📑 Contents

Introduction

Colorty's TZe-231 black-on-white is our #1 best-selling label tape—and for good reason. It works across more applications than any other tape we offer. Files, storage boxes, pantry labels, office supplies, shelves, cables, drawers—TZe-231 handles them all with clean, high-contrast readability[citation:5]. It's sharp, easy to read, and works in almost any setting. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of label colors.

But here's the truth: TZe-231 is not always the right choice. There are many situations where a different color combination will look better, work harder, and produce a more professional result. This guide explains when to use TZe-231, when to switch to TZe-335 (white on black), and how to choose among our full color range based on the object you're labeling.

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The Golden Rule: Contrast Between Label Background & Object Color

Many users ask: "My cabinet is blue—should I buy blue label tape?"

No—avoid matching label background to object color.

If the label background is too similar to the object, the label becomes visually "invisible"—it blends in and loses its purpose. The label needs to be seen for what it is: a label.

The key insight? Your label's background color should contrast with the object's surface—not match it.

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TZe-231: The Versatile Black-on-White Choice

TZe-231 black on white P-touch tape is a practical starting point for most everyday labeling jobs[citation:5].

The white background provides a clean surface, while black text creates strong contrast. This makes TZe-231 particularly useful when the main goal is clear, straightforward identification[citation:3].

Common uses for TZe-231

• Files and folders
• Storage boxes
• Pantry containers
• Office supplies
• Shelves and cabinets
• Cables and chargers
• Drawers
• Household organization
• Equipment identification

For example, you could use TZe-231 to label:

The labels are easy to scan without requiring users to interpret different colors.

Best choice when: you want a clean, highly readable label that works across many everyday applications.

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TZe-335: When White Text on Black Makes More Sense

TZe-335 uses white print on a black background, creating a bold, high-contrast label.

Compared with TZe-231 black on white, TZe-335 creates a much stronger visual boundary between the label and the surface underneath. The dark label stands out particularly well on white, light-colored, or bright surfaces.

For example, imagine labeling a white storage box. A TZe-231 label blends naturally into the box, while a TZe-335 label creates a clear black label area with highly visible white text. Both are easy to read, but they create very different visual effects.

TZe-335 can be a better choice when you want the label itself to stand out, rather than blend into the surface.

Good applications for TZe-335

• White and light-colored storage boxes
• Light-colored folders and file organizers
• White plastic containers
• Light-colored equipment
• Shelves and cabinets
• Areas where labels need to be easy to spot
• Color-coded organization where black provides a strong visual marker

Simple rule: If the surface is light, a black background can make the label stand out. If the surface is already dark, a black label may blend into it instead.

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The Surface Color Matters More Than You Think

The easiest way to choose a P-touch tape color is to look at the object you are labeling first.

A simple rule is: Avoid choosing a tape background that is too similar to the object behind it.

However, there is an important distinction between text contrast and overall label contrast.

Example 1: A Black Toolbox

Suppose you have a black toolbox.

Option A: Black on White (TZe-231)

The text is extremely easy to read, but the white label creates a strong contrast with the black toolbox.

Option B: White on Black (TZe-335)

The black label blends more naturally with the toolbox while the white text remains highly visible.

For a black toolbox, TZe-335 may provide a more visually consistent result.

Example 2: A White Storage Container

A black-on-white label such as TZe-231 is a natural choice[citation:5]. The white background blends with the container, while the black text provides the contrast needed for easy reading.

The label looks simple and unobtrusive. In this situation, there is little reason to use a black-background label unless you specifically want the label to stand out.

Example 3: A Transparent Rice Container

A transparent rice container filled with white rice. The visible background behind the label is mostly white because of the rice.

A black-background label with white text (TZe-335) would create a very strong visual block against the white rice. If your goal is a clean, minimalist pantry organization system, black on white or clear tape may be a better visual match.

Example 4: A Clear Glass Jar

Clear tape (TZe-131) is another useful option when you do not want the label background to cover the surface[citation:1][citation:13].

This is particularly useful for:

• Glass jars
• Clear plastic containers
• Product packaging
• Transparent storage boxes
• Bottles
• Smooth glass surfaces

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Color Comparison Table

The two combinations can both provide excellent readability, but they create very different visual effects.

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When Should You Use Black on Yellow?

Black on yellow (TZe-631) is useful when visibility is more important than blending into the surrounding surface[citation:3].

Ideal for:

• Electrical equipment
• Maintenance areas
• Warning information
• Storage areas
• Frequently accessed controls
• Equipment that needs quick identification

When Should You Use Black on Red?

Black on red (TZe-431) creates a bold visual appearance and can be useful for important identification[citation:3].

Ideal for:

• High-priority equipment
• Maintenance areas
• Important switches
• Industrial equipment
• Color-coded storage
• Items requiring special attention

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White Text on Colored Tape

White print is not limited to black tape. Your P-touch tape options also include combinations such as:

• White on Blue (TZe-535)
• White on Green (TZe-735)
• White on Berry Pink (TZe-MQP35)
• White on Lime Green (TZe-MQG35)
• White on Gray (TZe-MQL35)
• White on Satin Gold (TZe-MQ835)

These combinations can be useful when you want to build a color-coded labeling system[citation:4].

The exact color system is up to you. The important part is to use the colors consistently.

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A Simple Rule: Match the Label to the Object

Before choosing a P-touch tape, ask three questions:

1. What color is the object? Is it: White? Black? Transparent? Gray? Blue? Red? A mixed or patterned surface?
2. Should the label blend in or stand out? Choose a background similar to the object if you want a more integrated appearance. Choose a contrasting background if you want the label to attract attention.
3. What needs to be easiest to see? Sometimes the text needs to stand out. Sometimes the entire label needs to stand out. And sometimes you want the label to be as visually subtle as possible.

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Final Takeaway

TZe-231 black on white is a great all-purpose choice and one of the most versatile options for everyday labeling. But it is not the right answer for every application.

When choosing P-touch tape, consider: Print color + tape background + object color + intended visibility.

• For everyday organization, black on white is usually an excellent starting point.
• For dark surfaces, white on black can provide a cleaner and more integrated appearance.
• For transparent surfaces, black on clear can preserve the look of the object underneath.
• For important identification, black on yellow or red can make the label more noticeable.
• For organized color-coding, white text on blue, green, pink, or other colored tapes can help different categories stand out.

The best P-touch tape is not simply the one with the highest contrast—it is the one that provides the right balance of readability, visibility, and appearance for the object you are labeling.

*Colorty is a third-party brand offering compatible replacement label tapes for Brother P-touch label makers. All product names and trademarks are property of their respective owners. Colorty products are not original Brother-branded items.