Ink-Substrate Interactions...

As with the choice of substrate, multiple considerations come into play in the selection of appropriate inks (and coatings), including the choice of substrate itself, and all should proceed from a clear understanding of the product’s end use. Will it be used indoors or out? If it comes into contact with food, will it be printed with ink derived from an FDA list of approved ingredients and pigments? Other factors include run-length and budget. Varughese emphasizes that the sooner an ink supplier becomes involved in helping to sort out these issues, the more likely it is that problems can be avoided when a job goes to press.