When it comes to label colour, it’s not just about how good it looks on the roll. The type of ink used also plays a big role in how well your labels perform once they’re out in the real world, where they are being handled, scanned, shipped, and stored. At Acorn Labels, we use both UV inks and water-based inks as part of our day-to-day production. You don’t need to choose between them or worry about what’s best because our team automatically uses the ink that’s most suitable for your label, based on the material and how it will be used.

UV inks
UV inks are cured instantly under ultraviolet light, which creates a tough, durable finish that sits on top of the label material rather than soaking in. We use UV inks for labels that need to cope with frequent handling, moisture, scuffing, or longer-term use. They’re great for warehouse, logistics, and industrial environments where labels need to stay clear and readable from start to finish. UV inks also give strong, vibrant colours and really sharp print — ideal for when barcodes and small text need to scan.

Water-based inks
Water-based inks dry naturally through evaporation and absorb slightly into the material, which makes them particularly well suited to paper labels. These are often used for shipping labels, outer packaging, or short-term applications where the label doesn’t need to last forever. While they’re not as resistant to moisture or heavy handling as UV inks, they’re perfect for the right application. Every order we produce is assessed by our production team. The goal is simple: labels that stay legible, scannable, and fit for purpose and without you having to think about the technical details.

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