Transcript

Sometimes a label doesn’t sit on the bottle, it lives within it. That’s the illusion created by reverse side printing.

It doesn’t just decorate; it captivates - using depth and precision to draw the eye and create a sense of movement within the pack. This optical effect turns flat artwork into a three-dimensional experience, giving the design a crafted, premium feel that consumers instantly associate with quality.

By printing on the reverse side of the label material, we unlock a new layer of design space without changing the size. Behind that visual impact are two clever print techniques that make it possible: adhesive printing and sandwich printing.

With adhesive printing, we first print onto the face of the material before flipping the material and printing directly onto the adhesive.

This is a really cost effective and striking method but it does have limitations. Printing ink removes the ‘stick’ from adhesive, so this approach works best for simple designs with a maximum of two colours and up to 50% ink coverage on the adhesive, so there is enough functioning adhesive to keep the label stuck to the packaging.

The second approach is sandwich printing, sometimes called two-sided or layered printing.

In sandwich printing, the process starts by printing the first design onto a clear film. this is the side that will be visible through the pack once applied.

Next, a white layer is printed on top to create a clean separation between the two designs.

Then, a second material with its own artwork is laminated over the first, forming a single, layered construction. Once laminated, the combined material goes back on press for finishing and embellishments such as varnish, foil, or tactile effects.

With sandwich printing, there are no limits on colour or coverage, as you aren’t ever printing onto the adhesive. It gives you complete creative freedom, from bold, full-colour designs to hidden messages or promo codes revealed through the pack.

The result is a clean and elegant effect that works beautifully for premium products and creative branding.

Achieving a flawless result starts with choosing the right materials.

Ink density and colour choice make a difference: darker tones enhance contrast, while heavy whites or metallics can block visibility. And when used on food or cosmetics, both inks and adhesives must meet strict migration safety standards.

For sandwich printing, precision is everything. Each print layer has to align perfectly, and the barrier between them must have just the right opacity - strong enough to separate the designs, but not so dense that it dulls the colours. Every micron matters, and that level of accuracy is what turns a complex process into a premium finish.

Both techniques bring their own advantages. From protecting and sealing the artwork safely inside the pack to creating dual designs, hidden reveals, or layered storytelling that engages the consumer. Whether it’s a high-end spirit, a luxury cosmetic, or any product that demands clarity, depth, and creativity, these methods transform the label from a static surface into a dynamic part of the brand experience.

These techniques deliver both technical performance and creative impact in one expert print solution.

Reverse Printing turns the unseen side of the label into a space for creativity.

By rethinking where and how we print, you can add new dimensions to your design and tell stories that shape how your brand is seen and remembered.

At Label Apeel, we’ve mastered reverse printing to achieve flawless precision and premium impact - helping your brand bring even the most complex print ideas to life, beautifully and consistently.

Considering reverse side printing for your next label? Talk to our team.