White ink can provide a printed white area or an opaque backing for color on clear, colored or dark materials. Ordinary CMYK white means no process ink; it does not create opaque white on a dark surface.
Choose the intended effect
Color without white may be deliberately translucent on a window or clear label. A white backing changes opacity and contrast. Identify which areas should remain clear, appear white or carry color over white.
Confirm the process
The printer, ink and material must support the intended effect. White may be prepared as a named spot separation or generated in the production software. A design layer named White alone is not necessarily a printable separation.
What to send
- The material, viewing side and whether the piece is front- or reverse-printed.
- A reference showing transparent, white and colored areas.
- Artwork following the confirmed spot-color and export instructions; ask for help if you only have ordinary color artwork.