Looking to order some custom cut print options? Want to ensure artwork is approved and you don’t get delayed by proofing? Jason Xuereb, co-owner and Head of Production, has shared some quick tutorials to show you how to set up your design for hassle-free printing.
Special Thru Cut Custom Cut Print
In the example above Jason utilises a ‘selfie frame’, which involves a rectangle cut on the inside and another on the outside.
For simple cut shapes, it’s crucial to include the full cut data in the file, ensuring the complete shape desired for cutting is present, rather than relying on the trim box.
The critical step is to apply a stroke correctly with the name “Thru-cut” set as a spot color. To do this:
Use a swatch named “Thru cut” which is designated as a spot color.
Verify in the swatch details that it is indeed a spot color named “Thru-Cut”
It is important to use the specific naming convention of capital “T,” lowercase “h, r & u.” Followed by “-cut”
In the example, the rectangle on the outside must also have the “Thru-cut” spot colour applied. This is done by selecting the rectangle tool, applying the shape, and ensuring the “Thru-cut” spot color is applied to this outer rectangle as well.
Setting Up Your Spot Colours for Print
Mediapoint uses five main spot colours for different products and printing purposes:
Thru-cut: To cut fully through the media. Score: To partially cut through the media. Crease: To use the creasing wheel for creating a fold line. Hole: To cut small holes using the POT tool. White: To print white ink on labels.
Custom cut print makes it essential to correctly set up these colours in your artwork. Here’s a step-by-step based on the video above:
Select and set up the swatches in the design software.
For setting up a spot colour (e.g., Thru-cut), select any colour, go to the swatches palette, and ensure the name is correctly spelled and the colour type is set to spot.
The actual colour of the swatch does not matter as it will be removed by the Mediapoint automated production system during pre-press.
To create the remaining spot colours (score, crease, hole, and white), repeat the process by selecting the new colour, clicking new, typing the specific name, selecting spot, and confirming.
If you’d prefer not to create these spot colours manually, we’ve got you covered. Mediapoint offers a swatch file library on-demand. Just follow these steps:
Welcome to Mediapoint’s Labels and Stickers Stock Guides. This page is dedicated to providing you with detailed specifications and insights for our range of label and sticker materials. By familiarising yourself with these guides you can ensure that your designs will meet expectations and application requirements.
White BOPP
Our White Gloss BOPP is an ultra white polypropylene top coated film designed for ultimate label application conformation on many difficult and contoured surfaces. Supplied with a clean crisp white finish for optimum screen and print tone resolution.
Service Temperature range -40 degrees celsius to 120 degrees celsius
Backing is 65gsm Glassine liner
Product Overview:
The Mediapoint Gloss White BOPP (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene) is a premium label stock that combines exceptional durability with a high-gloss finish. It is designed to provide your products with a superior presentation that stands out on the shelves. The material is resistant to water, oil, and most household chemicals, making it ideal for applications that require a robust label, including food and beverage products, cosmetics, and bath and body products.
Features:
High-Gloss Finish: Ensures vibrant print clarity and colour brilliance.
Water Resistant: Suitable for refrigerated products and beverages.
Oil and Chemical Resistant: Ideal for products exposed to harsh environments.
UV Resistant: Maintains print quality and colour integrity under exposure to sunlight.
Easy Application: The adhesive is designed for easy application and strong adherence to a variety of surfaces.
Specifications:
Material: Gloss White Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP)
Adhesive: Permanent acrylic adhesive
Maximum Roll Width: 1300 mm
Maximum Roll Length: 1000 m
Printing Technology Compatibility: Compatible with most major printing technologies including flexographic, digital, and thermal transfer.
Applications:
Food and Beverage Labels: Ideal for bottled products, jar labels, and refrigerated goods.
Cosmetic Labels: Perfect for beauty products that are frequently handled and stored in various environments.
Chemical Product Labels: Resists degradation from industrial oils, solvents, and cleaners.
Health and Wellness Products: Labels that stay intact on products often stored in wet environments like bathrooms.
Ordering Information: For more details on ordering Mediapoint White BOPP, including custom sizes and volume discounts, please contact our sales team at sales@mediapoint.com.au or visit our website at www.mediapoint.com.au.
Clear BOPP
Our Clear Gloss is a clear polypropylene top-coated film designed for ultimate label application conformity on many difficult and contoured surfaces. It provides excellent clarity for optimum print results and label performance, ensuring a cloud-free, high-resolution finish.
