How to choose the right ink for color label paper printing?

Choosing the right ink for color label paper printing is a process involving many factors. Here are some key steps and considerations:

First, understand the characteristics of the substrate

Coated paper is a smooth surface paper with good ink absorption and printing effect. When selecting the ink, it is necessary to consider the characteristics of the coated paper, such as the ink absorption of the paper, surface gloss, thickness, etc., to ensure a good match between the ink and the paper.

Second, determine the printing method

Different printing methods (such as offset printing, gravure printing, flexo printing, etc.) have different ink requirements. For example, offset printing usually uses oxidized conjunctival drying ink, while gravure printing often uses volatile drying ink. Therefore, when selecting ink, it is necessary to clarify the printing method used.

Third, consider the type of ink

Depending on the printing needs, different types of inks can be selected. For color copperplate label paper printing, common ink types include:

Water-based ink: good environmental protection, fast drying speed, suitable for high-speed printing, but the printing effect may be slightly worse than solvent-based ink.

Solvent-based ink: bright colors, good printing effect, but the drying speed is slow, and may have a certain impact on the environment. With the improvement of environmental protection requirements, the use of solvent-based inks is subject to certain restrictions.

UV ink: fast curing speed, excellent printing effect, suitable for high requirements of printed matter. However, UV ink is more expensive and requires UV curing equipment.

Fourth, evaluate ink performance

When selecting ink, it is necessary to evaluate its various performance indicators, including:

Hue: Ensure that the ink color is consistent with the print design.

Fineness: Fine ink particles, conducive to printing clear patterns and text.

Saturation: The ink is full of color and can present a rich color level.

Gloss: Select the appropriate gloss according to the needs of the print.

Adhesion: Strong adhesion between ink and coated paper, not easy to fall off.

Viscosity: moderate ink viscosity, conducive to the stability of the printing process.

Fifth, consider cost and environmental factors

When choosing ink, you also need to consider cost and environmental factors. Water-based inks and UV inks are generally more environmentally friendly than solvent-based inks, but can cost more. Therefore, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the cost and environmental protection requirements under the premise of ensuring the quality of printing.

Sixth, refer to ink brand and quality

Choosing inks from well-known brands is usually more secure, as these brands' products are usually more reliable in terms of quality, performance and service. At the same time, you can refer to the experience and feedback of other printing companies to choose the ink that is more suitable for your printing needs.

Seventh, trial printing and adjustment

Before finalizing the ink, it is recommended to conduct a trial printing to evaluate the printing effect of the ink. According to the test results, the ratio and viscosity of the ink can be fine-tuned to achieve the best printing effect.

To sum up, the selection of the appropriate ink for color label paper printing requires comprehensive consideration of substrate characteristics, printing methods, ink types, ink performance, cost and environmental factors. Through careful evaluation and trial printing adjustment, you can find the most suitable ink for your printing needs.