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Printing Custom Kraft Labels

PRINTING CUSTOM KRAFT LABELS 101

Looking to get a more natural looking stock for your custom labels?

“Kraft” is one of the label stocks that comes across as most familiar, because this common descriptive term refers to brown paper, which is sturdy, machine-made paper created from wood pulp.

While brown Kraft stock is the popular choice, did you know that this can also be bleached to a pure white? There are so many applications for this awesome label material…

Get it right the first time—read on below and take note of all the important Kraft-y info before you print!

INKABLE TRIVIA: Did you know that the name Kraft is derived from the German word for strong?

Custom Kraft Labels are special because of the immediate personality they provide for your products. While you can choose to do standard white plastic labels or paper labels, printing the same artwork on kraft label material instantly changes the look and feel of your custom labels.

Our Kraft label stock is made from pulverized wood pulp.

This is blended, cooked in “white liquor” (a Sodium Sulfide and Sodium Hydroxide mix), microcrepped (dried with loose draws to make the material more porous and elastic), until it becomes large sheets of strong brown wood filament.

The process of making this is called the Kraft Process. Sulfate is used in the conditioning of the wood pulp, improving the overall strength of the finished kraft paper. Permanent acrylic adhesive is applied underneath to transform it into strong label stock.

Usually, a protective layer, called the “Top Coat”, will be found on top of labels. This coating is a laminate that makes the prints shinier (if gloss laminate is applied) or gives a satin finish to mimic the finish of uncoated paper (if matte laminate is used).

REMEMBER:

All kraft labels have a paper base and are printed and finished without laminate, which means that they are neither waterproof nor moisture-proof.

This lends to a shorter life span in terms of ink rubbing off and labels getting damaged with moisture.

This is an Inkable Label Co. sample of a Kraft label. To be clear, if you are using Kraft for products that may come in contact with water, oil, or solvents, you need to add a laminate to make sure your prints stay protected.

Black ink works perfectly with Kraft, creating good, stark prints, and excellent contrast despite the colored background.

However, this is exactly the set visual and tactile characteristic that you would need if you would opt for Kraft—earthy, natural, and comes with a slight texture, for a product that requires this kind of look and feel.

One important thing to keep in mind is that since this stock is not white, colors will appear darker due to the paper base color.

Since you’re using a material that isn’t naturally white, you’ll get less contrast to begin with. Take a look at some important considerations below before you start printing your custom kraft labels.

IMPORTANT NOTES WHEN DESIGNING ARTWORK FOR YOUR CUSTOM KRAFT LABELS

Your artwork previously printed on white stock will translate differently on this stock, and there will be less contrast using the same label artwork unless you adjust your color values.

Stay away from light to medium browns and reds if you are using these colors for important text because they won’t print as clearly on brown kraft labels. The brown background won’t do you any favors when it comes to highlighting said design elements.

Stick to black or white especially if the text are details of your product or event–this guarantees good printability and readability on kraft labels!

⊗ A WORD OF CAUTION: Not all kraft paper are of the same undertones. Yes, Kraft paper is brown, but stocks are slightly different depending on the paper manufacturer.

GET SAMPLES FIRST if you’re going for that seamless transition. Kraft labels that will “disappear” onto kraft boxes/packaging need to match.

Some Kraft stocks can be yellower or redder than others. Never assume that what you see on-screen is accurate. No screen can be calibrated perfectly to guarantee exact colors.

Our kraft paper labels have YELLOW UNDERTONES. Black print and black border = Great contrast and crisp prints. Choosing to do dark brown or dark red prints would give you lesser contrast, as the stock is not white.

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR

CUSTOM KRAFT LABELS WHEN NOT IN USE

Remember to store your uncoated kraft labels in a dry place, not exposed to sunlight. These labels fade more quickly because they are not reinforced by any protective coating or laminate.

Keep them away from a place where they might be accidentally faced with water, because the material isn’t waterproof.

Using kraft labels for your branding and outer packaging needs? Take note of the characteristics of this particular label stock so you don’t run into any problems.

Be aware of print considerations so you get exactly what you need for your custom product labels.

Kraft has been a preferred material for coffee labels, candle labels, and honey labels. Remember to list down the requirements of your print project. Prepare your design correctly considering the color of this stock.

If you are after solid-colored custom kraft label prints like the one below:

Be sure to ask for white ink underprinting and have your print designer perform a Prepress Check so that you receive perfect custom kraft labels, every time.

Remember to thoroughly clean the surface of your containers with alcohol. Let it dry before you apply your labels to ensure excellent tack.

LET’S PRINT CUSTOM KRAFT LABELS!

*Take advantage of our quantity discounts when you are ready to order in larger quantities. All our Kraft labels ship free US-wide and can be cut to size, without the expensive setup cost.

◊ GET A SAMPLE SHEET OF YOUR KRAFT LABELS NOW (INCLUDES FREE PREPRESS CHECK) FOR AS LOW AS $50.

◊ CLICK TO GET A CUSTOM QUOTE.

Printing Custom Kraft Labels

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