When it comes to signage, whether shop signs, vinyl banners or even car wrapping, creating an eye-catching and long-lasting design should be top priority. To create stunning signage that can stand the test of time, it’s essential to incorporate a specialised ink that won’t fade, crack or peel. Inks come in solid, powder or liquid form, and each have their own unique characteristics that make them suitable for different methods of print. Ausign is one of Melbourne’s trusted signage companies, with a long-standing reputation for providing high quality signage solutions to businesses in metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. Here we will outline three common types of ink used to produce stand-out custom signage.
UV Ink
UV ink (implemented in UV printing) results in a vibrant and crystal clear printed design on almost any surface or material. Scratch, abrasion, and weather resistant, UV ink is a modern, eco-friendly innovation that cures instantly and does not contain volatile organic compounds (VOC). With the ability to print in true colour, colours can be matched using a standard set of Pantone colours. UV ink printing is ideal for heat-sensitive materials and is commonly used for vinyl banners, plastic signs and window decals.
Solvent Ink
One of the most commonly used inks in the printing industry, solvent ink is comprised of a liquid base, pigment (colour), and resin (adherent), which results in a durable, long lasting printed design.
Curing with either air or heat application, this ink is absorbed into the material which provides excellent resistance against weather and scratching and also allows for printed materials to bend without damaging the design. Best suited for printing on white or light coloured materials, solvent ink is not as vibrant when printed on darker surfaces.
Toner
Toner-based laser printing offers rapid, cost-effective yet high quality printing. Commonly used for printing on paper-based materials, toner is comprised of a fine powder and is adhered using static electricity, then melted into the material using a heated roller. A precision laser indicates where the static charge will adhere the toner. Producing a vibrant and permanent print, coloured toner is arranged in a CMYK format, which allows for a large spectrum of available colours.
Are All Printing Inks Safe?
Yes. When used correctly and for their intended purpose, printing inks are non-toxic, and do not place workers or consumers at risk. Toxic raw materials are not used in ink production, and raw materials are not known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction.
At Ausign, we use only the best inks available and carefully consider the inks used according to the application and desired result. From car wrapping to shop signs, we provide a product that will create an impact, stand out and importantly, last for years to come. If you’re wondering which ink is used on a specific sign or material, or for any other questions regarding our Melbourne signage services, get in touch with us today online or by calling (03) 9419 0970.
