Answers to Common Printing Issues

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Posted by dada on February 26, 2010 · Leave a Comment · ·

Q. Why aren’t my labels lining up with the graphics?

Different printers handle paper differently. Even a slight shift when feeding the paper into the printer can cause the designs to not print exactly in the center of the label. I can’t promise that you will ever be able to perfectly center the design on the label stock.

I have made some design choices to facilitate the printing process. I recommend some test prints.

I offer something I called the “messy” templates. If you specify the label stock you will be using, I can create digital files delivered with your personalized label that stretch the backgrounds to cover the space between the die-cut labels.

If you happen to order label stock from me, I will include 1 extra “test sheet” for each 10 ordered and 2 printed paper templates for registration tests.

Or you can always order printed labels from me.

Q. I want my bottle labels to be waterproof. What kind of labels should I use?

Waterproof is hard to guarantee but you can certainly create water resistant labels using the right combination of label stock and printer.

If in doubt of which label stock to use, consider ordering a sample pack of Labels-by-the-sheet’s excellent selection of White Photo Gloss Labels, White Matte Water-Resistant Vinyl Inkjet Labels, among others.

I am in no way associated with Labels-by-the-sheet or Online Labels but I purchased from these companies a number of times and they have yet to let us down.

Q: What are the differences between copier, inkjet and laser printers?

In a nutshell, laser printers use a powder pigment activated by heat or light. They tend to be water-resistant by nature of the process. Many plain paper copiers and fax machines use this type of ink as well. Inkjet printers use liquid ink.

For more information about the difference, read this excellent post at Yahoo answers or The Office Guide’s quick primer on printers, copiers and paper.

Q. What kind of printer do I have? Is it waterproof?

A. I can’t answer that easily but, more than likely, you have an inkjet printer. If you have any doubt, google the model name on the front of your printer to be sure. Check the manufacturer’s Ibsite for that information. If the site doesn’t say one way or the other, call the manufacturer’s 1-800 support number to make sure.

OR print an image on decent paper. Wait til it dries then hold it for a 15 seconds under a running faucet. Its a quick and messy test.

I have an Epson R1900 Large Format Photo Printer and HP Photosmart Pro B9180 Photo Printer, both of which are great printers with waterproof inks. I have been told that not all Epson UltraChrome Printers are water-resistant but I haven’t run into this problem.

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