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#1 Posted : 3/14/2021 10:49:18 AM(EST)
Purepaletteco

Rank: New User

Posts: 3
United States
Location: Florida

I’m branching out to make color labels using waterproof matte. I’ve heard that laser is better than inkjet. Thoughts? Either way, I really need a good color printer for professional looking labels. I purchased an expensive printer, tried it and it was terrible quality. Epson said that model would not support printing on vinyl. I’d love suggestions for good quality printers. Thanks!
#2 Posted : 3/15/2021 12:33:12 PM(EST)
Josh


Rank: OnlineLabels Rep

Posts: 895
United States

Was thanked: 84 time(s) in 78 post(s)
You really can't go wrong with either type of printer for printing weatherproof labels, as long as you're using a compatible weatherproof label material. Laser printing is inherently more durable when compared to inkjet printing, but if you're using one of our weatherproof inkjet label materials you should have no issues printing labels with an inkjet printer that will hold up to direct contact with moisture.

I've used a number of Epson inkjet printers with our inkjet label materials over the years and have always had positive results. Currently, the Epson Expression ET-2650 EcoTank is one of my most used inkjet printers, and it performs very well with our weatherproof inkjet materials. Using the correct printer settings is an important factor when it comes to inkjet printing on weatherproof materials. Most printers are set as default to print on white copy paper, but adjusting the material type to an option like photo or glossy will typically provide much more durable results. If you're looking for an inkjet recommendation other than Epson, I've had a ton of success using various models from the Canon PIXMA series of printers over the years.

If you decide to go with a laser printer I'd recommend an HP Color LaserJet Pro model. I've used a number of different models from this series of printers and have always been impressed by their performance with our weatherproof laser materials.

I hope this helps. If you need any additional information please just let us know.
#3 Posted : 3/16/2021 10:37:48 AM(EST)
Purepaletteco

Rank: New User

Posts: 3
United States
Location: Florida

Thank you, Josh! This was very helpful.
#4 Posted : 3/16/2021 10:49:31 AM(EST)
Purepaletteco

Rank: New User

Posts: 3
United States
Location: Florida

One more question Josh. Is this an older model? I can't find it for sale anywhere, except Amazon for almost $800. Is that the going price?

Thanks!
#5 Posted : 3/16/2021 2:58:04 PM(EST)
Josh


Rank: OnlineLabels Rep

Posts: 895
United States

Was thanked: 84 time(s) in 78 post(s)
It does look like the ET-2650 model is discontinued at this point, which is probably the reason for the extremely high third party pricing on Amazon. The major printer manufacturers tend to roll out new models frequently. I haven't had a chance to test the newest models, but I'd tend to trust any of the printer model series listed in my original response. You should be able to find newer models at lower prices, either through Amazon or directly through the manufacturer websites. Just make sure you're making the recommended settings adjustments to ensure the best possible print results and durability.
#6 Posted : 6/12/2024 8:19:43 AM(EST)
Donna L

Rank: New User

Posts: 2
Canada
Location: Ontario

Hi Josh, which model of theHP Color LaserJet Pro would you recommend for printing waterproof/oil resistant labels?
#7 Posted : 6/12/2024 10:31:25 AM(EST)
Jessica

Rank: Administration

Posts: 144
Location: Sanford

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Donna L - Thank you for your inquiry. Our Product Testing Team has found great success using the HP Color LaserJet Pro series of laser printers with our laser-compatible label materials including the Weatherproof Polyester Laser (LP). We're currently printing with the M252 and M452 models for both product testing and daily use, and they've continued to provide great results. Although these models have been discontinued by the manufacturer, the newer models from HP should work just as well. HP offers a wide range of printer models available at various price points, so you should be able to find something that fits your budget.

When looking for a printer, we recommend checking the printer model's specifications to ensure that it can handle specialty materials, like film or coated label stock. It's also important to consider the printer's printable area since many printers have at least one non-printable margin, which may prevent it from printing to the edge of the sheet or label, especially if the margins are narrow.

I hope this is helpful. If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to let us know.
#8 Posted : 8/14/2024 9:21:16 PM(EST)
Sue M

Rank: New User

Posts: 1
United States
Location: FL

I always suggest a toner based machine
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