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Frequently Asked Questions

I'm New To Label Ordering, Where Do I Start?

At National Custom Printing, we understand that ordering and manufacturing labels involves more than meets the eye. That’s why we take extra care to ask all the right questions up front to ensure your product is perfect the first time.

Ideally, if you already have usable artwork, that’s a great start. But if not, don’t worry—we’re here to help. To provide an accurate quote, we’ll need to know a few basics: label dimensions, colors, quantity, and the intended use environment. Along the way, we may have additional questions, but these key details will get us started.

We also recommend reviewing our other FAQs and familiarizing yourself with common printing terms and concepts. This will help you better understand the label-making process and ensure a smooth experience.

Finally, give us a call! 865-675-8490. We are looking forward to helping you.

What Is The Minimum Number Of Labels I Have To Order?

At National Custom Printing, we take pride in supporting businesses of all sizes, whether you need just a few labels now or larger quantities as your needs grow. Our minimum order quantities can vary based on the type of printing required. For digital press or thermal transfer printing (including Reemay labels), we can print as few as 1 or 2 labels. For other types of printing and products, minimums will depend on several factors. Contact us today to discuss your project, and we’ll help you choose the best printing method and provide guidance on minimum order quantities.

What Size Labels Do We Print?

We have a wide range of dies in-house, available in various shapes and sizes, from very small to large. If you require a custom shape or size that we don’t have in stock, we can special-order a die to meet your exact specifications (subject to an additional charge). Dies are typically used for flexo printing jobs, but for digital or thermal transfer printing, we can accommodate virtually any size you need. Note that Reemay labels are limited to a 4.5″ width, but the length can be customized to your precise requirements.

What Kind Of Materials Can We Print On?

The possibilities are truly endless: paper, cardstock, Tyvek, polyester, polypropylene, plastic, vinyl, Reemay, and more. The choice of materials depends on the product being labeled, its specific performance requirements, and the environmental factors it will face. We can design a custom label construction tailored to your needs by selecting the right face stocks, adhesives, laminations, varnishes, and inks. Whether you have a detailed engineering drawing with specifications or are starting from scratch, we’re here to help.

What Is The Difference Between Digital Print Vs. Flexo Print?

Flexography (flexo printing) uses flexible printing plates, typically made from rubber or plastic, along with metal dies to cut out label shapes. The plates have a slightly raised surface that picks up ink and rotates on a cylinder to transfer the ink onto the material. Each color in your label design requires its own plate, so multiple plates may be needed for complex designs. Once the label is printed, it moves along the press to the die-cutting station, where the shape is cut out and wound onto rolls for inspection and rewinding. Flexo printing is ideal for larger label runs, and it offers versatility in material types. However, there are one-time charges for the plates (one per color) and possibly a die charge if we need to create a custom die for shapes or sizes not available in-house.

In contrast, digital printing eliminates the need for plates and dies. Instead, the press operator uses digital files to directly communicate label specifications to the press and die-cutting station. This method is best for smaller runs or jobs with detailed artwork, multiple cuts, or many colors. While the per-label cost tends to be higher for digital printing, it’s a great cost-effective option for small orders, as it eliminates the need for plate and die charges.

What Is 4 Color Process?

When printing a color photo or intricate artwork using flexography, the image must be reproduced through color separation, where the image is broken down into different-sized dots of yellow, magenta, cyan, and black. Each of these four colors requires its own printing plate. While each color is printed separately on the press, when layered on top of each other, they combine to form the full-color image.

What Are Unwind Directions And Why Do They Matter?

Unwind direction refers to how labels are oriented as they are unwound from a roll. Labels can be wound in such a way that they come off the roll from the outside (options 1-4) or from the inside (options 5-8). Depending on the die used, you can choose whether the labels will unwind with the top or bottom facing first (wind charts 1 or 2; or 5 or 6), or from the left or right side first (wind charts 3 or 4; or 7 or 8). For hand-applied labels, the unwind direction typically doesn’t matter. However, if a label dispenser is being used, it’s important to specify the correct unwind direction to ensure the dispenser functions properly.

What Are PMS Colors?

PMS (Pantone Matching System) colors provide a highly standardized method for color matching, ensuring consistency across print jobs. The PMS color booklets are widely used in the printing industry to guarantee that the exact color requested by the customer is used on every order and re-order. While slight color variations may occur depending on the material being printed on (such as coated, uncoated, or laminated surfaces), the color match should still be quite accurate. It’s important to note that digital proofs are not ideal for verifying color accuracy, as computer screens can distort colors. The PMS color book is the most reliable tool to ensure the precise color you desire.

What Type Of Artwork Files Do We Accept?

While we prefer vector or Illustrator files for artwork, we understand that not everyone may have ready-to-use designs. If you don’t have artwork available, we can create custom designs in-house, or, for an additional fee, we can have your existing artwork recreated to meet your specifications.

HELP US, HELP YOU

Application temperature

Service temperature rang

Kind of dispensing (auto, hand applied, etc.)

 

Necessary substrate the label is applied to

Custom print type / process

Plan to apply indoor / outdoor, wet / dry (environment)