild to moderate liquid exposure include:
- Frozen food
- Chilled beverage
- Refrigerated food
- Chemical
- Pharmaceutical
Make sure your BS5609-certified label material remains BS5609-compliant when it’s paired with your printer. Otherwise, you won’t get the same level of protection.
Other synthetic materials that are great for making water-resistant labels include:
- Polypropylene/BOPP (The primary component in BS5609 materials.)
- Vinyl
- Polyester
Choosing a Water-Resistant Sticker & Label Maker
Once you’ve selected your material for your water-resistant labels, make sure you’re using the right kind of printer. Toner fuses to the material, which makes it far more water-resistant. We offer the Afinia LT5C as an alternative to inkjet. It is a toner-based option that works great if that high durability is your top priority. However, toner is a bit more expensive, and print quality can vary depending on factors such as color gradients and fine details (contact us for LT5C samples to see how your artwork looks on the LT5C). If every penny counts, and quality may be an issue. An inkjet printer may be the right solution.
Inkjet printers can be a happy medium, as many pigment-based inkjet printers create such a high level of water resistance that they’re BS5609-certified. One of our favorites is the Afinia L502 Label Printer. When coupled with BS5809 printing materials, a BS5809 printer can create labels that can remain undamaged under saltwater for years without bleeding. Another option is the VP550 Color Printer— while not BS5609-certified, it has a unique ink formulation that offers enhanced durability and water resistance.
Is Lamination Necessary?
Lamination is one way you can go a step further in printing waterproof inkjet labels.
Contact us for more information on your lamination options or take a look at our label finishing options here. A combination of lamination and synthetic waterproof material is your best bet for getting the most waterproof inkjet labels possible.
Find Everything to Make Water-Resistant Labels and More at Chicago Color Label
From how to make water-resistant and waterproof inkjet labels to finding the right supplies to make them, turn to Chicago Color Label! Our team is here to help you find the products you need to keep up with printing demands so you can produce the labels your clients need to their specifications.