What is a Color Printable NFC Sticker?
A color printable Near Field Communication (NFC) sticker is an NFC tag with a white, printable face material optimized for full-color inkjet printing using the Epson ColorWorks C8000. These stickers contain an NFC inlay laminated between printable paper, adhesive, and a release liner. Most use Avery OZ2120 synthetic paper with a retained matrix and black registration mark for alignment and full-bleed artwork. The combination of pigment-based inks and synthetic paper results in water resistance without the need for an overlay. Compared to blank NFC stickers, these stickers are ready for immediate color printing, and they offer faster turnaround and lower minimum order quantities (MOQs) than custom NFC stickers.
Color printable NFC stickers are used for producing full-color printed NFC tags with fast turnaround and low minimum order quantities. The NFC sticker acts as a proxy for the item it is applied to, enabling digital interaction and product-level identification.
How to Choose a Color Printable NFC Sticker
- Surface Format: Matrix-on stickers support full-bleed printing and precise alignment; the matrix can be removed manually or by rewinder. Matrix-off options support only centered logos or text on a white background.
- Shape and Size: Common stocked sizes include circles and squares ranging 25–100 mm, and 80 × 50 mm rectangles. Custom shapes and sizes require additional cost, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and extended lead times.
- Availability: OZ2120 matrix-on stickers are kept in stock and ship within 1–2 business days. Older OW2350 paper variants have limited print capability. Unit pricing decreases at higher volumes.
- NFC Chip Type: All color printable stickers are stocked with NTAG213 chips. Other NFC chips may be special ordered with added lead time and volume requirements.
Customizing a Color Printable NFC Sticker
- Color Printing: GoToTags prints full-color designs in-house using the Epson ColorWorks C8000 on compatible label materials. No overlay or coating is applied after printing; synthetic paper and pigment inks provide water resistance.
- Self-Printing: Customers may print on supported face materials using pigment-based inkjet printers. Pre-production testing is recommended.
- Matrix Removal Services: GoToTags can remove the matrix before shipping. Customers can remove it manually or use automated rewinders for higher-volume production.
- Encoding: NFC stickers can be pre-encoded by GoToTags at purchase or encoded later using the GoToTags Desktop App.
Recommendations
- Most customers use matrix-on stickers for full-bleed printing and print alignment.
- Use pigment-based inks for water resistance; avoid dye-based systems.
- Remove the matrix before automated application to prevent jamming.
- Test print quality and NFC function before production use.
