print blank labels

Why Do I keep Printing Blank Labels And How Can I Fix This?

Written by: BernauLena

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Time to read 2 min

If your thermal printer kep printing blank labels, there may be a few common causes. Let’s go through them one by one to help you troubleshoot and fix the issue, so your labels print perfectly!


Table of Content

1. Incorrect Label Loading 2. Incorrect Printer Size Settings 3. Non-Thermal Labels Used 4. Label Coating Issues 5. Printer Head Issues Conclusion Share

1. Incorrect Label Loading

Thermal labels have a heat-sensitive coating on one side (the face stock should be facing up, and the backing paper should be facing down). If the label is loaded upside down, the printer will heat the side without the coating, resulting in blank labels. Make sure the coated side faces the print head. Typically, label liners have size information printed on the back, which can help confirm the correct orientation.


face stock and backing paper

2. Incorrect Printer Size Settings

If the printer settings don’t match your label size, it may fail to print. Check your printer’s settings and ensure the label size is correctly set.

Please check  this article to learn how to set label sizes on different devices.

Note: This issue occurs more frequently with Brother DK-1209 , DK-1241 & DK-1247 .

3. Non-Thermal Labels Used

Thermal printers can only print on thermal labels. If regular labels are used, they won’t react to heat, so the labels will come out blank. Here’s how to check if your labels are thermal:


  • Lighter Test: Hold a lighter near the label. If it turns black, it’s thermal paper; if it doesn’t, it’s not.
  • Scratch Test: Scratch the surface of the label with your fingernail. If it leaves a black mark, it’s thermal paper; if it doesn’t, it’s not.

4. Label Coating Issues

Sometimes, the thermal coating may have quality issues or be uneven, causing blank spots or entirely blank labels. You can test the coating by using the lighter test mentioned above. If the label doesn’t turn black, it may be defective. In this case, contact your supplier for a replacement or refund.

5. Printer Head Issues

Thermal printers use the print head to heat the thermal paper and create text or images. If the print head is malfunctioning or dirty, it may prevent printing. Here’s how to troubleshoot:


  • Check the Print Head: Try printing with different labels. If other labels print fine, the print head is likely okay. If not, it may need replacing.
  • Clean the Print Head: Over time, dust or residue can build up on the print head. Use a cotton swab with a bit of alcohol to gently clean it, then let it dry before printing again. Regular cleaning helps maintain print quality and extends the printer’s life.

Conclusion

Following these steps can help you identify and resolve issues causing blank labels. If you still have questions, reach out to our customer service team at cs@betckey.com - we will always stand behind you!


About Betckey

Betckey Premium Labels is a leading supplier of compatible direct thermal labels, committed to high-quality and eco-friendly products as well as competitive pricing. We offer better products than manufactured original at 70% less price. Now, our Amazon store ranks first in the US, Canada, and Western Europe with thousands of positive ratings. Visit betckey.com and get 10% off purchases over $150 with code Betckey10 and 15% off over $400 with code Betckey15! Sign up now and we'll send you a $5 discount code towards your first purchase. By the way, welcome to follow our official @ Tik Tok and @ Youtube accounts to get Betckey’s latest news!

 

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