The Art of Printing on Kraft Paper

A Guide for Branding and Packaging

Packaging is more than just a protective layer for products; it represents your brand and draws customers in. For small businesses, independent retailers, councils, and pet shops, packaging needs to be eye-catching, eco-friendly, and in line with brand values. A popular choice is kraft paper, which not only exudes sustainability but also provides a unique canvas for creative branding.

But choosing the right colours and designs to print on kraft paper can make or break your final product. Why? Because kraft paper’s natural texture and tone require a tailored approach to achieve stunning results. This guide will help you understand how to pick the best colours and techniques for your product branding and boxes, ensuring your packaging stands out on the shelves.

What is Kraft Paper?

Kraft paper is made from 100% recycled fibres and is typically chlorine-free. Its unique brown hue and tactile, organic texture make it a favourite choice for businesses prioritising sustainability. It’s perfect for packaging that conveys an eco-conscious, natural aesthetic.  With its rough texture and earthy tone, kraft paper provides a vintage or organic look that pairs particularly well with minimalist and natural product lines.

Why Colour Choice Matters on Kraft Paper

Printing on kraft paper is not as straightforward as printing on white or coated materials. The brown surface absorbs ink differently, and lighter colours can often get “lost” against the background. Certain hues thrive, while others fall flat. To ensure your branding pops, it’s essential to consider how the ink interacts with the kraft’s unique surface.

The Best Colours for Printing on Kraft Paper

1. Darker Colours

Deep and rich colours like black, navy blue, forest green, and deep red perform exceptionally well. These hues create a strong contrast against the brown background, ensuring logos and designs stand out clearly.

2. Muted and Earthy Tones

Natural hues such as olive green, burnt orange, and burgundy match the organic appearance of kraft paper. These colours work harmoniously with the eco-friendly vibe of the material, aligning well with sustainability-focused brands.

Black

Black is a staple choice for printing on kraft paper as it offers a high-contrast result that is both bold and easily legible. It’s often used for logos, text-heavy designs, and minimalist packaging.

4. Custom CMYK Combinations

Specific CMYK colour codes for depth and richness are highly recommended for printing on kraft paper to achieve the best finish. 

  • Red (C5-M90-Y75-K0)
  • Orange (C0-M50-Y100-K0)
  • Blue (C63-M0-Y0-K12)

Colours to avoid on Kraft Paper.

1. White

White ink does not show up well on kraft paper and is often mistaken for unprinted areas, exposing the brown background. If bright whites are a must for your design, consider using a white ink base layer before applying other colours. However, this often requires specialised silk-screen printing techniques.

2. Yellow and Light Colours

Pale yellows, pastel pinks, or muted lavenders fade into the brown surface, creating a washed-out effect. These lighter shades struggle to create the bold impact necessary for strong branding.

3. Photographic Colours

When using kraft paper, avoid photographic images or gradients. The textured surface can make their details appear blurry or overly dull. Stick to clean, simple graphics for the best results.

How Colours Appear on Kraft Paper

Kraft paper’s absorbent nature means colours often appear muted or less vibrant once printed. The brown tone of the paper affects all lighter colours, changing their final look. For example, a pure red may look more like a brick red when printed. Keep this in mind during the design process and incorporate slightly adjusted hues to achieve your desired effect.

For a more vibrant result, a white ink base layer can be applied to create brightness.  This approach will increase production costs and we do not recommend.  Easier and more cost effective to use white card in this instance.

Design Tips for Printing on Kraft Paper

At Ecohound, we love helping customers choose the best card for their design. Whether you’re opting for a bold white background or going eco-friendly with kraft paper, here are our top tips to make your design shine on kraft paper.

1. Keep it Simple

Kraft paper works best with clean, simple designs. Bold graphics, line art, and text-focused layouts look great on its natural brown texture.

2. Skip the Tiny Details

The rough texture of kraft paper means fine text or intricate details may “bleed” and lose their sharpness. Choose thicker fonts and straightforward designs for crisp results.

3. Limit Your Colours

Stick with a maximum of 3, maybe 4 colours that contrast well with the brown background. Using too many shades can make the overall look feel busy or muddy.

4. Avoid Gradients

Solid colours are your best friend when printing on kraft paper. Gradients or faded effects don’t translate well and can look uneven.

5. Highlight Eco-Friendly Vibes

Pair your kraft design with a sustainability message. Add eco-friendly statements or simple graphics to complement the natural feel of the card.

Still unsure whether kraft or white suits your design better? Ecohound is here to help! Reach out, and we’ll guide you on choosing the perfect card to bring your design to life. 

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