Waterproof Labels: Inkjet versus Laser Printing

If you need labels AND print to be waterproof, you need to use a LASER printer.

Customers who want waterproof labels often ask us about the difference between using waterproof labels with an inkjet or a laser printer.

Laser printers will always produce waterproof labels with waterproof print. This is because the inks used for inkjet printing are water-based and so will smudge when exposed to water. To produce waterproof inkjet labels you would need to use specialist inks, to cover your water-based ink with a transparent label or sealant spray, or to print onto a special material - like our MWPP.

We have a number of different waterproof labels available for use with a laser printer, which can all be found on our Waterproof Labels page.

Our ranges include matt white waterproof labels, gloss white waterproof labels, matt transparent waterproof labels, gloss transparent waterproof labels, removable white waterproof labels, removable transparent labels, and silver waterproof labels.

If customers require waterproof labels that will definitely be exposed to water, particularly in outdoor or marine conditions, we recommend any of our products that are made with our marine tested (BS5609) adhesive.

Our polyethylene labels and polyolefin labels can be printed with an inkjet printer but the print will not be waterproof. We also stock Transparent Inkjet Labels.