FAQ
Why do my labels fade, discolor or fail barcode scans?
Your labels are failing because direct-thermal printing naturally degrades over time and with exposure to the elements. Direct-thermal labels use heat-sensitive dyes that darken when activated by the printhead to create the image. After printing, those dyes remain reactive, so the label stays vulnerable to heat, light, abrasion, handling, temperature changes, and aging. Over time, this can cause fading, discoloration, and barcode scan failures.
What makes our labels different
Our labels are genuine thermal-transfer labels. They use the same thermal printhead as direct-thermal printing, but instead of heat-sensitive dyes, they transfer and fuse ink from a special ribbon onto the label. This creates a permanent bond between the image and the label surface.
Why that matters
- The printed image is more durable because it does not rely on reactive dyes.
- Thermal-transfer printing is widely regarded as the benchmark for image durability.
- The result is a label that resists fading, discoloration, and wear over time.
Added printer benefits
Thermal-transfer printing can also extend printhead life. The ribbon’s specially engineered backcoating helps reduce printhead wear, which can lower repair needs and reduce hardware replacement costs.
How can I print thermal-transfer on my current direct-thermal printer?
Our labels use Print-Peel-Reveal technology. Each label comes with the ribbon already attached, so you can print as you normally would. After printing, you simply peel off the ribbon to reveal a genuine thermal-transfer label.
You do NOT need to change
- Your current hardware
- Your existing workflows
Simply switch to our labels to get the durability of thermal-transfer printing without the expense of changing your current setup.
Are the Dymo Labelwriter 450/4XL printers compatible?
Yes. The Dymo LabelWriter 450 and 4XL printers are compatible with our labels when used with Dymo Label Software 8.7.4.
This software supports the custom label templates required for our labels. Dymo Connect does not currently support them.
Are the Dymo Labelwriter 550/5XL printers compatible?
No. The Dymo LabelWriter 550 and 5XL printers are not compatible with our labels.
These models are designed to work only with Dymo-branded LabelWriter 550 direct-thermal labels, which prevents the use of other label options.
What other small desktop label printers are compatible?
Any non-proprietary thermal label printer should work with our labels.
To be compatible, the printer must not require proprietary media features such as DRM, special plastic roll cages, unique cores, or custom mark patterns. It must also be able to detect label gaps for proper registration and support the required media dimensions.
Roll width requirements
- For labels up to 2.0 inches wide, the printer must hold rolls that are 2.375 inches (61 mm) wide.
- For 3.0-inch labels, the printer must accommodate 3.375-inch (86 mm) wide rolls.
- For 4.0-inch labels, the printer must hold 4.375-inch (112 mm) wide rolls.
All desktop labels are wound on 1.0-inch cores.
Which mobile printers are compatible?
Our labels are compatible with major mobile thermal label printer brands, including Zebra ZQ52x/63x, Honeywell, Brother, and others.
Compatibility requirements
- The printer must be able to hold a 4.375-inch (112 mm) wide roll for our 4-inch labels.
- Our mobile rolls use 0.75-inch cores and are wound to 2.25-inch outside diameters.
- Other outside diameters are available on a made-to-order basis with minimum order quantities.
How are our labels different from the durable direct-thermal labels being sold?
Durable direct-thermal labels are still direct-thermal labels. Many use a special topcoat to improve resistance to UV exposure and other common hazards, and some use BOPP plastic for added moisture resistance.
Even with these improvements, they still rely on reactive dyes. Over time, those dyes remain vulnerable to fading, discoloration, and image failure.
How our labels compare
While durable direct-thermal labels may last longer than standard direct-thermal labels, they still do not match the durability and lifespan of genuine thermal-transfer labels. Most customers find the added durability of our labels is well worth the small difference in cost.
Can your labels handle our very challenging application?
Yes. Thermal-transfer printing lets you combine the right label material, adhesive, and ribbon for your specific application. This flexibility allows us to build a label that matches your performance and durability requirements.
