Inks Used in Large Format Printing
The inks used in our large format printing projects come in a wide variety of types, including:
- Traditional CMYK
- Light Cyan
- Light Magenta
- Metallic
- White
The different types of printers used by SpeedPro also utilize:
- UV-Curable
- Eco-solvent
- Aqueous latex
Traditional inks are much like what you find in your home or office printer. These come in four colors and are known as CMYK. This represents cyan, magenta, yellow and black. A lot of our printers are CMYK, but many studios have six-color printers which also include light magenta and light cyan. With these colors in varying combinations, printers can produce nearly any color imaginable.
SpeedPro can offer colors beyond that, however. While white ink is beyond most home and office machines, as well as even many printing chains, SpeedPro can print white ink for any project that requires it.
SpeedPro also prints with metallic inks. These are special inks in which particles of reflective metals are suspended, including zinc, copper, bronze and aluminum. With metallic inks, you can impart an eye-catching luster and sparkle to graphics and text.
Depending on application need, SpeedPro generally uses Latex, UV-curable or SpeedPro proprietary eco-solvent ink for our print jobs. UV-curable inks allow us to print directly on nearly any surface or substrate, foam, glass the list goes on. These inks are also very fast-drawing and can be applied immediately. Both of these inks deliver a high-quality, long-lasting print with the most vibrant colors imaginable.
Our studios have eco-solvent ink and Latex ink. This Latex ink is perfect for vehicle wraps, outdoor graphics and vinyl indoor graphics. For vinyl prints, we use a solvent-based ink method that involves melting the surface of the vinyl just enough for the ink to penetrate into the material. This technique results in a graphic durable to outside elements year-round and a printed image will remain vivid and sharp for years to come. Aqueous latex ink is another option for vinyl as it bonds directly with the surface. The HP Latex ink we use creates an optimizer level before the ink is laid down, which serves as a primer level. This ensures the ink will stick to the surface of the material, which also adds the element of scratch resistance. These are all good options for indoor displays as it is less costly and an easier application than printing with solvent inks. Furthermore, Latex inks are used across our national studios and are Greenguard Gold Certified. Meaning they’re water-based and have much more eco-friendly chemicals.
UV-curable inks are considered “cured” at the point where they are exposed to wavelengths of UV light. UV-Curable ink consists of a photoinitiator that when exposed to UV light undergoes a chemical process that transforms it into a solid film causing it to tightly adhere onto the surface of the substrate material. UV-curable inks perfectly complement flatbed printing. Unlike traditional oil- water-based inks that require heat and time to dry, Curing-UV ink sets it immediately so it can be used on almost any surface. In effect, the curing process transforms the ink into a thin layer of plastic that serves as a top layer to the substrate. UV Inks are distinct from solvent inks because of their capability to print directly onto rigid substrates rather than bleeding into them, the resulting color and hardness are ideal for numerous applications, including outdoor signs, floor graphics and vehicle wraps.
SpeedPro Charm City
Baltimore and surrounding cities, such as Annapolis, draw tourists attracted by the area’s sights, beautiful Camden Yards, the storied Naval Academy and the delicious, freshly caught seafood. Business has never been more competitive in the Charm City area, with new companies pressing older ones for customers and everyone wanting to find a way to stand out.
A creative wall mural, window graphic or custom backlit signage display can set you apart and demand notice. Put your best foot forward with graphics created by SpeedPro Charm City, and see how we can improve your prospects.
The Best Large-Format Printing for Your Business
How big can you dream? Whatever your vision, SpeedPro Charm City wants to make it come to life. Our sign company can draw people’s attention through well-planned campaigns. Send cars with full, partial or decal vehicle wraps through downtown, passing quaint shops and nearby students. Market your soon-to-open auto dealership with outdoor signage to draw in potential customers and indoor signage to direct them to the right department.
Why Pick SpeedPro Charm City?
SpeedPro has become the nation’s leading provider of large-format printing. We create partnerships with businesses like yours with lofty goals in mind, and we help you achieve those aims with really big graphics. Our collaborations span dozens of industries in the Charm City area, including advertising agencies, freight companies and religious organizations.
Engaging potential customers does more than increase your bottom line. It also builds new relationships you can rely on in the future. Start by ordering wide-format graphics.
Get in Touch With SpeedPro Charm City
Serving businesses in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Prince George’s and Howard counties in Maryland, SpeedPro Charm City has the expertise, knowledge and proven track record you desire from your wide-format printing company. We have aided many businesses just like yours with increasing their reach and creating connections with new customers. Contact SpeedPro Charm City today to get a quote or request a consultation.