Understanding the Different Types of Printer Inks

Understanding the different types of printer inks helps businesses choose the right solution for print quality, durability, material compatibility, and production efficiency. Laser printers and inkjet printers operate differently and require specific printer inks designed for their printing technology. From water-based and eco-solvent inks to latex, UV, and aqueous solutions, each ink type supports different production environments and applications.

Water-Based Printer Inks

Water-based inks use water as the main solvent for carrying pigment and are used for screen printing predominantly. They are composed of hybrid blends of acrylic resin and polyurethanes. This unique composition helps the ink to penetrate the fabric more than any other ink giving it a soft feel. As the ink is made up of soft resins and water, it quickly evaporates, leaving a soft-to-touch feel on the fabric.

Solvent-Based Printer Inks

Solvent-based inks use specialized chemical solvents designed to carry pigment and improve adhesion across coated and uncoated surfaces. These inks include resin that works as a binder and pigment, which constitute the main component of the ink. As a result, solvent-based printer inks deliver durable, high-resolution graphics for signage, labels, packaging, and commercial applications.

They are used on a large scale in the signage industry and printing of packaging materials, bottles, labels, and more. At STS Inks, we carry a wide range of eco-solvent inks for various printer brands and manufacturers, including compatible EPSON, Mutoh, Mimaki, and Roland.

Latex Printer Inks

Latex inks combine water-based technology with heat-curing performance for printing on a wide variety of materials. It offers the quality of both water-based inks and the outdoor durability of Eco Solvent-based inks.

Its water-based formulation is odorless and environmentally friendly, and the unique pigment dispersion provides exceptional print durability in both indoor and outdoor applications. STS Latex inks are manufactured using the highest standards for both wide format and desktop printers with piezo or thermal print heads. 

UV Printer Inks

UV printer inks use ultraviolet light to instantly cure printed graphics on multiple rigid and flexible materials. Because the ink cures immediately after application, businesses can produce durable graphics with excellent gloss finish, scratch resistance, and long-term outdoor performance.

Additionally, UV printing technology works well for banners, displays, signage, acrylic, foam board, promotional products, and other specialty applications. Since UV printer inks resist weather exposure and fading, they remain a popular solution for commercial and industrial printing environments.

Aqueous Printer Inks

These are probably some of the safest and most effective types of printer inks. Offering a beautiful depth of color, aqueous inks are ideal for both large-format printing and use in schools, homes, and offices. This is probably the best ink to print on porous surfaces such as paper or cardboard, as the emulsion is ideal for porous substrates. STS Inks have affordable aqueous ink replacement cartridges for every printer and application.

Where to Buy Professional Printer Inks

STS Inks offers professional printing inks designed for commercial, industrial, and production printing applications. Our product lineup includes eco-solvent, UV, latex, aqueous, and specialty printer inks engineered for dependable performance, vibrant color quality, and long-term durability.

For more than 20 years, STS Inks has manufactured high-quality printing inks in the United States for print professionals worldwide. Additionally, our solutions support a wide range of printer brands and production environments, helping businesses maintain reliable output and consistent print performance.