If you’ve never ordered clear or metallic labels before, there’s one concept that surprises almost every first-time buyer: there is no white in your label unless you specifically print it. On standard white label stock, white is simply the absence of ink — the paper itself is white. On clear film or metallic film, there’s no white surface underneath. Without a printed white ink layer, all your colors will appear translucent or tinted by the material below.
How White Ink Works
White ink is printed as a separate layer, typically before your CMYK colors. It acts as an opaque backdrop that gives your colors a solid, vibrant base to print on — just like painting a white primer on a wall before applying your finish color. This is why you’ll see clear and metallic labels described as “CMYK + White” or “CMYK+W” printing.
When You Need White Ink
Any time you want solid, opaque colors on clear or metallic labels. Without white behind them, a red logo will look like translucent red film, and black text will appear as a dark tint rather than solid black. White ink gives your design the same color intensity you’d see on white paper.
Creative Uses of White Ink
You don’t have to back your entire design with white. Selective use of white ink creates striking effects: opaque graphics floating on a transparent or metallic background, text that appears to be printed directly on the container, or designs that play with the contrast between solid and see-through areas. This selective approach is one of the biggest design advantages of clear and metallic labels.
How to Specify White Ink in Your Artwork
In your design file, white ink is typically indicated on a separate layer or as a spot color. Your label printer needs to know exactly where white ink should be placed and where the material should remain transparent. If you’re unsure how to set this up, ask your printer for their specific white ink artwork guidelines.
Explore our clear labels and metallic labels to see what’s possible with white ink printing.
