I want to offer an update to this question. I have solved the problem, sort of... I fired up Inkscape in an Ubuntu 13.04 virtual machine and its Print Preview and actual printed output work as desired (no grey rectangles across the top). So I have a workaround by editing the file in Linux, but that ...

I'm not sure how to describe this, so I'll just submit a couple screen shots. I have been using Inkscape off and on for years. I am now using 0.48.2, and recently upgraded to OSX 10.9, but I don't know if this is related. Here's what's happening: I used the Avery.com web site to create DVD labels. P...