How white ink works

You want unique labels with metallic effects or you want a transparent background? Here comes to the scene the white ink.

Let’s just cover what is white ink. By the name you can tell it is an ink with white color. It is used for white base for maintaining some elements to be readable and scanable like QR codes and barcodes. Also it can be used directly as it is for better contrast on craft paper, dark vinyl, transparent substrates, holographic, etc. 

How does it work you ask? We can share few steps of the process.

First we need a label. Why not this front label for a popcorn package in galaxy style. We will call the brand “Galaxy Pop” because it offers popcorn sprinkled with colored editable  glitter in different shades like blue, purple, pink, etc. The client wants to be printed on holographic material.

Second the client shares what it needs to have a shine/ metallic effect to specific areas on the artwork. Sometimes they reach out to the printing company for best solutions.

For example the “Galaxy Pop” label will have white ink for the logo, text content and the popcorn.

Third the graphic artist prepares the artwork file for print by making a white ink layer above the design layer. Over there the elements that need white ink base will be copy pasted from the design and will be given a spot color called “White” for example in 100% cyan. The magenta, yellow and black will be at 0%. This will help the machine to recognise that this area needs the specific ink.

Note: Different printers have different programs and different requirements how a white ink to be called and where to be positioned.

Forth we send to the client an art proof for approval. When this happens, the print file is ready to go.

Fifth the printing operator prepares a holographic substrate on the machine and loads the print file.

Sixth the machine firstly covers with white ink the mettalic paper and then prints out the design. Specific areas will have have metallic effect and some will not. This gives some uniqueness and character to the brand’s design.

Here is the finalized product.

So folks, this is how the white ink works. Hope you enjoyed it and learned something new or got clarity on the subject that you needed .