How to Print Waterproof Labels

Cian Spies
Oct 3
2 min read

Why Waterproof Labels Matter:

Waterproof labels are a must-have for businesses in food & beverage, cosmetics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, outdoor products, and more. When labels get wet, smudged, or fade, it damages your brand credibility and can cause compliance issues.

Outsourcing waterproof label printing can be expensive and slow. Printing in-house gives you control, flexibility, and cost savings, but it requires the right equipment, materials, and techniques.

The Challenges of Printing Waterproof Labels

Material Selection: Standard paper labels won’t survive moisture. You need synthetic or laminated materials designed for water resistance.
Printing Method: Inkjet printers smudge easily on waterproof surfaces. Thermal transfer and dye-sublimation printers provide more durable results.
Ink & Ribbon Quality: Using the correct ribbons or inks compatible with waterproof materials is essential to avoid fading or peeling.
Durability Testing: Labels must be tested in real-world conditions like fridge/freezer exposure, outdoor rain, or chemical contact.

Best Practices for Printing Waterproof Labels In-House

1. Choose the Right Printer Type

Thermal Transfer Printers are the gold standard for waterproof labels because they use ribbons that fuse ink onto synthetic materials, making the print smudge-proof and durable.
Dye-Sublimation Printers work well for photo-quality waterproof labels with vibrant colors, great for product branding.

Crane Distributors offers excellent thermal transfer models like the Citizen CL-E321 and TSC TTP-244 Pro, perfect for waterproof label jobs.

2. Use High-Quality Waterproof Label Materials

Opt for polypropylene, polyester, or vinyl label stock with waterproof and tear-resistant properties.
Laminated labels add an extra protective layer but may require printers that handle thicker media.

3. Select Compatible Ribbons and Inks

Wax-resin and resin ribbons are best for thermal transfer waterproof labels, providing durability against moisture and abrasion.
Match ribbon type with your label stock and printer specifications.

4. Optimize Print Settings and Test

Adjust print speed and temperature for optimal ribbon transfer.
Run sample tests in expected environments (e.g., immersion in water, freezer storage).
Check adhesion and legibility over time.

Recommended Printers & Materials from Crane Distributors

Citizen CL-E321 Thermal Transfer Printer: Durable, versatile, and reliable for high-quality waterproof labels.
TSC TTP-244 Pro: Industrial-level performance with strong ribbon compatibility.
Zebra ZD230: Compact and effective for smaller-scale waterproof label production.
Waterproof Label Rolls: Polypropylene and polyester labels available on Crane Distributors’ website.
Wax-Resin & Resin Ribbons: Essential for lasting waterproof prints, also stocked by Crane Distributors.

Bottom Line

In-house waterproof label printing is achievable and cost-effective with the right gear and know-how. Investing in proven thermal transfer printers and quality materials from Crane Distributors gives your business control over quality, speed, and costs, critical for maintaining brand integrity and compliance under tough conditions.