The Versus blog! Make an informed decision between different options for printing the same label

When giving an advice to customers about the best way of printing their project we need to have also the visual example. Even-though the screen is not the entirely correct way, you can have an idea of what we mean. Below are the most common comparisons we make in regards to the printing quality/build in prize.

Let’s compare!


Taffeta VS Satin

If we are asked from customers Taffeta or Satin we explain as following: The taffeta has a feel of paper as it is verylight coated fabric, the surface is smooth and ideal for printing in color. Another advantage is that with taffeta the manufacturing is faster as it saves 5-6 hours from the heat cure compared to the satin. The satin is more luxurious material, it is shiny, more durable bot more time-consuming for print.

HD Satin VS Satin

We compare both type of satin in the cases when the graphic is more complicated and you need sharper visualisation. The difference with the HD (High definition) satin is that the weave is more dense and the inks hold better and more precise. The HD satin is also more durable than the plain one.

Woven edge Satin VS double-sided Satin

Woven edge satin is often offered for double sided print and customers often decide between double sided satin and woven edge satin for the clothing care labels or logo labels. The woven edge is also considered to be best for the printed logo and decorative ribbons.

Natural VS White cotton

This is a common question. In terms of look and feel, what is the difference between the main cotton materials we offer. The feel is absolutely the same and just the base color has a pure white or beige tint. Price-wise the natural cotton is more expensive.

Sew-on VS Stick-on labels

Especially for the home textile products we offer stick on solution that replaces the sew on label. Mostly for the corner label for mattresses. The Sewing labels are usually printed on satin on Flexo and the stick on option is on adhesive satin printed on offset.

Flexographic VS Screen print

We give two option for printing on dark base materials such as the black satin or taffeta. Choosing Flexo print will give you a decent print on the bright colors but choosing the Screen print you will have more vivid colors. It is especially recommended if you need the whites to be brighter as shown on the picture below.

Offset VS Flexographic print in CMYK

The Offset print in our practice is used mainly for printing on Self-adhesive satin or on cardboard. This type of print is for graphics that are in CMYK color mode such as photographs or more complicated illustrations. If you have to decide between using Flexo or Offset for your self-adhesive satin labels you can see the difference here. The Offset has the better visualisation!

Flexographic VS Thermal-Transfer print

When it comes to printing simple one color label for your products you can always choose the Thermo-transfer type of print over the Flexo! In this case you compromise a little bit with the quality of the print. Here you can see both examples printed on HD Satin. With the Flexo print the letters have are better outlined!

Colored background VS natural base

We have to always make a note for the enquiries where the graphics are with colored background. Firstly - the ink layer alter slightly the feeling of the material as it makes it harder and it looses the shine. On the other side different materials absorb the inks in a different ways and the final outcome varies color-wise. See here examples on satin, taffeta and cotton.

Vector VS Raster for Flexo print

We always advise when is possible the graphics to be set in Pantone colors (Max 6 on front and 2 at the back). Here you can see the difference of the same graphic printed in 6 colors and in CMYK on Flexo type of print! You can see how much sharper the spot colors appear to be!

OekoTex certified VS not -OekoTex certified

As mentioned in another blog, the difference lies in the certificate for test for harmful substances. The materials with certificate are often used for products for which the label will contact to the skin, for children toys etc.There is no visual difference between both examples.