Service Temperature range -40 degrees celsius to 120 degrees celsius
Backing is 56gsm Glassine liner
Product Overview:
The Clear Gloss is a clear polypropylene top coated film designed for ultimate label application conformation on many difficult and contoured surfaces. Multiple features of this gloss make it a versatile and reliable choice for a variety of labelling applications, particularly where clarity and durability are paramount.
Features:
Clear Polypropylene Top-Coated Film: Provides a high clarity film that ensures optimal print results and label performance, giving a cloud-free and high-resolution finish.
Ultimate Label Conformity: Designed for ultimate application conformity on many difficult and contoured surfaces, making it suitable for complex packaging needs.
Durability: Constructed with a durable face-stock that is ideal for prime labels, especially in the body care industry where labels may be subject to frequent handling.
UV Exposure Resistance: Offers up to 6 months of UV exposure resistance depending on ink coverage, ensuring longevity under sunlight.
General Purpose Permanent Adhesive (AP901): Features a water-based acrylic adhesive that provides high cohesion and excellent clarity. It performs very well on apolar substrates such as PE and PP, and is approved for direct skin contact applications like plasters.
Temperature Resilience: The adhesive can handle a wide range of temperatures, with an application temperature minimum of -5°C and a service temperature ranging from -40°C to +120°C.
Laminate Longevity: Comes with a 24-month shelf life when stored at optimal conditions (20°C/50% RH), ensuring long-term usability without degradation in quality.
Technical Data:
Grammage (ISO 536): 45 g/m²
Caliper (ISO 534): 50 microns
UV Exposure: 6 months depending on ink coverage
Adhesive: AP901 General Purpose Permanent
Composition: Water-based acrylic
Direct Sunlight Resistance: Excellent
Cohesion: High
Application Temperature: Minimum -5°C
Service Temperature: -40°C to +120°C
Tack (FTM9): 8N/Inch
Ultimate Adhesion (FTM2): 7N/Inch
Laminate:
Shelf Life: 24 months at 20°C/50% RH
Typical Laminate Caliper: 124±6 µm
Total Weight: 130±6
Backing:
Type: WG White Glassine (1 side siliconised)
Grammage: 65 gsm
Caliper: 56 microns
Transparency: >40%
Silver BOPP
Our Silver BOPP is a 50-micron top-coated silver polypropylene film with a brilliant gloss surface, ideal for crisp colour reproduction and optimum print results. It supports various print methods including letterpress UV, screen, flexographic, and offset printing.
Service Temperature range -40 degrees Celsius to 120 degrees Celsius
Backing is 62gsm Glassine liner
Product Overview: The Silver Bopp is a top choice for high-quality, durable labels that require a metallic appearance with superior print clarity. The adhesive properties and durability of inks make this suitable for water, food & beverage, household, chemical, and point-of-sale labels.
Features:
Metallised Silver Polypropylene Film: This top-coated silver polypropylene film has a brilliant gloss surface that enhances crisp colour reproduction and optimizes print results.
Versatile Printing Compatibility: Suitable for various printing methods including letterpress UV, screen, flexographic, and offset printing, making it adaptable for different label production requirements.
Durability and Label Performance: Designed for use in applications where a demanding label substrate is required, including labels for water, food & beverage, household products, chemicals, and point of sale.
High Cohesion Adhesive: Equipped with AP901 general purpose permanent adhesive, known for its high cohesion, good clarity, and excellent performance on non-comparable substrates (PE, PP). This adhesive is also approved for direct contact with skin, suitable for products like plasters.
Excellent Sunlight Resistance: The adhesive provides excellent resistance to direct sunlight, ensuring that the labels maintain their integrity and appearance over time.
Broad Temperature Range: The adhesive supports a broad temperature range with a minimum application temperature of -5°C and a service temperature range from -40°C to +120°C.
Laminate Features: Includes a laminate shelf life of 24 months when stored at 20°C and 50% relative humidity. The typical laminate caliper is 130±6 microns with a total weight of 128±6 grams per square meter.
