How to Decorate Tote Bags with a Single-Color Print

Digital UV printing technology often highlights its ability to produce full-color, stunning graphics on tote bags. However, the reality for most promotional companies is that they predominantly print single-color logos and graphics. In fact, one promotional products decorator we spoke with reported that 91.37% of their imprints were single-color, with only 8% being multi-color. 

These figures align closely with our daily observations. Typically, tote bags—whether branded for grocery stores or events—feature single-colored logos. However, to appeal to the maximum amount of customers, the ability to offer both one-color and multi-color CMYKW prints, is the best of both worlds. 

Digital UV printing, like the XJET Switch direct-to-bag printer, excels at decorating both single-color and multi-color designs on tote bags. But how does it compare to other popular decoration methods like Direct-to-Film (DTF), screen printing, and dye sublimation, especially when it comes to switching between single-color and multi-color prints? 

Direct-to-Film (DTF)

The transition is generally easy, requiring only adjustments to the artwork and printer settings. It’s efficient for both single-color and multi-color printing, though some minor setup tweaks may be needed. 

Screen Printing

This method presents a moderate challenge. Switching from multi-color to single-color printing involves a significant changeover, including the removal or addition of screens, which can be time-consuming and require precise alignment. 

Dye Sublimation

This process is fairly straightforward when switching between single-color and multi-color printing. The main tasks involve adjusting the design and printer settings, making it a versatile option, although it is typically better suited for full-color prints on light-colored or white substrates. 

While all four processes—UV Digital, DTF, Screen Printing, and Dye Sublimation—can handle both single-color and multi-color graphics, UV Digital printing stands out for its ease and efficiency in switching between the two. This makes it a powerful tool for promotional companies looking to maximize their printing capabilities on tote bags and other products. Additionally, the speeds at which digital UV printing can produce single color images on tote bags is much faster than comparable methods, especially when you factor in the additional steps, like cutting, or drying.  

UV Digital Printing

Switching between single-color and multi-color prints is seamless. This technology allows you to easily print a small batch of multi-color designs and quickly switch back to single-color without any significant downtime or setup changes. Digital printing interest you? Contact Us Today. 

Digital Tote Bag Printer 

The XJET Switch, a cutting-edge UV flatbed printer, is transforming how promotional products companies and decorators customize tote bags. One of its standout features is the ability to effortlessly and efficiently print both single-color and multi-color designs.  

The XJET Switch has a new software upgrade: High Speed White Mode. This feature enables faster printing speeds for one-color, bright white prints on various tote bags. Utilizing four dedicated heads for white, this mode allows for double the speed and opacity compared to the standard configuration. High Speed White Mode transforms the XJET Switch from a full CMYKW digital printer to addressing the needs of those promotionally printing single-color tote bags. Print all white prints on tote bags more efficiently, with one single machine, without any of the messy cleanup of other decoration methods. 

Beyond this, the XJET Switch offers several game-changing capabilities. Notably, it allows for the loading and unloading of items during the printing process, thanks to its continuous printing technology. For maximum efficiency, you can load blank tote bags at the front of the machine while printing occurs simultaneously at the back. 

Moreover, tote bags printed with the XJET Switch are instantly fully cured, eliminating the need for additional dryers or drying steps—saving you time and freeing up valuable floor space. Digitally printing on tote bags is also a sustainable decoration method, avoiding harmful inks and eliminating paper and plastic waste often associated with traditional methods. 

Digital Inks for Tote Bags

With nearly a dozen UV ink series to choose from, Inkcups offers a variety of options to match the material you’re decorating. Whether you’re working with glass, plastics, metals, or even flexible items like golf towels and tote bags, there’s an ink tailored for your needs and to meet your adhesion standards. Select from the Xflexx Flexible UV Ink Series or the TB UV Ink Series. The Xflexx Series features a Vivid White that delivers opacity and brightness comparable to screen printing, especially when applied to tote bags.

Looking for more information? Read more here:

Promotional Product Trifecta: T-shirts, Drinkware, and Custom Tote Bags

• In this blog post, we explore the promotional product trifecta—T-shirts, drinkware, and custom tote bags—and explain why these items are excellent marketing tools for businesses. These products are not only practical and appreciated by recipients, but they also provide outstanding opportunities for boosting brand visibility.

Getting Started: Sublimation Tote Bags or UV Digital

• In this blog post, explore two printing methods for customizing tote bags: sublimation and UV digital printing. Sublimation offers brilliant, permanent designs on polyester fabrics, making it a top choice for polyester or polyester-blend tote bags. It requires a heat press and works best with specific materials. On the other hand, UV digital printing is highly versatile, supporting a wide range of substrates, including various fabric types, without needing a heat press. Choosing between these methods depends on your product’s material, customization needs, and production volume.

Reusable Tote Bag Applications 

• This product page explores the different types of reusable tote bags that we have seen excellent adhesion and success decorating on!

Printing on Tote Bags

• With the increasing use of reusable bags, UV printing has become a popular method, offering vibrant, durable designs while also aligning with eco-friendly consumer preferences. This method provides high-quality prints, contributing to enhanced branding and sustainability efforts.