Frequently Asked Questions

The Solution to the Dymo LableWriter/Label Compatibility Problem

Most of us are very familiar with the Dymo family of LabelWriter direct thermal printers.

These small, durable and inexpensive printers have been around for many years and are configured with the leading paint color matching systems to output the custom color labels that retailers and their customers rely upon to identify the color formula.

In late 2021

Dymo introduced the 500 series LabelWriter and discontinued the 400 series. Owners of the new printers soon discovered that Dymo incorporated digital resource management technology (DRM) into these printers. By affixing an RFID chip to the core of the label roll, the Dymo 500 series LabelWriter printers authenticate the label media that Dymo’s customers put in their printers. This new development means that owners are forced to use only Dymo brand labels with these printers due to the printer’s ability to distinguish between Dymo’s OEM labels and aftermarket, noncompatible labels.

This is highly problematic for a number of reasons. The Dymo brand labels are as much a five times more expensive based on several direct comparisons. Also, the available sizes of Dymo OEM labels are limited. Additionally, there is no option for custom branded labels. Without the branding option retailers accustomed to receiving marketing support funds to offset the cost of labels would lose this revenue.

Fortunately there is a solution.

Seiko Instruments

Benjamin Moore along with the leading color matching systems have led the effort to identify a replacement printer manufactured by Seiko Instruments. Seiko model SLP 650 is likewise a small, inexpensive direct thermal printer.

Additionally, label media manufactured by Centurion for compatibility with Dymo 400 series printers has been redeveloped for compatibility with both the older, legacy Dymo 400 printers as well as the replacement Seiko SLP 650 printers.

The redevelopment of the labels requires new item codes. Shown in the compatible item codes table below are Centurion and Business Systems existing item codes and new Centurion item codes for each available stock custom color label. Additionally, we also show our Benjamin Moore Custom Color Labels compatible item codes.

Retailers who continue to use the older Dymo legacy printers need not change Item Codes immediately. Retailers using the Seiko SLP 650 printer should order by New Centurion Item Code depending on which size label they prefer.