If you\u2019re printing a direct thermal label for outdoor application or one that will be exposed to water and wet conditions, you should use direct thermal printable films (DTP Films) instead of direct thermal papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhat Are Waterproof Direct Thermal Labels?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Direct Thermal Printable Films, called DTP films for short, are a variety of direct thermal labels with waterproof properties. They are made of a synthetic (plastic-based) substrate layer.<\/a><\/strong> DTP films are more expensive than thermal papers but they are ideal still for waterproof applications. They are also more durable and offer abrasion-, and chemical-resistance.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct thermal labels often have a substrate layer (the material to print on) and a dye layer (the layer with the pigment that creates the image). The dye layer is usually the same for both thermal papers and DTP films. The substrate layer is where they differ. While direct thermal papers are made with paper substrate<\/a>, DTP films are made with plastic-based substrate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from the dye layer and the substrate layers, some manufacturers add a top-coat layer to their labels. This layer also offers some measure of water-resistance to the labels and make them more durable. But it doesn’t make them water-proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DTP films can be made from polyester, polyethylene, polyimide, polypropylene, and vinyl. These different types of plastic substrates define the different types of waterproof direct thermal rolls. But they all share one thing in common. They are waterproof, chemical-resistant, and damage-resilient.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The common types of plastic face stocks used for making waterproof direct thermal labels include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polyester labels rolls are long-lasting and durable because they can resist scratches and tears. They are also waterproof and can withstand tough conditions, but they are more suitable for indoor applications. High-grade polyester is resistant to harsh chemicals<\/a>, so you can use them in laboratories that work with tough solvents and chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Polyethylene rolls are mostly used for bottle labeling and curved surface applications because they are very pliant and malleable. Polyethylene is also recyclable<\/a>, and so are polyethylene labels. This property makes them good for the environment. Polyethylene is the cheapest option<\/a> for making professional labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is a heat-resistant film, which is rare to find among direct thermal labels. They can also withstand aggressive chemicals. You can use them for applications that would be under high-temperature exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These rolls are the most common direct thermal plastic films on the market. They are cheap but are most suitable for short-term applications. But there are some sophisticated options for high-end applications where archiving is a concern. Lots of people use BOPP (biaxially-oriented polypropylene), a type of polypropylene film because it is versatile and rugged. BOPP labels last long even under exposure to cool and humid conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hallmarks of the vinyl film are its durability and flexibility. They have excellent chemical-, tear-, and moisture-resistance. You can use them for diverse outdoor applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use DTP films for general labeling and tagging applications that don\u2019t require elaborate printing. They are ideal for outdoor applications that will be exposed to water. You can also use them for printing critical information, such as barcodes, that may be exposed to wet conditions. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the common applications of waterproof direct thermal labels are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you run a business that needs any of these applications, you should consider using DTP films instead of direct thermal papers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DTP labels are resistant to oil, water, and plasticizers. They also have an outstanding finish and texture that produce a sharp image and a fine print. What’s more, they hardly tear and can withstand extreme conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, direct thermal printing<\/a> makes label printing simpler and reduces warehouse requirements. When you use DTP films, you wouldn\u2019t have to incur any additional expenses. You don\u2019t need to buy other inventory items like ribbons, toners, or ink. The film is all you need for your printing initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from these general benefits, here are some of the advantages of DTP films over direct thermal paper labels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can use direct thermal papers for indoor applications because they are more economical but they can tear and can be damaged by water. DTP films, on the other hand, are tear-resistant and water-resistant among other advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moisture and high humidity causes bleeding and smudging<\/a> on paper materials. But waterproof thermal rolls<\/a> can hold up in moist and humid environments. They are ideal for applications where contact with rain, damp conditions, and other forms of liquids are inevitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plastic label stock works more easily in thermal printers because their surfaces are smoother than paper labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDifferent Types of Waterproof Direct Thermal Labels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Polyester<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Polyethylene<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Polyimide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Polypropylene<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Vinyl<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Can You Do With DTP Films?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of Using DTP Films<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Outdoor Applications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
They Can Withstand Moisture and High Humidity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Easy Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Non-plastic Waterproof Direct Thermal Labels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n