A Guide to the Different Types of Printing Inks

Printing your business’ marketing materials requires, of course, ink. However, many Toronto businesses don’t realize just how many varieties of printing ink (and, therefore, printing processes) are available. Different inks offer unique advantages and disadvantages and can require vastly different technologies.

In this article, Troi Mailing Services explains the most common types of printing inks used in modern commercial printing. That way, you can make informed decisions when it comes to printing direct mail marketing materials for your business.

Inkjet vs. Laser Printing Inks

Commercial printers use either inkjet or laser printers to create your direct mail marketing materials. Although both produce crisp text and images, they work in very different ways.

Inkjet printers, for example, use liquid ink, which is ejected through small nozzles directly onto the paper. It produces bright, vibrant, and accurate colours, making inkjet systems ideal for printing high-resolution photos, graphics, and images. Typically, inkjet printers are slower than laser printers and are better for lower print volumes.

Laser printers use toner powder cartridges instead of liquid ink cartridges. During printing, electrostatically charged dots direct when and where toner is applied. The toner is transferred onto the paper and fused with heat. Since it’s quick drying, printing is fast and efficient. This process results in sharp and precise text and graphics, as well as brilliantly coloured images.

Common Types of Printer Inks

1. Pigment inkjet ink

Pigment inkjet inks (sometimes called UV inks) consist of larger, insoluble pigment particles suspended in the liquid. This type of ink is resistant to water, UV rays, and scratches.

For instance, the ink will not run if it comes into contact with water, so it’s the preferred choice for printed materials that need to be more waterproof. Furthermore, inkjet inks offer colour stability because they are UV-resistant.

Due to their robust nature and longevity, pigment inks are widely used in commercial printing. However, they have a higher cost than dye-based inkjet inks.

Colours can appear more muted with pigment inks versus dye-based inks. It can also be difficult to achieve colour consistency throughout large printing orders, so customers may notice some colour variations. 

2. Dye-based inkjet ink

Dye-based inks are another common option with inkjet printers. The pigment is fully dissolved in the water inside the cartridge, so it lacks the waterproof qualities of pigment ink. Consequently, dye-based inks tend to run more easily under wet conditions. They also fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight.

Nonetheless, dye-based inks are incredibly popular for commercial printing. They provide bright and vibrant colours in a wide range of eye-catching hues and shades. The ink is also more dense, making it suitable for high-quality and large-volume printing jobs that look great without breaking the bank.

3. Laser toner

As we explained earlier, laser toner uses a very fine powder during the printing process. A laser or LED directs the application of toner onto the paper. Then, the pigment is fused in place using heat. Since laser printing requires high temperatures, it is incompatible with some types of paper.

Since this process does not incorporate any liquid, the end result is very waterproof (although it’s still prone to fading over time). It’s also a much faster and more cost-effective process than inkjet printing, so it’s well-suited for high-volume printing. 

4. Sublimation ink

Sublimation inks are dye-based inks in which the dye particles are suspended in either water or oil. Aqueous-based dye sublimation inks use water, whereas solvent-based dye sublimation inks utilize oil as the liquid carrier.

This type of ink differs significantly from traditional ink in a myriad of ways. First, sublimation inks are solid at the start of the printing process. Once printing begins, the ink is heated until it converts into a gas (bypassing the liquid stage). The paper is dyed on a molecular level; the pigment does not sit on top of the material. This results in a permanent, vibrant, and distinct final product.

Additionally, sublimation printing will print the reverse image on the transfer paper. It also requires a special sublimation paper.

5. Offset inks

Offset printing has long been associated with high-volume commercial printing. It’s been used for more than 100 years to print newspapers, magazines, and other forms of traditional media. 

During offset printing, imprinted plates transfer the content onto rubber rolls where ink is then applied. Colours are separated into four different plates: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

These inks are typically oil-based and dry after printing. They provide consistent and accurate image quality with crisp details and accurate colours. 

6. Solvent ink

Solvent inks are mostly used for outdoor applications, like outdoor signage, billboards, and vehicle wraps. This is due to its extreme durability. As the name suggests, solvent ink features pigment that is dissolved in a solvent. 

The solvent does not evaporate after printing, unlike water. This makes the ink waterproof, fade-proof, and scratch-resistant in most weather conditions. It will last as long as the material on which it was printed.

Solvent ink comes in two varieties: traditional solvent and eco-solvent. Traditional solvent produces hazardous fumes, so proper ventilation is a necessity during printing. However, it dries quickly. Eco-solvent, on the other hand, dries slower, but does not produce any toxic odours.

7. Latex ink

Latex inks offer many of the same advantages as solvent inks; however, they are better for the operator and the environment. This is because latex inks are water-based rather than solvent-based, so they release fewer volatile organic compounds during the printing process. Since latex inks do not produce these hazardous fumes, they are much safer.

Like solvent inks, latex inks are naturally resistant to the elements. They’re effectively resistant to scratches, chemicals, light, fading, and water. Furthermore, latex inks are very versatile, so they can be used to print on a wide array of materials from paper to vinyl.

8. UV curable inks

Energy-curable inks are becoming a more popular digital printing option. UV curable inks, specifically, cure instantly on the surface when exposed to intense UV light. No heating is required.

The UV light dries the ink in a split second, rather than using heat to fuse the pigment. It produces an instant, high-definition finish with no risk of smearing or smudging. 

Contact Troi Mailing Services for Commercial Printing Services in Toronto

Troi Mailing Services is your one-stop shop for commercial printing and direct mail fulfillment. When you partner with us, your business unlocks significant savings by using our in-house services rather than relying on multiple companies to run your direct mail campaigns.

Our inkjet, offset and digital printing services in Toronto produce high-quality, impactful printing that catches the attention of consumers. We also have more than 30 years of experience delivering effective direct mail campaigns.

To learn more about our printing services in Toronto, call Troi Mailing Services at 1-866-486-0423 or contact us online.