Technical Data:
Grammage (ISO 536): 45 g/m²
Caliper (ISO 534): 50 microns
Adhesive: AP901 General Purpose Permanent
Composition: Water-based acrylic
Direct Sunlight Resistance: Excellent
Cohesion: High
Application Temperature: Minimum -5°C
Service Temperature: -40°C to +120°C
Tack (FTM9): 8N/Inch
Ultimate Adhesion (FTM2): 7N/Inch
Laminate:
Shelf Life: 24 months at 20°C/50% RH
Typical Laminate Caliper: 130±6 µm
Total Weight: 128±6
Backing:
Type: WG White Glassine (1 side siliconised)
Grammage: 62 gsm
Caliper: 55 microns
Matte Paper
Our two-sided label matte paper is a high quality machine-coated paper with a crisp matt white finish. It offers superior thermal transfer printing capabilities and colour reproduction.
Service Temperature range -20 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius
Backing is 62gsm Glassine liner
Product Overview:
These Matte finish two-sided labels are made of high quality, wood-free, machine coated paper with excellent whiteness. The matt surface means greater thermal print transfer and superior colour reproduction – so your labels will pop with colour as intended.
Features:
Metallised Silver Polypropylene Film: This top-coated silver polypropylene film has a brilliant gloss surface that enhances crisp colour reproduction and optimizes print results.
Versatile Printing Compatibility: Suitable for various printing methods including letterpress UV, screen, flexographic, and offset printing, making it adaptable for different label production requirements.
Durability and Label Performance: Designed for use in applications where a demanding label substrate is required, including labels for water, food & beverage, household products, chemicals, and point of sale.
High Cohesion Adhesive: Equipped with AP901 general purpose permanent adhesive, known for its high cohesion, good clarity, and excellent performance on non-comparable substrates (PE, PP). This adhesive is also approved for direct contact with skin, suitable for products like plasters.
Excellent Sunlight Resistance: The adhesive provides excellent resistance to direct sunlight, ensuring that the labels maintain their integrity and appearance over time.
Broad Temperature Range: The adhesive supports a broad temperature range with a minimum application temperature of -5°C and a service temperature range from -40°C to +120°C.
Laminate Features: Includes a laminate shelf life of 24 months when stored at 20°C and 50% relative humidity. The typical laminate caliper is 130±6 microns with a total weight of 128±6 grams per square meter.
Technical Data:
Grammage (ISO 536): 82 g/m²
Caliper (ISO 534): 72 microns
Adhesive: S-Type – Permanent Acrylic
Peel Adhesion (N/25mm, FTM 1): 12.7
Initial Tack (N/25mm, FTM 9): 7.8
Cohesion (h, FTM 8): ≥ 3 hours
Minimum Application Temperature: 5°C
Service Temperature: -20 to 70°C
Laminate:
Shelf Life: 24 months at 23°C/50% RH
Typical Laminate Caliper: 142 microns (162gsm)
Backing:
Type: White Glassine
Grammage: 62 gsm
Caliper: 53 microns
Opacity: 60%
Gloss Paper
This gloss paper is a lustrous wet-strength paper cellulose substrate with a high cast gloss surface, offering exceptional print and colour results.
Service Temperature range -40 degrees Celsius to 1200 degrees Celsius
Backing is 65gsm Glassine liner
Product Overview:
This paper is crafted to enhance the visual quality of labels with its striking gloss finish, ensuring standout labels on any shelf. That makes this product versatile and suitable for a wide array of applications including wine and beverage labelling, as well as health and cosmetic labels. Its robust properties make it ideal for environments where moisture resistance and aesthetic appeal are crucial.
Features:
High Cast Gloss Surface: Delivers exceptional print and color results with a premium gloss finish that ensures labels are visually striking and vibrant.
Wet-Strength Paper: Crafted from a robust wet-strength paper cellulose substrate, Verdure Lustre is highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for labels that may be exposed to wet or humid conditions.
Versatile Applications: Perfect for a wide range of labeling needs, including wine and beverage labels, health products, and cosmetics, providing flexibility for various industry requirements.
Superior Adhesion Qualities: Features a pure acrylic adhesive (AP903) that offers good adhesion across a broad temperature range, which is crucial for maintaining label integrity in varying environmental conditions.
Excellent Clarity for Wet and Cold Surfaces: The adhesive is designed to provide clear and durable label adhesion, particularly effective for applications like wine labels that are stored in cold and moist environments.
Good Direct Sunlight Resistance: Ensures that the labels maintain their visual appeal and do not degrade when exposed to sunlight, preserving the product’s branding.
Low Cohesion: While providing strong initial tack, the adhesive allows for easier handling and application, making it user-friendly for labeling operations.
Durable and Reliable: The laminate and backing materials are designed to support the longevity and durability of labels, with a laminate shelf life of 24 months when stored properly.
