Chloe Zhang
Printing white ink on plastic is a challenge because most printers do not print white ink. Printers usually have 4-color cartridges (CMYK), and since printers read white as the absence of color, they do not lay down any ink. However, there are some methods and companies that can help you print white on plastic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Printer Type | Inkjet printer, ALPS printer, Epson Stylus Pro WT7900, Canon IP8720, Inkjet Canon IP8720, Laserjet |
| Printer Capabilities | Printing white ink, spot colours, four-colour process images |
| Printing Techniques | UV screen printing, flatbed digital inkjet printing, solvent or UV-curable inks |
| Printing Materials | Clear adhesive stickers, clear plastic film, thin-gauge PVC vinyl, PETG, acrylic, polycarbonate, PET, high-density polyethylene, polystyrene |
| Design Considerations | White ink behind the design to preserve opacity, increase contrast, and adjust transparency |
| Outsourcing Options | Hopkins Printing, Sticker Mule, All Out Graphics |
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What You'll Learn
Printers that can print white on plastic
Printing white ink on plastic can be a challenging task. Most printers produce white by printing on white paper and leaving the desired area unprinted. This means that most printers cannot print white ink on clear plastic. However, there are some options available for those looking to print white on clear plastic.
One option is to use a printer that supports white ink. These printers can be expensive, often costing upwards of $15,000. Examples include the ALPS printer, which is coveted among decal makers, and the Roland VersaCAMM VS, which costs $16,000. OKI printers are also known for their ability to print white ink, but they require special software and are very expensive.
Another option is to use a third-party service that specializes in printing on plastic. Hopkins Printing, for example, offers custom plastic screen printing services and has the capability to print white ink on a variety of plastic materials.
For those looking for a more affordable solution, it may be possible to source white ink for an inkjet printer and refill the ink cartridges. However, this method may not produce the desired results, as one user reported that the white ink was very washed out when using this method.
Finally, there are alternative methods that do not involve traditional printers. One suggestion is to use a label cutting machine to create a stencil, which can then be sprayed or airbrushed with white paint to create the desired effect.
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How to print white on plastic at home
Printing white on plastic can be challenging, especially at home, but it is possible. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to print white on plastic from home:
Printer Selection:
Firstly, you will need to select an appropriate printer. The ALPS printer is the most commonly mentioned printer capable of printing white ink on clear plastic. However, it is an expensive option, and users have reported issues with sharpness and inconsistent print quality across different materials. An alternative is to use a standard inkjet or laser printer with white ink. You can source white ink suitable for an inkjet printer and fill the cartridges with white ink. This method may require some experimentation, and the results may vary.
Paper and Stickers:
Clear adhesive paper or stickers are required for printing white designs. You can purchase clear adhesive film from various suppliers, but ensure it is compatible with your printer. If you are printing stickers, it is important to note that they may be slightly translucent when applied to dark surfaces.
Printing Process:
Before printing, adjust the settings in the printer menu to ensure the best results. If printing envelopes, select 'envelope' under 'Paper Quality'. Under 'Color', set the printer to use only 'Black' or 'Black Only'. Experiment with different settings to achieve the desired results.
Alternative Methods:
If you are unable to print white ink directly onto plastic, there are alternative methods to achieve a similar effect. One method is to use dry transfer lettering or clear blank stickers on top of the printed design. Another method is to create a photo-etched stencil and airbrush white paint over it.
Professional Services:
If all else fails, consider outsourcing the printing. There are professional services that specialize in printing white on clear plastic, and this may be a more cost-effective solution, especially for more complex designs.
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Companies that can print white on plastic
Printing white on plastic can be a challenging task due to the limited availability of suitable printers and the specialised requirements of the process. However, there are companies that have the expertise and equipment to get the job done. Here are some companies that can print white on plastic:
Hopkins Printing
Hopkins Printing is a leading supplier of printing services on plastic, offering innovative solutions for a wide range of applications. They have been in the business for over six decades and can print white ink, spot colours, or four-colour process images. Hopkins Printing caters to various industries, including personal protection equipment (PPE), retail signage, and point-of-purchase graphics (POP). They use high-quality materials and have invested in large-format UV screen printing and large-format UV digital printing technologies.
Unique Assembly & Decorating, Inc.
Unique Assembly & Decorating, Inc. has over 20 years of experience in printing and decorating plastic parts. They offer multiple pretreatment options for polyolefin plastics, such as polypropylene and polyethylene. The company provides cost-effective solutions and can work with various plastic materials, including polypropylene, polyethylene, PVC, and acrylic. Unique Assembly & Decorating, Inc. has the capabilities to handle high-volume printing jobs while maintaining a professional finish.
