How To Make Inkjet Labels Waterproof

Generally speaking, most inkjet labels are not waterproof. Here's one solution to the problem.

First things first: inkjet printers use inks that are water based, which means the print is NOT WATERPROOF and will run or smudge if a label gets wet.

However, sometimes people simply do not have access to a laser printer but still need waterproof labels that they can print themselves using an inkjet printer.

The simplest solution is a waterproof cover. You could try using a fixant or sealing spray OR you could simply stick a waterproof transparent label over the top of an inkjet printed label.

We have three options that work well for this particular application:

GLOSS TRANSPARENT POLYESTER LABELS FOR INKJET PRINTERS (GCP)
These labels are made of polyester and so the labels themselves are waterproof. Half of the labels can be printed using an inkjet printer while the remaining half are left blank and later stuck over the printed labels thus forming a waterproof cover.

GLOSS TRANSPARENT POLYESTER LABELS FOR LASER PRINTERS (GTP)
These labels are also made of polyester and – providing they are used as blank covering labels only – they may be the better option as they are slightly cheaper. Customers can use their inkjet printer to print other inkjet-compatible labels – in whatever colour or material they prefer – and then simply use a blank GTP label as the waterproof cover.

MATT TRANSPARENT POLYESTER LABELS FOR LASER PRINTERS (MTP)
As for the GTP labels, these polyester labels are a good option to use as blank covering labels only – these may be the preferred option for customers who are applying labels to a matt surface and so want a covering label that matches, rather than a gloss label that stands out.

Customers can see all of the waterproof transparent labels we offer on our website here.

UPDATE: We have now introduced a range of fully waterproof inkjet labels. These waterproof labels are made of matt white polyproylene and a marine adhesive. They have a special coating, which absorbs your print and provides a protective cover. Please note that this material doesn't work with all inkjet inks so we recommend that you request a sample to test with your inkjet printer and inks.

To find out more about the labels available from Label Planet, please visit our home page.