Backing white is an essential printing technique for ensuring color vibrancy on non-white or transparent substrates.
It acts as an opaque base that intensifies the colors printed over it.
But how do you choose between selective and full support white?
This article guides you through the pros and cons of each option, with concrete examples to help you make the best decision.
1. Blanc de soutien total: full coverage for maximum impact
Le blanc de soutien total consiste à appliquer une couche de blanc sur toute la surface à imprimer.
Advantages :
-
Couleurs éclatantes : idéal pour les supports foncés ou colorés, il assure une reproduction fidèle des couleurs, en évitant qu'elles ne soient atténuées par la couleur du support.
-
Opacité garantie : parfait pour les supports transparents, comme le verre ou le plastique, il crée une base opaque qui empêche la lumière de passer à travers l'impression.
-
Uniformité : assure une base uniforme pour l'impression, ce qui est particulièrement important pour les designs complexes avec des dégradés ou des détails fins.
Examples of use:
-
Stickers and labels: for food or cosmetics labels on dark backgrounds, a full white backing ensures that the information and logo are clearly visible.
-
Interior signage: for directional signs in Plexiglas, full white support ensures vivid colors and excellent legibility.
-
Packaging: for luxury packaging on black cardboard, it ensures high-end rendering and optimal color perception.
2. Selective backing white: precision and elegance for a high-contrast finish
Selective white support is only applied to specific areas where colors need to be reinforced.
Advantages :
-
Contrast effect: creates interesting visual effects by playing with the transparency of the substrate.
-
Economy: reduces white ink consumption, which can be advantageous for large print runs.
-
Subtlety: ideal for designs requiring a touch of sophistication and discretion.
Examples of use:
-
Business cards: to highlight a logo or text on colored paper, while letting the texture of the paper shine through.
-
Flyers and brochures: create original graphic effects by combining areas printed in color with transparent areas.
-
Textile: for printing patterns on dark garments, maintaining a soft feel and avoiding a "plastic" effect.

Discover our transparent adhesives for your window communication projects!
How to choose?
Le choix entre un blanc de soutien total et sélectif dépend de plusieurs facteurs :
-
Type of substrate: for dark or transparent substrates, full support white is generally preferable.
-
The desired effect: if you're looking for maximum impact and vibrant colors, opt for full support white. If you prefer a more subtle effect and a play of contrasts, selective support white is more appropriate.
-
Le budget : le blanc de soutien sélectif peut être plus économique pour les grands tirages, car il réduit la consommation d'encre blanche.
In short, backing white is a powerful tool for enhancing your prints.
1-hour quote for your adhesives
By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each option, you can create powerful communication materials tailored to your needs.
The Zebeep team is at your side to guide you towards the solution best suited to your printing projects.
Contact us if you have any questions about choosing white support.