Technical Data:
Grammage (ISO 536): 80 g/m²
Caliper (ISO 534): 86 microns
Adhesive: AP903
Type: Pure acrylic adhesive formulation
Characteristics: Offers good adhesion across a broad temperature range, excellent clarity for wet and cold surfaces which is particularly advantageous for wine labels.
Direct Sunlight Resistance: Good
Cohesion: Low
Application Temperature: -5ºC (minimum)
Service Temperature: -40ºC to +120ºC
Tack (FTM9): 8 N/inch²
Ultimate Adhesion (FTM2): 9 N/inch
Laminate:
Shelf Life: 24 months when stored at 20ºC/50% RH
Typical Laminate Caliper: 164±6 microns
Total Weight: 167±6 grams per square meter
Backing:
Type: WG White Glassine – 1 side siliconised supercalendered white glassine
We want every label and sticker print job to be as seamless as possible for you. Using our ordering portal is a simple and effective way to get jobs done fast. Here are the 4 key things you need to know when getting started with our system:
Logging In To Our Portal
Overview
Navigate to the Mediapoint website and click the login button at the top.
Choose to log into the old IQ system or the new order system for labels and stickers.
Enter your login details and password. If you encounter issues, use the forgot passwordprompt to reset your password.
Once your credentials are entered, click the login button to access the system.
Adding Users To Your Label Account
Overview
As a company owner, click on the settings button to manage users.
To add a new user, click the add new users button, fill in their details, create a password, and select their role (employee or owner).
After setting up a new user, they should receive an email notification.
Getting a Label / Sticker Print Quote
Overview
Select the Labels on Sheetsproduct and choose the label’s shape.
For square or circle labels, ensure no cut lines are added. For custom shapes, a thru-cut stroke is required.
Enter the label size and select options such as rounded corners (note that square corners are not available due to the digital cutting process).
Choose the quantity and review cost-saving options suggested by the system.
Save the quote by adding it to the cart and optionally download a physical copy.
Nail your pre-print setup with our label artwork guide – CLICK HERE
Accepting Quotes, Proofs & Artwork Errors
Overview
Proceed with a quote by adding it to your cart and combining it with other jobs if necessary.
At the checkout, provide necessary details like PO number, contact details, and shipping address. Ensuring all fields are accurate to automate the shipping process.
Review and adjust artwork specifications according to the Label guidelines provided.
If artwork errors are detected, the system will notify you and you may need to upload corrected artwork.
Confirm the order and proceed to the payment screen.
Once the proof is approved, accept all proofs and finalize the order, noting that no further changes can be made once production starts.
If necessary: reject the proof to upload new artwork.
Welcome to Mediapoint’s Label Printing Artwork Guidelines. Here, we outline all the necessary steps and requirements to ensure your label / sticker artwork is print-ready – meeting our quality standards. Please follow these guidelines closely to avoid any delays or issues with your printing project.
To download the label printing guide as a PDF for your team – CLICK HERE
General Printing Guidelines: Document Setup
Colour Mode
All artwork must be submitted in CMYK colour mode to ensure colour accuracy in the final print.
Pantone Colors
Specify Pantone C spot colours where applicable to maintain colour consistency.
Bleed
Ensure a 3mm bleed around your artwork to allow for any slight misalignments during the cutting process.
Fonts
Convert all fonts to outlines to prevent any font substitution issues. This is a critical part of the file setup process so please take care to double-check fonts.
File Format
Submit your artwork files in PDF format only for optimal compatibility and print quality.
Square and Circle Label Print Guidelines
Cut Lines
No Cut Line RequiredFor Square & Circle Label Printing: Our system will automatically add cut lines based on the bleedbox and trimbox specifications.
Size Match Trimbox
The trimbox size should match the quoted size. It is important to double-check your trimbox on any label artwork and correlate to the size specified in the quote.
Bleedbox Size
The bleedbox size must incorporate the 3mm bleed.
Custom Shape Label Printing Guidelines
Cut Lines
The cut line for custom label shapes must be a spot color named “Thru-cut”. Furthermore, this must be a stroke; not a fill.
The size of the Thru-cut must match the quoted size.
Bleedbox
Ensure that a 3mm bleed extends past the “Thru-cut” stroke mentioned above.
Size Match Trimbox
The trimbox size must match the quoted size regardless of shape. Match your trimbox size accurately to ensure no hiccups or delays.
Want to nail Thru-Cut and Spot Colour requirements? Check out our video guides.
