Printing Materials For Different Types of Inks
Before you start the process of graphic reproduction or printing, there are many considerations to be made prior to the actual printing process. Other than understanding what paper, sticker or canvas to use, you must also understand the printer formats and qualities, where the end product is going to be applied on and the choices of the display. You must also determine what type of ink whether indoor or outdoor is best suited for the print. Below is a list of a breakdown of the different types of printer inks available on the market today, so that you are aware what to use on what! More about Ink Type
Ink Type |
What does this ink mean? |
Recommendations |
Printing materials normally used with commercial printers in SG |
AQUEOUS |
Water-based ink mixed with a colored powder (pigment) or a dye. |
Canvas and paper fine art prints, indoor use |
|
SOLVENT |
A solvent (volatile organic compound) mixed with colored powder (pigment). |
Plastic prints for outdoor signage and displays |
Synthetic Yupo Paper, White PVC Sticker – Permanent, White PVC Sticker – Removable, LG White PVC Sticker, Frontlit PVC Flex Banner - Matt (440g), Blockout Frontlit PVC Flex Banner - Matt - Grey Back (380g), Synthetic Yupo Paper (260g) |
ECO-SOLVENT |
A mild solvent mixed with colored powder (pigment); can be used in enclosed spaces. |
Plastic prints for outdoor signage and displays |
Synthetic Yupo Paper, White PVC Sticker – Permanent, White PVC Sticker – Removable, LG White PVC Sticker, Frontlit PVC Flex Banner - Matt (440g), Blockout Frontlit PVC Flex Banner - Matt - Grey Back (380g), Synthetic Yupo Paper (260g) |
INDIGO |
A very fine-particle pigment is mixed in the printer with an oil carrier. |
Digital photo books, canvas prints, plastics |
|
LATEX |
Water-based ink mixed with a latex polymer dye. |
Large format, industrial, outdoor displays |
LATEX White Photo-Realistic Poster Paper, LATEX Matt PVC Sticker (And all printing materials for Solvent/ Eco Solvent listed above) |
TONER |
An alternative to the ink used in laser printers; remains in a powdered form until fused to the paper. |
Everyday printing needs, documents, posters |
PaperOne Copier Paper-80gsm All Purpose (Blue), PaperOne Copier Paper-80gsm Copier (Green), PaperOne Copier Paper-70gsm Copier (Green) |
UV CURABLE |
Usually pigment ink, cured (dried) by UV light before exiting the printer |
Generally industrial, large format production |
Waterproof Artist Canvas, (And all printing materials for Solvent/ Eco Solvent/ Latex listed above) |
DYE SUB |
Aqueous or solvent dye sublimation ink |
Dye sublimation & Diffusion |
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