# Thermal transfer ribbons

> Thermal transfer ribbon in wax, wax-resin and resin, in the width and length your label printer calls for, and for every material.

*Grafidel Etiquetas · https://grafidel.com/en/products/ribbon · en · 2026-09-25*

Thermal transfer ribbon in wax, wax-resin and resin, in the width and length your printer calls for.

Ribbon is the ink tape used by thermal transfer printers: the print head heats it and the ink passes onto the label. Choosing the right one is as important as choosing the label, because between them they determine whether the print is legible, whether it lasts and whether it stands up to the treatment it will receive.

## Wax, wax-resin or resin

- **Wax** : for paper labels and everyday use. It is the most economical option and gives a good print on shipping, price and logistics labels.
- **Wax-resin** : for coated papers and some plastics, with greater resistance to rubbing.
- **Resin** : for plastic labels and anything that has to withstand a lot: solvents, heat, humidity or the elements.

## Width and length

Each printer calls for a specific ribbon: the width, the length, the core and whether it is wound ink side in or ink side out. Tell us your printer model and the label material, and we will tell you which ribbon you need. That way you avoid trial and error, rolls that do not fit and labels that rub off within a few days.

## Frequently asked questions

### What happens if I use the wrong ribbon?

The print comes out blurred or rubs off, and the printer’s print head wears out sooner. That is why it pays to choose the ribbon at the same time as the label.

### Do I need ribbon with every thermal label?

No. Direct thermal labels are printed without ribbon, using the heat of the print head. Ribbon is needed for thermal transfer, which is the method that gives a longer-lasting print.

### Can you send it with the labels?

Yes. We supply [thermal labels](https://grafidel.com/en/services/thermal-labels), ribbon and [printers](https://grafidel.com/en/products/printers), so you can order everything at once from a single supplier. [Ask us for a quote](https://grafidel.com/en/contact).

## Accessories

- [Label sheets for laser printers](https://grafidel.com/en/products/laser-sheets)
- [Thermal label printers](https://grafidel.com/en/products/printers)
- [Tagging barbs and guns for clothing](https://grafidel.com/en/products/tagging-barbs)
- [Custom hang tags for clothing](https://grafidel.com/en/products/hang-tags)
- [Custom rubber stamps](https://grafidel.com/en/products/rubber-stamps)