VistaPrint
VistaPrint is known for its plastic business card printing services. They offer a range of plastic card options, including clear, frosted, and white plastic cards. While they do not offer special textures or finishes on their plastic cards, VistaPrint allows customers to upload their own designs or choose from a variety of templates. VistaPrint's plastic cards stand out from traditional paper stocks and offer added durability and versatility.
Allout-Graphics
Allout-Graphics is a Canadian company that offers direct printing on clear adhesive materials. They can print white ink on clear stickers, making them suitable for various applications, including employee name tags or hobby racing team decals.
Alps Printer
The Alps printer is mentioned as a coveted option for printing white on clear plastic. However, it may not provide the desired sharpness or consistency across different printing materials.
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Cost of printing white on plastic
Printing white on plastic can be a costly endeavour, with the price depending on the method and materials used. One of the most expensive options is to purchase a printer that uses white ink. These printers typically range from $15,000 to $20,000 and use solvent or UV-curable inks. However, there are some less expensive printers available, such as the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900, which may be more suitable for those on a tighter budget.
Another option is to outsource the printing to a company that specialises in printing on plastic. Hopkins Printing, for example, offers custom plastic printing solutions and has been in the business for over six decades. They have the capability to print white ink on a variety of plastic materials and can help you decide on the best material for your project. While outsourcing the printing can save you the cost of purchasing a printer, it may still be a pricey option, depending on the company and the specifics of the job.
If you're looking for a more cost-effective solution, you could consider using a label cutting machine to create a negative mask, which you can then lay over your clear plastic and spray with white paint or airbrush. This method may require some trial and error to get the desired results, but it can be a more affordable option. Additionally, if you already have access to a label maker that prints on clear stickers, you may be able to create your own custom stickers at a lower cost.
The cost of printing white on plastic can also vary depending on the size and complexity of the design. For example, printing a large format design or one that requires high-resolution printing may be more expensive than a smaller, simpler design. It's important to consider the specific requirements of your project and compare prices from different printing companies or suppliers to find the most cost-effective solution.
Overall, the cost of printing white on plastic can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the chosen method and the specific needs of the project. It's important to weigh the upfront costs of purchasing specialised equipment against the ongoing costs of outsourcing the printing to a company that has the necessary capabilities.
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How to print white on clear plastic
Printing white ink on clear plastic is a challenging task that requires specialised equipment. Regular printers cannot print white ink on clear plastic, as they rely on the whiteness of the paper to produce white colours. Inkjet printers are unable to print white ink on clear plastic.
The ALPS printer is one option that can print white ink on clear plastic, but it is expensive and may not produce sharp results. This printer is coveted by decal-making enthusiasts for its unique ability. However, it can be challenging to find a supplier that uses this printer, as they often have high minimum order requirements.
Another option is to use a label-cutting machine like the Stika or Cricut to create a negative mask, which can then be laid over clear labels and sprayed with paint or airbrushed for a more precise finish.
For those seeking a more straightforward solution, it is recommended to outsource the printing to a company specialising in signage and advertising materials or a decal company. These companies have the necessary equipment and expertise to print white ink on clear plastic.
Additionally, some suppliers offer direct printing services onto clear adhesive materials, providing an alternative option worth considering.
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Frequently asked questions
Printing white on plastic at home is possible but not straightforward. You will need a printer that can use white ink, such as the ALPS printer or a white toner printer. You can also try swapping out the black ink cartridge in your current printer with a white ink cartridge. You will also need to use the correct no-heat transfer paper.
The ALPS printer is one of the few printers that can print white on plastic. However, it is not sharp enough for some projects, and it does not print well on all materials. Another option is the Epson Stylus Pro WT7900 printer, which uses solvent or UV-curable inks and costs around $15,000 to $20,000.
The process for printing white on plastic will depend on the printer and materials used. If using a printer that can print white ink, such as the ALPS printer, the process is similar to regular printing. If using a printer that requires a cartridge swap, you will need to deceive the printer by swapping out the black cartridge with a white cartridge.
There are companies that offer UV screen printing or flatbed digital inkjet printing that can print white on plastic. Hopkins Printing and Sticker Mule are two companies that offer this service.
Some alternatives to printing white on plastic include using a label cutting machine to create a negative mask and spraying the area with white paint, or using a photo-etched stencil and airbrushing white paint over it.
