How to improve ink adhesion on tough surfaces
Struggling with ink that wipes off or won’t stick? This guide helps you get better adhesion on challenging materials like rubber, HDPE, and oily metals.
Common tough surfaces
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HDPE plastic (shampoo bottles, jerry cans)
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Rubber hoses or tyres
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Greasy metal parts
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Coated cardboard or plastic films
Ways to improve adhesion
| Action | Impact |
|---|---|
| Use high-adhesion or oil-penetrating ink | Designed to bond through surface films |
| Pre-treat surface (wipe or heat) | Removes residue or moisture |
| Lower line speed slightly | Allows more drying/contact time |
| Increase printhead proximity (2–5 mm) | Reduces drop scatter and overspray |
| Test with different drying agents | Acetone/ethanol bases dry faster than MEK on some surfaces |