White Ink Printing Guidelines
Spot Colour
Use a spot colour named “White” for any white ink printing applications. This is necessary for printing order and important for your pre-press preview checks.
Printing Order
White ink is always printed first, followed by CMYK colors. Overprint settings must be used according to your artwork setup.
Overprint & Adobe Print Production Tips
Utilising Adobe Acrobat’s Print Production feature will output a helpful preview to ensure separations and artwork is correctly set up.
When previewing in Adobe make sure to select “Simulate overprinting”. This will help and verify overprint settings for the White Ink spot color.
Select each separation to ensure spot color is correct and overprint settings are as intended.
Submission Checklist
Before submitting your artwork, please ensure you have adhered to all the above general guidelines. We recommend following this simple checklist of major items ahead of submitting label artwork to eliminate errors:
Ensure CMYK Colour Mode
Specify Pantone C Colours
Confirm 3mm Bleed
Convert all fonts to outlines
Ensure File is .PDF Format
Use Adobe Acrobats ‘Print Production’ output preview
Review and Confirm Specific Shape & Ink Guidelines
Remember incorrectly prepared files may lead to delays or additional costs. If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact our team.
When it comes to trade printing services in Australia, we’re confident that Mediapoint leads the pack. For over 17 years, we’ve refined our processes and products. All dedicated to serving high-volume resellers with unparalleled trade printing services.
Below, we’ve reflected on the top reasons we believe Mediapoint the best choice for Australian print resellers and brokers.
1. Our Trade-Only Commitment
At Mediapoint, we’ve made a commitment to focus solely on trade printing services. We’re proud to work exclusively with businesses that resell print products, ensuring that we can tailor our services to perfectly meet your needs. It also streamlines the entire printing process, allowing you to get on with the business of selling print – and us to get the job done to an exceptional quality. This efficiency leads to cost savings that can be passed on directly. Partners can enjoy greater profit margins and can trust us to deliver, no matter the volume.
Many other businesses claim to be ‘trade only’ but still deal with the retail customer – which can lead to competition with your trade partner and loss of business.
2. Our Ordering System is Built for Trade Printing Services
We understand that time is a critical factor for our clients. That’s why we’ve invested in an intuitive online ordering system combined with an automated proofing platform. This ensures that we complete jobs to exact specifications and within tight timelines.
In fact, over 80% of our products can be dispatched by 1 pm AEST the next business day if ordered by the cut-off time. This allows our partners to sell flexibly and provide superior service to their own clients. By focusing exclusively on printing and forgoing design services, we’re able to expedite job completion and further reduce costs.
3. Our State-of-the-Art Equipment
Quality is non-negotiable for us at Mediapoint. To deliver on our promise of quality, we’ve equipped ourselves with a broad range of state-of-the-art machinery.
In fact, not only have we just installed one of Australia’s most advanced sticker and label printers, we’re also further investing in our flatbed lineup to provide even more value to our print resellers.
Jamie Xuereb (Mediapoint CEO) celebrates the successful install of our new Durst Tau 330 RSC E
In essence, our exclusive focus on trade printing, our commitment to efficiency through our user-friendly ordering system, and our comprehensive range of advanced equipment set us apart in the trade printing industry.
4. Two Decades of Australian Commercial Print Experience
In 2023, the Australian commercial print industry is characterised by its adaptability and resilience, continually reinventing itself in response to changing market demands. We’ve been doing that since day one. The Mediapoint trade printing story started in our lounge room and we haven’t stopped growing in over 17 years.
Our first workshop was in the family home! Just a small corner of our Melbourne commercial printing facility.
Maintaining constant feedback loops with our clients, investing in quality equipment, and pivoting to a true ‘trade only’ business model might seem simple – but it’s not as common as you might think. We’ve always been transparent with our pricing, our Lean service model and our processes and will continue to do so well into the future.
With Mediapoint as your printing partner, you can concentrate on growing your business, secure in the knowledge that we’re here to deliver the best in trade printing services.
Put us to the test – sign up for an account today to view our range of products and see just how much you can save on trade printing services without sacrificing quality.
Like any job that requires a trade printer, there are numerous factors to consider when it comes to high-volume label and sticker printing.
Here we dive into the a few considerations for print resellers and brokers to achieve the best outcome on this growing market sector. From material selection, to design and application considerations – we touch on it below.
