The Amazing Shrink Inks

Shrinkability: The most significant aspect to consider when determining the right ink for shrink labels or sleeves is how well it will shrink, Dedman said. A high-shrink application requires between 60-70 percent shrinkage, while low-shrink jobs require 10-20 percent shrinkage.

According to Dedman, water-based and UV-free radical inks are better suited for medium- to low-shrink jobs since they have a maximum shrinkage of between 50-60 percent. On the other hand, UV cationic and solvent-based inks shrink up to as much as 70-75 percent, making them suitable for high-shrink applications.