Clear acrylic menu printed using white ink and color.

What is White Ink Printing?

Read time: 4 minutes  |  Author: PRI Graphics  |  Posted: June 5th, 2023

Harnessing the Power of Digital White Ink Printing: A Leap into Tomorrow’s Technology

Did you know that recent advancements in digital white ink printing technology now allow us to create vivid designs on dark paper and materials?

Until a short time ago, printing with white ink remained a challenge. Most inks used in offset printing were translucent, and such inks couldn’t create sharp, visible designs on dark materials. Although opaque inks did provide an alternative, they often required multiple applications, leading to increased costs, longer turnaround times, and exhaustive printer cleanup to prevent color contamination.

The traditional workaround to achieve white text was reverse printing, where white letters were created by printing a dark background, leaving the letters ink-free.

However, the rapid evolution of digital small-format printing has changed this narrative. Thanks to technological progress, white ink printing services are now widely accessible, delivering high-quality results without breaking the bank. This includes the wide-format printing solutions as well.

If you’re looking for professional printers in Phoenix, reach out to our team at PRI Graphics & Signs. We can guide you through the multitude of options available with this groundbreaking printing technology.

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Demystifying White Ink Printing

White ink printing on black or dark paper primarily utilizes two techniques:

  • Spot Ink: Here, specific elements are highlighted by printing on dark paper.
  • Flood Background: In this method, the entire background, including clear areas, is uniformly printed in white ink.

Embracing the Benefits of Digital White Ink Printing

Digital white printing comes with a plethora of advantages that include:

  • A creative departure from traditional colored ink printing.
  • A more extensive selection of paper choices, including dark shades like black and navy blue.
  • Cost-effective solutions owing to the advancements in digital printing technologies.
  • Ideal for short run printing projects, eliminating the need for bulk orders.
Custom clear acrylic sign shaped as a baseball jersey and printed using white ink.

Unlock Your Creativity with White Printing

At PRI, we believe in exploring the limitless possibilities of printing across both small-format and wide-format printing. Here are some creative applications that can transform your visual communication:

Discover PRI Graphics: Your Printing Partner

Family-owned and operated, PRI Graphics & Signs, previously known as Perkinson Reprographics, operates a state-of-the-art printing facility in Phoenix, Arizona. Our location boasts advanced flatbed printing equipment and small format capabilities, allowing us to offer cutting-edge print technology to our clientele.

For further details about white ink printing services or for professional assistance with your upcoming printing project, please reach out to us. Call locally at 602-393-3131 or toll-free at 1-877-409-8889. You can also use our online contact form or email us directly.

To broaden your knowledge about emerging printing technologies and design strategies, don’t miss this insightful article by Printing Impressions: ‘10 Things Printers Can Teach Designers‘.

Also, explore our blog posts on UV Ink Printing and Black & White printing to stay updated with the latest trends in the industry.

About the Author

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PRI Graphics – Director, Marketing & Brand Management

PRI Graphics is a marketing and design expert who is passionate about new emerging trends in digital media and business strategy. A member of AMA with a PCM® in marketing management, he continues to strengthen his knowledge and skill sets in the marketing ecosystem. Prior to joining PRI, he pursued a career in filmmaking and carries on the passion for brand development.