Material Selection for High-Volume Label and Sticker Printing
One of the most critical decisions when printing labels and stickers is choosing the right material. The material used can greatly affect the appearance, durability, and functionality of the labels. Some common options include paper, vinyl, polyester, and polypropylene. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages. Some materials also don’t lend themselves to high-volume label printing due to fragility or useful life.
For instance, paper is affordable and versatile but lacks the durability of vinyl or polypropylene. Your choice should largely depend on the product’s environment, lifespan, and exposure to elements such as water, UV light, or chemicals.
At Mediapoint we can also offer high quality BOPP for stickers. This opens up a range of applications and extends the effective life of labels. So, no matter what the end user requires – you can make it happen!
Label Design Considerations
The design of your labels and stickers is another crucial factor to consider. Ensure that the design is clear, readable, and eye-catching, especially for product labels that serve as a vital marketing tool. It’s also important to consider color consistency.
Different print shops use different colour models like CMYK or Pantone Matching System (PMS). Understanding the differences between these models will help ensure your design colours match your expectations.
With the aforementioned BOPP, we can now even offer White ink printing which can really make things POP. White ink enhances CMYK colours, making them solid and vibrant. You can see the difference in the image below:
See how the colours are more vibrant and opaque when utilising white ink under CMYK on BOPP.
Sticker Adhesive Options for High-Volume Label Printing
The type of adhesive used in your labels and stickers is another key consideration. Some adhesives are designed for permanent application, while others are made to be removable or repositionable. The choice of adhesive should depend on how and where the label or sticker will be used.
For example, if you’re printing labels for food packaging, you’ll likely need an adhesive that can withstand refrigeration or freezing. If you’re creating stickers for a display or installation that might be moved – you’ll want to use a weaker adhesive (or have duplicate stickers prepared).
Size and Shape of Stickers
The size and shape of your labels and stickers can greatly influence their cost, effectiveness, and design. If your labels are too large or small, they may not fit properly on the product. Irregular or complex shapes can also present challenges during application, particularly if the labels are to be applied by machine.
At Mediapoint we have the largest range of options when it comes to sizes and shapes of stickers. That means resellers can offer their customers high-volume label printing without worrying about whether they can deliver. Artwork can be submitted and proofed online making high volume label and sticker printing a breeze. Our order portal will provide instant notification that the sticker shape / size can be produced.
To view our range of label and sticker options (and live pricing) simply register for an account today.
Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) is an incredibly durable plastic – making it perfect for printing applications. We discuss the benefits below.
When it comes to label and sticker printing, picking the right material is a key consideration. One option that consistently outperforms others is Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene. This material, known in industry circles as BOPP, offers great durability, flexibility, sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
It’s also a tried and tested material that’s been around for several decades. Even if you didn’t know the name – you’ve likely encountered something printed using BOPP. So, let’s dive into why clear BOPP should be a go-to material of choice when printing labels and stickers…
BOPP is Designed for Excellence
In simple terms, BOPP is a plastic film stretched in two directions during production. This dual-direction orientation increases BOPP’s strength and flexibility. That gives it superior characteristics that make it a cut above the rest for various applications. Perhaps the most common is for labelling and packaging – where it provides a canvas for incredible clarity of print and eye-catching colour.
BOPP Labels on Rolls
The benefits don’t end there:
Firstly, BOPP is a printer’s dream. Whether water-based or solvent-based inks are required, BOPP labels can handle it, delivering crisp, clear images and text. It can even handle white ink with clarity – something unique in label printing.
BOPP is particularly resilient – it can stand up to water, oil, a variety of chemicals, and UV light, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. That’s why most labels on goods exposed to challenging conditions (like in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor environments) use this material.
There is also versatility when it comes to the overall appearance of a label / sticker. It can produce crystal-clear labels for see-through packaging or opaque labels for designs that require a solid colour backdrop.
BOPP Stickers in Outdoor Application Showcasing Opaque and Transparent Capabilities
Comparing other Label Materials with BOPP
So how does this material stack up against the common alternatives you’ll find listed at print shops?
Paper Labels
Paper labels are generally cheaper to produce but they just can’t compete with BOPP’s resilience to water, oil, and other harsh conditions. Even better, BOPP stickers are more tear and scratch-resistant than paper alternatives. The useful life of paper is also far shorter than this plastic alternative.
Vinyl Stickers
Vinyl stickers have become more and more popular in recent times. It’s likely that the brand stickers you see adorning many laptops and cars are vinyl. This material also holds up pretty well over a longer term – however BOPP still edges it out on durability. Despite being thinner, this plastic doesn’t compromise on durability or strength, and in fact – it makers it easy to cut, peel, and apply.
