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Not all printers use the same ink. Two of the most common types of printers – laser printers and inkjet printers, both operate differently and require different types of printer inks to function. In this guide, we’ll walk you through printing ink options so you can know what will work for your printer.
Water-based 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 inks
Solvent-based ink is any ink dissolved in another substance, which can be glycol ether esters or glycol esters and their derivatives. Solvent-based inks include resin that works as a binder and pigment, which constitute the main component of the ink. These inks are highly durable and adhere well to both coated and uncoated surfaces, producing high-resolution images. 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 inks
Latex inks are a heat-fusing type, which allows printing on various un-coated base materials even though it is a water-based ink. 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 inks
UV printing is a unique way to digitally print while utilizing ultraviolet (UV) light to dry or cure ink, adhesives, or coatings. The ink dries almost immediately as soon as it hits the surface ( paper, aluminum, foam board, or acrylic). In fact, as long as it fits in the printer, UV inkjet ink can be used to print on almost anything.
UV inkjet inks have overtaken traditional water and solvent-based inks due to their improved gloss finish, better scratch, chemical, solvent, hardness resistance, and better elasticity. As they are more durable and weather-resistant and offer increased resistance to fading, UV inks are ideal for outdoor signage and lends itself very well to printing banners, displays, and posters, among other non-stretching materials. STS Inks has the best selection and prices for EPSON UV inks and more.
Aqueous 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 printing inks
Find different types of printer inks for all your printing needs at reasonable prices here at STS Inks. We’re among the most trusted ink suppliers, with over 20 years of experience manufacturing high-quality inks here in the US. We carry high-quality printing inks that offer outstanding performance and exceptional durability. Browse a wide range of printer inks for printers at STS Inks today.
