How to Choose Affordable, Quality Label Maker Tape

Label makers offer incredible conveniences over printing labels from a standard printer. These handy devices are often quite portable or sit on your desk without taking up much room. 

Label maker tape helps make these devices so helpful, but it can also be costly and there are so many options available for refilling a label maker.

If you’re unsure where and how to get started in finding high-quality tape for your label maker, read up on these considerations and a great way to find more affordable options to power your home or small business needs.

Label Maker Tape Considerations

As you search for affordable label maker tape, review these considerations for finding the right tape for your device and use case.

1. Start with the Make and Model

You need to review the make and model of your label maker before you can begin shopping around for high-quality tapes. This should be clearly marked on the outside of your label maker.

For example, the Casio label printer tape cartridge is a unique style. These cartridges would not fit many other types of label makers despite being the best option if you have a Casio label printer.

2. Review What Size Tape Your Label Maker Accepts

Some label makers can print a variety of sizes while others have one set size that they can print. Look up specifications for the model you have. If your device is flexible, decide which size label will work best for your use cases. 

3. Choose What Type of Tape Serves Your Needs

Tapes can come in a variety of styles and types to meet various use cases. For example, here are some possible types of tapes.

• Address labels
• Appointment cards
• Clear label maker tape
• Continuous
• Desktop
• File folder labels
• Floodcoated – DT or TT
• Fluorescent tapes
• GHS BS5609 chemical
• Glossy photolum
• Glossy polyester
• Glossy polypropylene
• Gold polyester
• High glass paper
• Holographic
• Horticulture
• Industrial tapes
• Industrial tapes die-cut
• Jewelry
• Linerless – DT
• Magnetic tapes
• Matte paper
• Matte polyester
• Matte polyolefin
• Matte polypropylene
• Matte vinyl
• Media labels
• Multipurpose labels
• Name badges
• Near edge, near edge resin or near edge wax/resin
• NFC
• Paper – DT or TT
• Polyester
• Security labels
• Shipping labels
• Removable labels
• Resin
• Resin enhanced wax
• Retail labels
• Satin polypropylene
• Shrink tube
• Tags
• Vintage textured paper
• Vinyl tapes
• Wax or wax/resin
• Wire wrap
• Wristband

Not all label makers accept all types of label tapes. Do some research or live chat with our customer service at DuraFast Label for more insights into options based on your label printer.

4. Choose the Size of Your Preferred Label Tape

The size options for label maker tape can seem endless – probably because they nearly are endless. Start with how you’ll be using the labels to reduce the options down to what makes sense for you. Labels can be a variety of shapes to meet your needs.

5. Choose Your Tape Length

If your label maker can handle longer rolls, you’ll find a more affordable per-foot price. But again, make sure you aren’t purchasing tape that won’t be compatible with your label maker and its qualifications. 

6. Decide on the Adhesive Type

Even once you’ve decided on the other features of your label tape, you’ll need to evaluate what adhesive is right for you. Here are some of the options you’ll encounter when searching for a replacement tape.

• Adhesive
• BC/20 Permanent
• Heat shrink tube
• Industrial
• Magnetic
• Name badge with no adhesive
• No adhesive at all
• Permanent
• Removable
• Standard or strong adhesive
• Tags

7. Review Your Label Maker’s Print Method

Label printers can print direct thermal, dye inkjet, inkjet pigment or thermal transfer. Getting the wrong tape based on your label maker’s print method could render it worthless for you.

8. Pick Your Label Tape Color

Many label printers only print in black and white. However, if you want to make your labels stand out, you can get various colors of tape on which to print. You have many options, including:

• Black
• Black on blue
• Black on green
• Black on red
• Black on white
• Black on yellow
• Blue
• Blue/white
• Chrome
• Clear
• Gold
• Gray
• Green
• Green/white
• Holographic
• Orange
• Orange/white
• Pink
• Pink/white
• Purple
• Rainbow holographic
• Red
• Silver
• Tan
• Textured
• Translucent
• White
• White/green
• White/orange
• White/red
• Yellow
• Yellow/white

What Brand of Label Maker Tapes Can I Trust?

Most label makers will state that you must use their supplies to protect your warranty. However, these devices often have a limited one- or two-year warranty. Once you are past these timeframes, the tape you use won’t have as much of an impact so long as it’s from a safe company you can trust.

Be wary of going out to Amazon and searching for label maker tape refills for your printer model. Anyone can become an Amazon reseller, which won’t speak directly to the quality of these products. And despite Amazon’s efforts to crack down on fraudulent reviews, you still can’t trust all customer reviews you see on the site for all products.

DuraFast Label Company offers reliable tape labels at an affordable price. Our business focuses solely on labels. We’ve built a team of experts who know how to guide customers in their pursuit of affordable supplies that offer similar quality as the manufacturer’s products.

We can help you find replacement tape or labels for your printer based on the make and model while saving you money on everyday supplies for your home or business. 

Are Label Makers Worth It?

Yes, label makers can make work and life so much simpler. These light, easy-to-transport devices are agile and help avoid handwriting information that may not be legible.

A label maker can help you get organized in a simple manner. And using different types of label tape, you can express yourself or brand the labels with your company colors. 

How Long Does Label Maker Tape Last?

The life of label maker tape is variable based on which you select. However, many last 12-18 months when stored in a temperate, dry place. Avoid areas with high humidity as these can impact the stickiness of your label tape over time.

Your Online Resource for Label Printer Supplies

DuraFast Label Company has been in business since 2012 offering resources for industrial and product label printing. We help clients avoid cheap labels that are at risk of smudging, fading and deteriorating. With our high-quality labels, you can rest assured you’ll have crisp, clear labels that make you proud of your products.

Learn more about our comprehensive printing solutions and shop our supplies now.

Further Reading:

• Top 5 Best Shipping Label Printer Options
• Choosing the Best Label Maker for Your Small Business – Most Reliable Brands
• What are the Requirements for a Food Label? – Short Food Labeling Guide