Ink drying speed can make or break your print quality. This guide explains what affects drying and how to fix it.
Symptoms of drying issues
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Ink smears easily after print
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Overspray or misting from premature drying
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Code wipes off with condensation or handling
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Solvent odour builds up from slow drying
What affects drying time
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Solvent type (MEK vs ethanol vs acetone) | Faster or slower drying by design |
| Surface type | Porous absorbs better; plastic/glass repels |
| Humidity & temperature | High humidity = slower drying |
| Line speed | Faster speed = less drying time |
| Ink age | Old ink dries inconsistently |
How to optimise it
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Match ink to material: e.g. acetone inks for coated films
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Maintain stable temperature/humidity near print zone
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Avoid reusing old, exposed fluids
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Test at production line speed, not just in lab conditions