Choosing offset printing ink involves more than selecting a colour or comparing prices per kilogram. An ink that works well for a job on coated paper may not be the best choice for a different stock or finishing process. Start by defining the job: what will you print on, what equipment does your press have, and what does the customer expect from the finished product?
Start with the printing substrate
Give your supplier the paper or board type, grammage, surface coating details and an actual sample. “Printing on board” is not enough information to recommend an ink: grey-backed board, coated board and non-absorbent materials have different requirements. If the substrate has changed, do not assume that the result from a previous job will apply. Test the recommended ink on the material you will use in production.
Match the ink to the press and drying system
Specify whether the job is sheetfed or web printing, how many colours the press prints, and which drying or curing system it uses. Conventional offset ink, UV ink and ink designed for LED UV should not be treated as interchangeable simply because their names sound similar. For energy-curing products, compatibility must be confirmed for the particular ink and equipment. Even within one product family, absorbent and non-absorbent substrates may require different formulations.
Consider every step after printing
Discuss lamination, water-based varnish, UV varnish, foil stamping and gluing before choosing the ink. For example, Flint Group’s technical guide to water-based coatings emphasises ink and coating compatibility and testing before production. A good print result does not automatically mean the job will perform well through every finishing operation. Ideally, a trial sample should go through the full production process and be assessed after the required drying time.
Define quality in terms you can assess
Instead of asking only for “high-quality ink”, explain the priorities for the job: colour reproduction, surface appearance, the resistance required or the delivery schedule. Prepare an approved colour sample, the artwork or job specification, and the customer’s assessment method. For spot colours, agree on the colour reference and the conditions for checking samples. The colour of ink in a can is not a reliable guide to the appearance of the finished print.
Include the pressroom conditions
Ink temperature and the surrounding conditions affect how ink behaves on press. Flint Group’s sheetfed ink guide explains that cold ink can become more viscous and that its behaviour changes at higher temperatures. This is not a reason to add solvents or additives without guidance. If the ink behaves differently from what you expect, record the product, storage conditions and press settings, then discuss them with technical support. Follow the instructions for the particular product rather than relying on a general figure.
Compare price alongside production results
The price per kilogram is only part of the decision. When comparing inks, clarify the pack weight, quantity required, delivery terms and potential rework costs. For a trial, choose a real job with defined conditions and record the result. Without measuring consumption and checking quality, you cannot draw a firm conclusion about the relative cost efficiency of two inks. Ask sales for current prices and availability; an educational article is not a quotation.
A checklist for technical advice or a quotation
- The substrate name and a sample, including grammage and surface coating details
- The press model, sheetfed or web process, and drying or curing system
- The colours required, approved colour sample and print run
- Finishing operations such as lamination, varnishing, foil stamping or gluing
- The intended end use, quality acceptance criteria and delivery deadline
- The quantity required and any problems seen in samples or earlier production
Confirm suitability separately for sensitive applications
If the job has specific technical restrictions, explain them at the outset and request the relevant documentation for that application. A general product name or one trial result does not replace confirmation of the job requirements. Up-to-date technical documents, testing on the actual materials and agreed acceptance criteria make the purchasing decision clearer.
Where to start
First, explore the ink family that matches your printing process, then send the job details to Iran Shoraka’s team. Approved customers can see their customer-group prices and place orders through the portal. If you do not have an account yet, submit an access application; prices and ordering become available after your information is approved.