Printing on a large scale has never been easier thanks to wide-format printers. These devices help businesses produce items such as high-quality blueprints, site banners, and promotional materials with ease.
However, the choice of ink is a driving component for achieving exceptional results. Learning about the types of ink that wide-format printers can use will help your business produce vibrant, professional prints for a wide variety of projects.
Wide-format printers are compatible with many ink types. Below is a breakdown of the most commonly used inks:
Aqueous ink is a frequently used water-based ink. It consists of water, pigments or dyes, and additives to create vibrant colors and smooth finishes. This ink works best indoors for prints including presentations, point-of-sale graphics, and prints requiring intricate detail.
There are two primary types of aqueous inks to choose from:
Solvent ink uses a chemical solvent-based carrier to deposit pigments on print surfaces. Once dried, solvent ink adheres strongly to nonporous surfaces like vinyl, making it highly resistant to water, sunlight, and abrasion.
Businesses commonly use solvent ink for outdoor banners, vehicle wraps, and signage exposed to harsh environments. There are three types of solvent inks to choose from:
UV-curable inks harden due to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. The curing process rapidly hardens the ink, yielding a durable and sharp finish.
This type of ink is highly adaptable and capable of printing on various materials including glass, metal, and plastic. By eliminating solvents and heat drying, UV-curable ink decreases environmental impact.
Their superior color density produces appealing, vivid prints for any project. That’s why businesses use this type of ink for outdoor signage, trade show displays, and specialty prints on unconventional materials like ceramics or glass.
Latex ink combines the benefits of eco-solvent and UV-curable inks. Its water-based composition blended with polymer particles and pigments offers durability without releasing harmful fumes. Latex ink dries immediately upon printing due to integrated heat processing, allowing for fast turnaround times.
There are multiple reasons why latex ink is popular. It works equally well for both indoor and outdoor applications, it’s compatible with a range of media, and it will print onto bendable or curved surfaces. Latex ink is great for printing on large banners, retail graphics, and flexible materials like fabric or wallpaper.
If your projects involve textiles, dye sublimation ink is an excellent choice. This specialized ink converts from liquid to gas under heat, permanently bonding with polyester-based materials. The result is a high-quality image that doesn’t fade, peel, or crack, even after washing.
Businesses use dye sublimation ink for custom fabrics, sportswear, and soft signage. However, it requires specific printers and substrates with polymer coatings. While this limits its versatility, dye sublimation ink’s quality for fabric printing is a resource businesses can rely on.
Thermal inkjet inks are common because they’re highly versatile and relatively cost-effective. Found in wide-format printer models like ones that use Canon ink tank systems, thermal inkjet ink adopts either aqueous or pigmented formulas.
The heating technology behind these printers allows for precise, speedy, and high-quality printing. This product is the top choice for everyday prints, simple poster work, and reports that require speed and accuracy.
Choosing the right ink for printing requires understanding each ink’s uses and your business’s demands. First, check the ink’s compatibility with your printer. Using the wrong ink can cause clogs or damage.
Determine the surface material you’ll be printing on. For example, solvent ink works well on vinyl while dye sublimation ink is ideal for polyester fabrics.
The next step is to decide the environment where you’ll display the project; will it be outdoors or indoors? Outdoor applications like banners and vehicle wraps require inks with higher durability, such as solvent-based and UV-curable inks.
On the other hand, indoor projects rely on aqueous or latex inks to provide color accuracy and precision in less demanding conditions. These inks are great for graphics and images.
Lastly, consider your sustainability goals. Many businesses are making eco-friendly transitions, such as adopting latex and eco-solvent options to reduce their environmental impact. Keeping these factors in mind will help you produce the best results for your printing projects.
Understanding what types of ink wide-format printers you can use will maximize print quality and longevity. The type you need depends on factors like the media you’re using, the environment, durability requirements, and printer compatibility.
When you’re looking for ink for your wide-format printer, we know how important it is to save time and money. At Plotter Paper Guys, we don’t just supply printing paper; we offer high-quality ink options tailored to your printer’s needs. Partnering with us means you’ll receive expert advice, flexible ordering, and dependable stock.
Canon’s ink systems are reliable and efficient for detailed, high-quality deliverables. If you’re creating outdoor banners, eco-solvent inks deliver vibrant results that can withstand the elements. Aqueous inks are perfect for sharp, professional indoor visuals, while UV-curable inks produce bold, long-lasting signage. With the right ink and supplier, your prints will exceed expectations.
