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Why isn't the white in my design printing?

Most home or office printers don't have the capability to print white ink. As a result, any white in your design is seen as the absence of color and will not print. Below are examples of how your design may look in various applications without white ink.

Design on white label material
Print should appear as intended.
Label material shown: Standard White Matte
Color gradient printed on white label
 
Design on colored label material, example 1
The label material will show through lighter colors, distorting their appearance.
Label material shown: Brown Kraft
Color gradient printed on brown kraft label

Design on colored label material, example 2
The label material will show through lighter colors, distorting their appearance.
Label material shown: Gold Foil
Color gradient printed on gold foil label
 
Design on clear label material against white/light backgrounds
The background color will minorly affect the appearance of your design colors.
Label material shown: Clear Gloss
Color gradient printed on clear label against white

Design on clear label material against medium backgrounds
The background color will moderately affect the appearance of your design colors.
Label material shown: Clear Gloss
Color gradient printed on clear label against light brown
 
Design on clear label material against black/dark backgrounds
The background color will substantially affect the appearance of your design colors.
Label material shown: Clear Gloss
Color gradient printed on clear label against black

Design on clear label material against dark containers
The container color will substantially affect the appearance of your design colors.
Label material shown: Clear Gloss
Color gradient printed on clear label against dark container
 


Why this happens:
Professional printing companies typically start with a layer of white ink on your label before printing the actual colors in your design. This creates an opaque layer so the colors stand out. Without this capability, desktop printers will produce muted or dull designs. 

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