BOPP Stickers and Label Printing At Mediapoint
With its strong features, versatility, and competitive edge, it stands as a top choice for labels. As we strive towards a future where resilience, functionality, and sustainability are more important than ever, BOPP continues to demonstrate its value. We can help you unlock its potential and produce the best quality stickers the best prices.
In fact we recently installed Australia’s finest printing equipment for label and sticker printing. This advanced piece of kit, complements our expertise and can handle all your BOPP printing needs. Whether you need only a handful of labels or are looking to cater to organisations requiring large quantities, Mediapoint is your go-to trade printer.
At Mediapoint, we’re thrilled to announce the addition of white ink printing on Clear BOPP, available both on sheets and rolls. Our state-of-the-art Durst Tau printer utilizes UV White ink, allowing us to print an impressive 900 square meters of white ink per hour.
But why is white ink so important? Well, when it comes to printing on dark backgrounds, white ink plays a crucial role in achieving solid, vibrant colors. By incorporating white ink alongside CMYK, we can make your designs truly pop. To illustrate the difference, take a look at our real-world examples below.
In the first photo, we’ve placed a sample sticker with white ink on a standard window, while a standard CMYK label without white ink serves as a comparison. Notice how the white ink enhances the CMYK colors, making them more solid and vibrant, whereas the non-white ink sample appears washed out and barely visible.
To ensure the best results, we recommend positioning your white ink slightly offset beneath the CMYK layer. This adjustment helps align the colors and eliminates any visible white edges, resulting in a seamless and professional finish.
Even on a dark black background, our white ink remains strong and impactful compared to other digital inks. You can trust that your designs will stand out brilliantly, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
We’ve also received inquiries from resellers about covering text or images. In the image above, you’ll notice the combination of CMYK with white ink underneath, as well as an example of white ink solely covering black text. It’s important to note that this technique does not provide complete blockout coverage; some showthrough may still occur.
With our white ink printing capability, you can unlock a whole new level of creativity and visual impact. Get in touch with us today to explore the possibilities and elevate your print reselling business to new heights.
To register to our Orders system and get pricing on White Ink Labels for your customer, Register Here.
We’re introducing flat fee shipping for trade large format printing – read on to learn how to claim this fantastic deal.
We are regularly speaking with. and listening to the feedback of, our print resellers and brokers. Over the last few years a consistent pain point has been varying shipping costs. Particularly when it comes to shipping large format printing ordered through our PrintIQ system.
So we’re introducing something that is sure to make life easier (and make savings bigger)…
FLAT FEE SHIPPING TO CERTAIN METRO AREAS
We have introduced flat fee shipping for large format printing to certain metro postcodes within the following cities:
Melbourne
Sydney
Brisbane
Adelaide
PARAMETERS ON FLAT FEE SHIPPING FOR LARGE FORMAT PRINTING
Of course, we need to make this deal fair and equitable for all parties. So there are a few requirements to claim flat fee shipping for trade large format printing from Mediapoint.
Flat fee is available for board jobs under 150cm x 120cm in size.
This freight method uses budget carriers such as Couriers Please and TFM in postcodes they are strong in.
Please note we do not guarantee a date of delivery with this freight method. Unfortunately it is out of our control. There will be no recourse action on any deliveries until 21 business days after the date of dispatch. We do however, expect that this issue would only occur in rare instances.
HOW TO ACCESS
When quoting in PrintIQ, any postcodes and job sizes which fit into these parameters will default to the new ‘Economy – Road‘ option. This is the option for flat feee shipping for large format printing.
If you do not want this to apply you will need to select an alternative freight option.
If you have any questions about this new freight option please email us on trade@mediapoint.com.au
We review the elements of label print quality using our new equipment to help you understand, compare and evaluate options.
The quality of label printing significantly influences the overall appeal and effectiveness of the product. For ourselves, and our print resellers, it also has an effect on reputation and customer satisfaction. As such, label print quality should never be an afterthought. Producing high quality stickers and labels, for whatever application a customer requires, can be a real boon for business.
What to Consider When it Comes to Label Print Quality
When considering print quality for labels and stickers, several factors come to play. We’ve addressed some key considerations in a sample print run on our new addition, the Durst Tau 330 RSC E to highlight these for you.