We can tailor labels for needs such as:
- Resistance to heat, sunlight, and outdoor exposure
- Longer outdoor life and wider temperature tolerance
- Clean removability or stronger adhesive grip
- High resistance to chemicals, including many organic solvents
- Tamper-evident or security-focused applications
Among pressure-sensitive options, the strongest permanent grades are high-tack, high coat-weight adhesives built for low-surface-energy plastics, textured surfaces, and chemical or temperature exposure. DuraReady's Max-Grip line is built on exactly this class of adhesive.
Why do my permanent labels keep peeling off?
Usually the adhesive grade is mismatched to the surface. Standard permanent acrylics struggle on low-energy plastics (polypropylene, HDPE), powder coat, and oily, curved, or textured surfaces. A high-tack adhesive system like Max-Grip is formulated to wet out and grip those exact surfaces.
What labels stick to polypropylene and other plastics that resist adhesive?
Labels built on a high-tack, high coat-weight adhesive — like DuraReady Max-Grip — are designed for low-surface-energy plastics including polypropylene, HDPE, and LDPE, where ordinary permanent adhesives fail.
Are pressure-sensitive labels truly permanent?
No pressure-sensitive adhesive creates a permanent, irreversible bond. The strongest permanent grades maximize long-term holding power on demanding surfaces, but "permanent" in the label industry means highest-strength, not literally forever.
I don’t own a North American version of the Dymo Labelwriter 450/4XL printer can I still use DuraReady?
DuraReady labels have been designed to work with the North American versions of the Dymo Labelwriter 450 printer. Unfortunately, Dymo changed their global Labelwriter printers to be incompatible with the North American label format. This is why the labels are only sold in United States and Canada.
Customers have reported some success printing DuraReady labels on certain Zebra and other desktop direct-thermal label printers. Brother QL label printers require special plastic cages around their labels so DuraReady labels are not an option.
There's a better chance DuraReady labels could work on your printer if it has a learn mode to calibrate new sizes and doesn't require a sensing mark on the liner. Check the maximum media width for your printer too. Our 2" wide labels require at least 2.40" and 4" wide labels require at least 4.40" max media width.
We do not provide support or guarantees using our labels on any printers besides the North American Dymo Labelwriter printers.
What's the best label for me to choose?
That depends on your durability requirements. If you need a long lasting label that won't discolor with exposure to light, sun or handling in any indoor environment then our economical paper label could be the right choice. If you need resistance to moisture, abrasion, chemicals or higher temperatures then one of our plastic labels would be a good candidate. For outdoor applications or exposure to large temperature ranges or humidity or freeze then our polyester labels could fit the bill.
We already own a thermal transfer printer why would I need your DuraReady labels?
To save time and money. Have you faced the continual support headaches caused by improperly installed ribbon? What about the hassle and expense of ordering both ribbon and labels? Are you doubling your effort when your ribbon and labels inevitably end up on different replacement schedules? DuraReady eliminates these problems and let's you print your thermal transfer labels with greater effciency, less waste and fewer headaches.
What do you mean by label construction?
DuraReady consist of a number of components that make up each label which can be mixed and matched to meet the specific requirement for the label. Labels consist of a topcoat over the surface of the label. The label material itself. A layer of adhesive on the backside of the label. This all sits on a paper liner
What is BOPP?
BOPP = Biaxial-Oriented PolyPropylene. This is polypropylene film that is streched in 2 different directions during manufacturing. This results in a strong material with better temperature resistance.
What is PET?
PET = Polyethylene Terephthalate or commonly called polyester in the label industry. This is a stronger more durable label material that's often used for outdoors or harsh environment labeling. It resists a larger temperature range then BOPP and some special versions can resist harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures.
What is POE?
POE = Polyolefin. This is a catch-all name given to material that isn't PET or BOPP. It's often use for synthetic paper materials or labels with special features such as frangibility.
