Label Printing Mistakes to Avoid: Tips for a Smooth Printing Process
Printing your own blank label sheets or rolls can save time and money—if everything goes smoothly. But too often, simple label printing mistakes turn what should be a seamless task into a frustrating, wasteful mess. From jamming your printer to misaligned designs, the margin for error can be surprisingly slim.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide. Whether you’re working with sheet labels, thermal labels, or pre-designed shipping label templates, avoiding common printing mistakes is the key to professional, polished results.
Let’s look at the most frequent label printing mistakes—and how you can avoid them—with expert tips from the team at BlankLabels.com.
Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Labels for Your Printer
One of the biggest issues users face is loading incompatible labelling sheets or thermal labels into the wrong type of printer. Laser printers and inkjet printers require specific label materials and adhesives. Likewise, direct thermal and thermal transfer printers need specific types of thermal labels to work correctly.
✅ Fix:
Before printing, always check whether your labels are:
- Inkjet-compatible (for water-based ink printers)
- Laser-compatible (for toner-based printers)
- Direct thermal or thermal transfer
At BlankLabels.com, we clearly mark each label type so you know exactly what works with your printer. Visit our site to find labels for sheets that match your machine perfectly.
Mistake #2: Improper Template Alignment
Misalignment is one of the most frustrating label printing problems. You design your label, hit print, and suddenly your text is spilling over the edges or printing between labels.
✅ Fix:
Use the correct template shipping label or shipping label templates based on your label’s dimensions and printer margins.
At BlankLabels.com, we provide free downloadable templates for all of our products—including label 4 x 6, 6 x 4 thermal labels, and custom sheet labels. Just search your label product, download the matching template, and you’re ready to print with precision.
Mistake #3: Not Calibrating Your Printer
If your printer isn’t calibrated properly, even the best labels direct from the manufacturer won’t print as expected. This often happens when switching between standard paper and labels, or when moving between roll and sheet formats.
✅ Fix:
- Laser/Inkjet Printers: Adjust paper type settings to “Labels” or “Heavy Paper.”
- Thermal Printers: Run a calibration test (usually involves holding down the feed button for a few seconds).
- Always test with a blank sheet before committing to a full print run.
Pro tip: When in doubt, ask our support team at BlankLabels.com. We’re happy to walk you through your printer setup.
Mistake #4: Poor Storage Practices
Humidity, temperature changes, and sunlight can warp labelling sheets, degrade adhesives, and even damage thermal labels—leading to misfeeds, jamming, and poor adhesion.
✅ Fix:
- Store labels flat and in their original packaging
- Keep labels in a climate-controlled environment (ideally 68–75°F and 40–50% humidity)
- Avoid stacking heavy items on labels for sheets or curling rolls of thermal labels
Want more tips on storing labels properly? Visit our blog at BlankLabels.com for full guides on protecting your label stock.
Mistake #5: Choosing the Wrong Adhesive
Not all blank label adhesives are created equal. Permanent adhesives work great for shipping and product labeling but can damage surfaces if removed. Removable adhesives, on the other hand, might peel off too easily during shipping.
✅ Fix:
Use the right adhesive type for the job:
- Permanent Adhesive: Ideal for boxes, envelopes, bottles, and shipping
- Removable Adhesive: Perfect for retail pricing, organization, and temporary labeling
Check out our full selection of adhesive types at BlankLabels.com—we’ve got what you need, no matter the job.
Mistake #6: Not Considering Label Size
Labels that are too big or too small for your package or product not only look unprofessional, but can also jam printers and waste inventory.
✅ Fix:
Choose from our wide selection of label sizes at BlankLabels.com, including:
- Label 4 x 6 (a common standard for shipping)
- 6 x 4 thermal labels for wide-format printers
- Custom sheet labels in all shapes and sizes
Need help picking the right dimensions? Use our label size guide or chat with a product expert on our website.
Mistake #7: Printing with Low-Quality or Outdated Software
Designing your template shipping label in the wrong software can cause formatting issues, blurry images, or incorrectly sized text. Many people use Word or Excel, but those programs aren’t always optimized for labels.
✅ Fix:
- Use BlankLabels.com’s free label templates compatible with Word, PDF, and design tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator
- Test your design before printing a full batch
- Ensure print scaling is set to 100%, not “fit to page”
If you’re unsure which template works best, we’ve got a full library waiting for you at BlankLabels.com/templates.
Mistake #8: Not Performing a Test Print
Jumping straight into printing dozens (or hundreds) of labelling sheets without a test run is risky. Even a small alignment issue can ruin an entire batch.
✅ Fix:
- Always run a test print on a blank sheet of paper
- Hold the test print behind your sheet labels to see if alignment is correct
- Make minor adjustments as needed
This quick step saves time, money, and materials—and it’s something every label pro does. At BlankLabels.com, we always recommend testing before committing.
Mistake #9: Feeding Labels Incorrectly
Improperly loading your printer can lead to misfeeds, jamming, or labels printing on the wrong side—especially with double-sided formats or thermal labels that require a specific orientation.
✅ Fix:
- Follow your printer’s manual for label loading
- Make sure labels are fed face up or face down based on printer type
- Use guides or stoppers to keep the labels aligned during the feed
If you’re still having trouble, check our printer setup guides at BlankLabels.com/support.
Mistake #10: Ignoring Printer Maintenance
Your printer works hard—especially if you’re printing bulk orders of shipping label templates. Neglecting regular maintenance can reduce print quality or lead to costly breakdowns.
✅ Fix:
- Clean inkjet or laser printer rollers regularly
- Wipe down thermal printer heads with alcohol wipes after every few rolls
- Replace worn parts like print heads or cartridges as needed
A well-maintained printer paired with premium labels direct from BlankLabels.com will give you the sharp, reliable prints your business deserves.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Label Printing Workflow
✔ Choose Quality Labels
Low-cost, poorly made labels can lead to jams, ink bleeding, and failed adhesion. At BlankLabels.com, we specialize in premium blank label products that work the first time, every time.
✔ Bulk Order for Convenience
Avoid last-minute shortages or label mismatches by ordering in bulk. We offer competitive pricing and fast shipping on all formats, from label 4 x 6 thermal rolls to customizable labelling sheets.
✔ Customize Your Labels
Need something specific? We offer custom label printing and sizing services—just let us know your requirements, and we’ll deliver a solution that’s tailor-made for your workflow.
Final Thoughts: Print Like a Pro with BlankLabels.com
Printing labels doesn’t have to be complicated. By avoiding these common mistakes and using quality products from BlankLabels.com, you can ensure a smooth, efficient process from design to application.
Whether you’re labeling shipping boxes with 6 x 4 thermal labels, organizing inventory with sheet labels, or designing your own template shipping label, we’ve got you covered. Our online store is your one-stop shop for premium labels for sheets, thermal rolls, and every adhesive type under the sun.
Don’t let avoidable errors derail your labeling workflow. Shop smarter, print better—with BlankLabels.com.
📦 Ready to upgrade your label game?
Visit BlankLabels.com now for high-quality, printer-friendly blank labels in every shape, size, and adhesive type. Need help? Our experts are standing by to guide you.
