Reverse and Seamless Printed Tape

What They Are, How They Work, and When to Use Them

If you’re ordering custom printed tape, you need it to look just right to work with your branding and logo designs. Understanding the different print methods used in custom tape will help you select the best option for your design. If you’ve heard terms like reverse print or seamless print and aren’t sure what the difference is, you’re not alone.

In this guide, we show you exactly what each print type means and how to choose the one that fits your packaging style.

What Is Reverse Print Tape?

Reverse print is a method where the background of your design is printed in ink, while your logo or message is left unprinted. The tape’s original color shows through to create your branding. This works especially well for creating a clean, bold contrast between the inked background and your logo.

It’s a standout option when you want to:

Make a bold visual statement with strong contrast and clean edges
Highlight your logo using the tape’s color

Reverse print gives your packaging a refined look that doesn’t sacrifice durability or efficiency, perfect for high-volume shipping environments or brand-conscious businesses.

What About the Plate Gap?

When reverse printing is done using standard printing plates, there’s a small unprintable gap where the two ends of the plate meet around the print cylinder. The smallest plate gap available is about 1/8 inch wide. Plate gaps can vary in width but repeats at regular intervals along the tape roll. The maximum repeat length is 14 7/8″, meaning that’s the farthest distance the plate gap can appear along the tape roll.

You might not notice it on simple designs, but on full backgrounds or bold logos, the gap can interrupt the flow. One workaround? Use that gap creatively. Some brands print a website link, social handle, or reorder message right in that space.

What Is Seamless Print Tape?

Seamless printing solves the plate gap issue. Instead of using regular printing plates temporarily mounted on our in-house print cylinders, the printing plates are permanently mounted onto a custom print cylinder that uses the full circumference of the print cylinder. This creates a continuous, uninterrupted design across the entire roll with no breaks or gaps. This method is ideal if you are determined to avoid plate gaps.

The seamless print process requires a custom cylinder for each ink color, which means more upfront investment, but also more control over the final result. Once set up, you get a printed custom tape that looks consistent all the way through.

Reverse vs. Seamless: Which One Should You Use?

Note: Both seamless and standard reverse prints are technically reverse prints. The key difference is that seamless uses a custom print cylinder to eliminate the visible plate gap for continuous artwork.

Your Priority	Recommended Choice	Why
Budget-conscious branding	Standard reverse print	Lower-cost plates and quicker turn-around time.
No visible seams or pattern breaks	Seamless reverse print	Custom print cylinder allows continuous artwork with no visual gaps.
Premium, high-end brand presentation	Seamless reverse or flood coat	Both methods offer full, vibrant coverage and a polished final result.

Can You Use These Methods on Custom Printed Paper Tape?

Yes, reverse print, flood coat, and seamless plate printing can all be used on custom printed paper tape in addition to polypropylene and PVC tapes. Here’s how they work:

Reverse print creates your design by printing the background color behind your artwork, allowing the natural tape color (usually kraft or white) to show through as the logo or text. This method uses less ink and is cost-effective, but it includes visible plate gaps.
Flood coat printing covers the full length and width of the tape in a base color, then prints your artwork on top using a second, darker ink. It’s bold and vibrant and gives you a way to get a seamless look without paying for seamless plates.
Seamless plate printing eliminates the plate gap entirely by using a custom print cylinder, offering a fully continuous background and clean design, which is ideal for full-wrap looks. It’s the most premium option and typically carries the highest setup cost.

Each method can be applied to paper, polypropylene, or PVC. Your design, brand goals, and budget will determine which print technique is the best fit.

Need help deciding? We’re happy to walk you through the options, explain the trade-offs, and help you create custom tape that fits your material and your message.

Let's Make Something That Sticks

Whether you’re just starting with custom printed tape or looking to upgrade your design to a seamless repeat, we’re here to help. We’ve worked with businesses of all sizes, from startup shops to high-volume fulfillment centers, and we’ll make sure you end up with tape that fits your packaging goals and your brand.

Want to compare finishes? Curious what your design would look like? Order a sample or contact us today.