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Printing Tips & Troubleshooting

How to Choose the Right Type of Ink?

by liumia 23 Oct 2025 0 comments

UV Ink

UV ink bottle A UV ink bottle B

Key Features

UV ink cures instantly under ultraviolet light, achieving strong adhesion and vivid printing on a wide range of materials.

Applicable Materials: Suitable for glass, metal, wood, acrylic, leather, PVC, and other rigid or semi-rigid materials.

Instant Curing: No absorption or drying time required — ideal for industrial mass production.

High Versatility: Supports glossy, matte, and textured finishes for diverse visual effects.

Superior Durability: Excellent adhesion, abrasion resistance, waterproofing, and anti-UV properties ensure long-term image stability.

Compatible Equipment:

UV flatbed printers, UV roll-to-roll printers, and UV DTF printers.

Typical Applications:

Mobile phone cases, metal panels, advertising signs, glass decorations, gift boxes, and leather goods.

Notes:

UV ink has high viscosity; before printing, ensure ink circulation and nozzle cleaning are functioning properly. Using mismatched or low-quality UV ink may cause nozzle blockage or unstable output.

Eco-Solvent Ink

Eco-solvent ink A Eco-solvent ink B

Key Features:

Eco-solvent ink uses an organic solvent as the carrier, enabling deep penetration and strong adhesion to various surfaces.

Water and Weather Resistance: Performs reliably even in outdoor environments for long periods without fading or peeling.

Material Compatibility: Widely used on PVC, car stickers, light boxes, PP paper, and other flexible materials.

Fast Drying: Dries instantly after printing and can be used immediately for installation or display.

Durability: Waterproof, UV-resistant, and anti-aging — ideal for outdoor advertising standards.

Compatible Equipment:

Outdoor inkjet printers and eco-solvent plotters.

Typical Applications:

Outdoor billboards, vehicle wraps, light boxes, exhibition graphics, wall murals, and reflective films.

Notes:

Eco-solvent inks have certain volatility and environmental requirements. It’s recommended to maintain good ventilation and a stable indoor temperature during printing. Choose ink types that meet environmental standards to ensure consistent outdoor performance and color accuracy.

Water-Based Ink

Water-based ink A Water-based ink B

Water-based ink uses water as its main solvent, making it environmentally friendly and odorless — the safest type among the three inks. It offers high brightness, excellent color reproduction, and fast drying speed. Free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it is non-toxic to humans and has low corrosiveness to equipment. It is commonly used in textile and digital printing fields, with DTF ink and sublimation ink as typical examples.

① DTF Ink (Direct to Film)

Applicable Fabrics: Cotton, polyester, nylon, and blended fabrics.

Printing Effect: Vibrant colors, soft edges, and excellent elasticity that resists cracking.

Simple Workflow: Print → Apply Powder → Bake → Heat Transfer — all completed in one process.

Suitable Backgrounds: Performs well on both light and dark fabrics.

Common Applications: Custom T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, and personalized textile products.

② Sublimation Ink

Core Process: Uses heat and pressure to transfer dye into polyester fibers, producing rich and durable prints.

Wash and Wear Resistance: The pattern bonds tightly with the fibers, offering excellent wash durability.

Eco-Friendly and Safe: Odorless and free of harmful substances, suitable for both home and factory environments.

Common Applications: Sportswear, curtains, banners, mouse pads, and polyester-based fabrics.

Notes:

Water-based inks are not suitable for non-absorbent materials (like glass or metal). Ensure consistent humidity to prevent nozzle drying or color fading during printing.

Summary

Each ink type has unique advantages:

Water-Based Ink focuses on eco-friendliness and safety. Eco-Solvent Ink emphasizes outdoor durability and color retention. UV Ink combines multi-material compatibility with high adhesion and gloss. Choosing the right ink ensures better printing stability and lower costs.

If you’d like to learn more about professional ink applications and product matching, feel free to message us or leave a comment below.

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