-
INK TYPES & Weather proof Printable Vinyl !!
Hi again all 🙂
I have finally got a printer after much deliberation on Size , Dpi, Inks available etc. I have gone with a 24″ Epson 7000 Pro (USED) due to it taking both Dye & Pigment inks plus Good Dpi For it’s Price.
If you remember i was going to use a 3 Part Process after advice from Other Members. Print onto Vinyl / Laminate / & Cut on Plotter to make decals for cars & Bikes
My question is would i be best using Pigment or Dye based Inks for this ?
I have no Knowledge on the Science behind Inks all i know is they make a mess if handled by me 😀
Also i have seen many weather resistant vinyls all claiming to be water/weather proof even if printed with Dye based inks without lamination.
Any advice on these vinyls would be help full also as they all seem to be about £85 per 12 Meter roll & it’s quite a big mistake to get the wrong type at £85+vat.
Look forward to your comments & Advice
-
6 Replies
-
Hi
Dye inks tend to be quite vibrant but not very UV resistant, in fact not at all.
Pigment inks tend to be a bit duller but are a lot more UV resistant.It’s not as much of an issue now as Epson have there durachrome? inks which are a pigmented ink as I understand it. This means they have mixed pigment and dye inks together to get the best of both.
You can also get Pantone inks for the 7000 that claim better gamut and longevity.
Lyson also do inks for the Epson as well, plus many more.As an example I’ve printed simple one day posters in dye ink onto card and within a few days it’s fading but I’ve also used pigment inks on waterproof material and other than physical damage it’s not faded, put a UV laminate over and I’ve got posters and signs that have been out vertical & South facing for over 2 years.
Basically I would use the pigment inks.
Steve
-
having run both over the years it has to be pigmented but that has its problems as to materials.
you must state when buying the material is for pigmented inks.chris
-
Thanks for the help with ink choice Bowber :lol1: , I had read what you are telling me on various web sites about Dye Based fades very quickly , But i always like to get the facts from those who use the product not those who are selling the product.
I will take your advice on this Barber, I just need to get a CIS or a set of refillable carts for the epson 7000 now & find some epson compatible Pigment inks.
Thanks also to Mr Sticker – I will get the inks sorted out then tell the supplier what inks & Printer i am using, Hopefully i can choose the inks, Media Type & Laminate Type right first time without a hitch. 🙄
I have been cutting vinyl now for 4 Years and the jump to Printing is a bit nerve racking dye to all the various methods available. 😮
The UK Sign boards has been invaluable to me in getting sorted , Don’t Know why i did not Join Sooner !!!!
Thanks for your Advice & All the Very Best Bowser & Mr Sticker
-
i have just changed my 9500 to lyson pigmented inks due to price of epson 9500 carts so far so good but on the 7000 you will have to flush the system i think. full instructions come with the inks. also ask them about materials.
chris
-
Thanks for that “StickerMan” – I Presume that you mean all the Ink Lines & Printing head have to have the old Dye based Ink Flushed out Before fitting the Pigment Inks.
Do i have to use a Special Cleaning Fluid for this ? 😮
Do i have to Bleed the System Some how ? 😮
Also as you run a Epson 9500 – Is there any maintenance tips i should be aware of for the 7000 – At the moment i will just print six colorized bands each week to keep ink from drying in the nozzles.
Thanks Again in Advance 😀
-
quote TheDecalMan:At the moment i will just print six colorized bands each week to keep ink from drying in the nozzles.
This is why I like HP’s, at least the heads are made to be changed when they go wrong.
Steve
Log in to reply.
