If you’re going to start a printing business, you will learn that there are a lot of different types of printing. Even in one type of printing, with different materials, you will most likely need different types of inks and printers. This article will introduce you to five types of inks and how they apply in various printing techniques that may help you consider which type is most appropriate for the type of printing business you will operate.
1. Pigment Printer Ink (Durabrite)
This type of high-quality ink is capable of printing documents both text or images with a sharp, strong, and waterproof on all types of papers such as HVS, inkjet paper, or even photo paper. This type of ink must be used and taken care of carefully. If not used for a long time, this type of ink can clog the ink cartridge head.
Types of pigment printer ink (Durabrite):
Art Paper Ink
This is the type of ink that’s suitable for small to large scale printing. The most compatible type of paper for this ink is art paper ivory paper and it supports full-color picture printing.
Art Paper Korea
This type of ink is fade proof even upon contact with direct sunlight for a long duration of time. This ink is suitable for photo printing with high quality and durability. It can also be applied for art paper, photo paper, labels and sticker printing in Singapore, PVS paper, and many others. The result of printing with this type of ink is softer yet sharper.
Art Paper China
This type of ink brings out a natural colored result and doesn’t fade under direct sunlight, allowing the printed goods to last for a long time.
2. Dye Base Printer Ink
This ink is made from a mix of water and colorant that lessens the possibility of clogging the cartridge head. Dye-based ink can be used for HVS paper, glossy paper, inkjet paper, canvas, PVC, and others. However, this type of ink cannot be used for art paper (brochure and calendar material) printing. This ink is easy to wear off and the colors are easy to fade under sunlight or heat. It also requires a longer time to dry off on the material.
3. Sublimation Ink
This ink is often used for infused printers or commonly applied for screen printing such as shirts, pins, mugs, hats, and others because sublimation ink has good water resisting quality and a stronger capability of preventing water degradation. This type of ink is more economical and efficient. The result of screen printing with this ink can be ironed. The technique used to print with this ink is printing to HVS paper and the process of heat pressing to shirts, pinks, mugs, or hats. However, this ink risks clogging in the cartridge more than other types of ink.
4. DTG Textile Ink
A special ink used for DTG (Direct to Garment) printers. Textile DTG ink causes the least damage to the DTG printer cartridge head, especially for the micro piezzo type of head. The result of printing with this ink is sharp, vibrant, smooth, and wear off proof. This kind of ink can also print or any kind of garment fabric such as a basic shirt, jackets, polyester, cotton combed, and many others.
5. Solvent and Eco-Solvent Ink
Solvent ink is a printer ink with high quality because it’s waterproof and is durable even under sunlight longer than other types of inks. Its disadvantage is that it has a strong smell. This ink is often used to print banners, billboards, neon box, and other outdoor printings because of it’s waterproof and capable of withstanding UV lights.
Eco-solvent has a less strong smell. It is quite very similar to solvent ink, but this ink is more suitable for indoor printing only.
