Mistake 1

Mistake: Focusing only on price, ignoring ink particle size and filtration.

Many cheap inks are unfiltered, contain impurities, and have large particles. Clogging may occur within a week of printing.

A good ink should meet these criteria:

Nanoparticle dispersion (less than 1μm)

Multi-level filtration (e.g., 0.2μm membrane)

Stable suspension with no sedimentation

P.S.: The cheaper the ink, the more likely it has cut corners in critical processes.

Mistake 2

Mistake: Ignoring ink compatibility with substrates / materials.

Using sublimation ink to print on cotton T-shirts? No color at all.

Using water-based ink on PVC film? Peels off instantly.

Using UV ink on non-absorbent material? Requires primer or treatment.

P.S.: Always confirm material properties in advance. Pre-treatment may be necessary. Test if unsure.

Mistake 3

Mistake: Ignoring durability and application scenarios.

Not all inks are washable, UV-resistant, or durable.

Example:

DTF ink on garments should withstand >50 washes.

Outdoor signage should resist UV for ≥12 months.

P.S.: Check actual test reports from the ink brand, not just sales descriptions.

Mistake 4

Mistake: Prioritizing Fast Drying While Ignoring the Drying System Compatibility.

Fast-drying ink doesn’t mean it’s universally applicable—drying too quickly can easily clog the printhead.

UV ink requires matching UV lamp power and wavelength (e.g., LED 395nm vs mercury lamp);

Sublimation ink needs high-temperature heat press for color fixation, and paper absorbency also affects drying speed;

Solvent ink needs a constant-temperature drying system to prevent graying or tackiness of the printed layer.

P.S.: Each type of ink has its optimal drying "window". When selecting ink, always confirm your equipment’s drying configuration.

Mistake 5

Mistake: Ink prints with good density, but colors are always off—ignoring ICC color management.

Many users find that after switching inks, the printed colors appear dull, reddish, or lack vibrancy. The issue often lies not in the ink itself, but in failing to adjust print settings accordingly.

P.S.: The same image printed with different ink brands can show noticeable color differences if parameters aren't adjusted. It's recommended to test print and fine-tune settings before finalizing.

Mistake 6

Mistake: Ignoring surface tension and nozzle compatibility.

Incorrect surface tension can cause ink to drip, drag, or mist.

Ink surface tension (dynes/cm) must match the printhead and frequency. Otherwise, inkjetting becomes unstable.

Especially for UV inks, improper tension leads to nozzle blockage, floating ink, or mixing issues.

P.S.: Recommended ink surface tension: 28–35 dynes/cm, stable and reliable range.

Image source: Internet