So let’s get into it…
Resolution: The Foundation of Label Print Quality
Perhaps the biggest consideration of any print job is resolution. Stickers and labels are no exception. Getting sharp imagery and legible text means using the right equipment and technology for the application.
When it comes to labels, you generally want a high DPI (Dots Per Inch) count and small drop size. The higher the DPI the more nuance you can give designs, and the smaller drop size the less dot gain occurs – leading to crisp print details.
The Durst Tau 330 RSC E boasts a resolution of 1200dpi and a 2 picoliter drop size. That combination results in a market-leading label print quality. Just check out the quality sheet below. It’s an A4 paper showcasing ‘worst case’ scenarios, pushing a machine to its least effective print mode. Design details still pop and the varying elements don’t bleed into each other.
Legibility of Small Text
Small text has always been a tricky element to print clearly. On par with colour richness and image resolution, text issues are the most noticeable label print quality defects. Naturally, a majority of label and sticker printing jobs require small text. You don’t want packaging and branding details being missed – especially in applications that fall under strict regulations.
The smaller you can print text, the more you can play around with text on a design. Plus, the more peace-of-mind you’ll have of information being accessible to the end audience.
Taking this to the extreme, we’ve been able to print text on the Durst at 1 point size. That’s text that requires a loupe to read. This text is illegible to the naked eye, but the legibility under magnification is a testament to the printer’s precision.
Even better, italicised text also come out beautifully. Even ‘reversed out’ printing still yields good results. See the images below from our test outcomes.
When designing sticker and label printing or evaluating your printer options, these elements really open up the range of applications.
Scannability of QR Codes & Barcodes
The ability to produce legible, scannable QR codes is of great concern to printers. It’s in high demand from the customers of print resellers post-2020. That’s thanks to take up of QR code functionality and how they can be used in packaging or marketing applications.
Again, when it comes to labels, these generally need to be printed at small sizes. The clarity of the code print influences its scannability – you can’t have lines bleeding into each other.
In the above example you can see that under a loupe, the clarity of a 5mm QR code remains impeccable. This is the smallest size QR code that we have seen scan through any of our presses. Whilst not all applications will require such small sizing, it’s a testament to what’s possible using leading-edge tech. It opens up many options too for our print resellers and their customers.
Barcodes in Any Direction
This leads me to a quick note on something often overlooked – directionality of barcodes. Due to the setup of generic label printers, printing barcodes often requires a change in orientation to ensure scannability. That means compromising on design and often extra work for designers. This can lead to lower customer satisfaction and longer lead times.
With the Durst Tau 330 RSC E, we can print barcodes in any direction. That gives our customers the confidence to submit label and sticker designs knowing codes will scan perfectly.
Rich Solid Colours
Colour richness is another instantly obvious aspect of label print quality that can significantly enhance overall appeal. It’s a factor influenced by the printer’s colour reproduction capabilities, ink quality, and the interaction between the ink and the printing medium.
The Durst Tau 330 RSC E, leveraging the advanced inkjet tech we mentions before, excels in this regard. Colours are both rich and vibrant, giving printed labels a high-end, premium look and feel.
Durability and Useful Life
Many of the applications of stickers and labels require the product to maintain quality label printing over a long term. Furthermore, the products are usually regularly handled, exposed to light, and outdoor conditions.
So printing equipment that utilises ink sets specifically for these purposes, in combination with durable stock, can greatly affect useful life. Our stickers and labels are printed with UV resistant ink sets that don’t require lamination and withstand outdoor conditions for up to two years. This, of course, isn’t necessary for every use case but it provides peace-of-mind to the end user.
It also unlocks a wide range of applications in combination with custom size options (stickers of up to 1m in length), a large die library, and the aforementioned label print quality.
Our Aim for Label Print Quality
As you can see there are some clear pillars of label print quality when it comes to stickers and labels. Taking these into consideration when selecting a print partner for jobs can save you money and frustration.
At Mediapoint we’re not just addressing these concerns but pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital label and sticker printing. Whether it’s resolution, colour richness, readability of small text, scannability of QR codes and barcodes, or length of useful life. Our label and sticker solutions provide peace-of-mind and quality customers will love (at prices you’ll love).
We’re not just improving the quality of our customer’s labels; we’re enabling them to elevate their brand and offer an enhanced experience and wider range to customers.
If you’re a business in need, or a print reseller / broker, looking for quality label and sticker printing – put us to the test. Register for a trade account today to access exclusive pricing and online ordering.
