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What ink is best for printing on dark or coloured surfaces?
Struggling to get print visibility on dark packaging? Here’s how to choose high-contrast CIJ inks for coloured backgrounds.
Common dark substrates
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Black or dark blue HDPE
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Coloured PET bottles
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Rubber components
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Cable jackets
Your options
| Ink Type | Visibility |
|---|---|
| Standard black MEK | Poor on black substrates |
| Light blue or white pigmented ink | Best for dark or coloured plastics |
| UV-fluorescent inks | Invisible in normal light; visible under UV |
| Thermochromic ink | Changes colour with heat (for special applications) |
Tips for best results
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Use pigmented ink with a stirred tank system (ask if compatible)
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Lower print speed to improve contrast
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Adjust print height and boldness in message editor