Why water based inks provide higher definition printing ...

Why do water based inks offer higher definition printing compared to solvent based inks?

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Water based inks in inkjet printers produce higher definition images. A drop of solvent based ink consists of 35% pigment and 65% apolar solvents. In contrast, a drop of water based ink consists of 33% pigment, 33% water, and 33% non-toxic, water-soluble polar solvents.

The benefits of using water based inks manifest during the printing process.

SOLVENT BASED INK

1. The drop rests on the surface of the substrate.
2. The apolar solvent is only partially absorbed by the substrate's porosity.
3. The remainder of the solvent, which is not water-soluble, stays on the surface.
4. The low surface tension of the solvent causes the drop to expand, spreading its pigment over a larger area, thus overlapping with adjacent areas.

WATER BASED INK

1. The drop rests on the surface of the substrate.
2. The water is swiftly absorbed by the capillary structure of the surface.
3. The water-soluble polar solvents are quickly absorbed due to the substrate's residual humidity (4/5%).
4. The pigment stays precisely where the print head deposited it, preventing any overlap.

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In Conclusion

1. Water based inks deliver superior image quality in terms of definition, chromatic contrast, and color clarity.
2. They ensure better alignment between the design phase and the production phase.
3. Water based inks yield improved results, particularly with high ink density products and covering substrates (monoporosa and double-fired).

If you are familiar with my work, you will notice that I frequently use Dr. Ph. Martin's Radiant Concentrated Watercolours! Recently, I have been experimenting with new materials such as acrylic inks, pigment inks, and dyes.

I usually utilize inks to create a watercolor style, and each type of ink has distinct characteristics. This blog post will outline the differences among these inks to assist you in selecting the best option for your next project.

Let's start with my favorite: Dr. Ph. Martin's Radiant Concentrated Watercolours. These are dye-based inks that offer an extremely bright and vivid appearance. While there are other dye-based inks available, this particular brand provides a wide range of colors. Ecoline also offers excellent color options, along with several lesser-known brands. It is essential to recognize that dye-based inks, and indeed all inks, can vary in consistency and color from one brand to another. Thus, simply purchasing dye-based ink from one company may not yield the same results as another, highlighting the importance of experimenting to find what you personally prefer.

What are some characteristics of dye-based ink?

Interested in learning more about water based pigment ink? Contact us today for an expert consultation!