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Why does ink dry too fast or too slow on my product?
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