How can you improve the drying of reflex blue ink? - Ask A Print Expert, Sponsored by InfoPrint Solutions

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Ray Prince

How can you improve the drying of reflex blue ink?
September 4, 2008

Question: How can you improve the drying of reflex blue ink?

We do a quarterly report that is 8.5" x 11", then folds to 5.5" x 8.5". There is a solid 2" bar that runs the 8.5" direction centered on the fold. We have tried different stocks including an uncoated cover, a matte cover, and a coated cover. It seems to dry better on coated stock; however it scuffs more. Ink reps tell us it is the nature of dark blue inks. We have allowed extra days for drying to no avail, but this is not always possible. I have one sample from a printing job from three months ago that with a little effort can still be smudged. Any input would be appreciated.

Answer: I have 2 suggestions for you. You have two problems--drying and rub. For the first problem I suggest that you use an ink additive called Speedy Dry. Most printers report great success when using this product in inks that are slow to dry or on paper that is slow to dry. For the second problem I suggest an overprint varnish to improve rub.

Readers, please e-mail your questions to Ray.

Posted by Ray Prince on September 4, 2008 | Comments (2)

Industries: New Products, Press, Printing Inks

September 5, 2008
In response to: How can you improve the drying of reflex blue ink?
Kent Raistrick commented:

Rather than an overprint varnish, which we have found in some cases can 're-wet' the ink and make your problem even worse, an aqueous coating might be a better bet. We use a product called Aquatrain. It runs in a regular printing unit (turn the water OFF!), which is great for those of us whose press doesn't have a dedicated coating unit. We have also used it with reasonable success on our Quickmaster.

September 8, 2008
In response to: How can you improve the drying of reflex blue ink?
from Denver! commented:

Solution! reflex blue can and will always be a problem in the drying and rub department. In the past when this was an issue, I would ask my ink supplier to provide a synthetic reflex blue. This is mixed form standard Pantone colors without the oxidization problems you see from reflex blue. If you have to turn the project right away, this will work.