Water is one of the major elements that damage printed materials. But if you will read on, we can teach you how to make waterproof labels. With this knowledge, you can protect your thermal labels from water damage and increase their durability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow to Make Waterproof Thermal Prints?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To get the best quality of waterproof thermal prints<\/a>, you have two options. The first option is to use a dye-sublimation printer. But this type of printer can only print on synthetic fiber, such as PVCs.<\/strong><\/strong> The second option is to use resin ribbon to print on polyethylene label rolls with a layer of top coating. You would need a thermal transfer printer<\/a> for this since direct thermals don’t use ribbons. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In the next section, we will see the different ways to achieve waterproof prints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dye-sublimation mechanism vaporizes dye pigments which, in turn, penetrate the print media’s surface. The dyes diffuse into the media material, bonds with its molecules, and creates permanent imprints. Since the imprints are not on the print media’s surface, but embedded within its fabric, it’s waterproof. The image will not fade even after several washings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dye-sublimation pigments do not fade or smudge due to water exposure or high temperature. The ink pigment becomes ingrained in the substrate<\/a>, so it would last as long as the material lasts. This printing techniques is is used specifically on synthetic media materials, such as PVC and polyester. You can also use it to print om pre-coated ceramics and metals, as well as polyester t-shirts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different types of media but not all types are waterproof. Label rolls made of synthetic material typically have waterproof properties<\/a>. The surfaces of these materials repel water, so water cannot penetrate or destroy them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples of synthetic media include those made of polyester, polyimide, polypropylene, polyethylene, and vinyl materials. Thermal printable CDs used in thermal disc printers<\/a>, as well as plastic tapes used in embossing label makers<\/a> are good examples of synthetic media. These materials are durable and good for printing thermal labels that would be constantly exposed to water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The type of thermal ribbon you use for your printing also determines how much water resistance your thermal label would have. There are three types of ribbons: wax, wax\/resin, and resin. Of these three, resin ribbons offer the best<\/a> water resistance and are the most durable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resin ribbon melts into the label material and does not just stay on its surface. So it is smudge-resistant and can withstand moisture-exposure and contact with water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are using paper media but desire to protect the print from water damage, you should use paper rolls that have a top layer of coating. Manufacturers consider this layer of coating to be optional<\/a>, so not all label rolls have it. This layer offers water-resistance and protection from UV damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Top coatings also offer additional water resistance when the base layer of the label roll is made of synthetic media instead of paper. This combination offers more strength and durability. Of all label roll materials, polyethylene seems to be the most durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Laminates and fixative sprays can help shield labels from moisture and UV will make your label both waterproof and UV-stable. If your thermal label is not originally waterproof, you can waterproof it by laminating the label or by using a fixative spray on it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s take a closer look at these two methods<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two types of laminations: Thermal lamination and cold lamination. Thermal lamination involves sandwiching the label between two layers of synthetic material. Since this method requires heat, it is not advisable to use it for thermal labels. Heat can degrade thermal labels<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best lamination method for thermal labels is cold lamination. This method does not involve heat. Instead, it uses pressure to apply a layer of laminate film on the surface of labels. Lamination will slightly reduce the sharpness of your image but that is not too much sacrifice to make for water resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After watching this video, you will be amazed at how easy it is to DIY laminate your thermal prints using the cold lamination method. Do you know that you can make your labels waterproof in the comfort of your home within 1 minute? Watch this video where TaraLee demonstrates how to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\nUse A Dye-Sublimation Printer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use Synthetic Media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use Resin Ribbons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Add Top coating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How To Waterproof All Thermal Labels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Lamination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 Video – How to Waterproof Labels; DIY Homemade Labels for cosmetics and more<\/h4>\n\n\n\n