The Sign Connection: How Specialty Inkjet Inks Keep Sign Companies Competitive

Metallic inks are inks which have metal powder in suspension. When printed, the ink has a shiny surface that looks just like metal—because it is. Some printers offer silver metallic ink that can be mixed with other inks, giving the printer the ability to print just about any metallic color imaginable. The inclusion of metallic inks opens up a world of possibilities, whether it’s using it for silver highlights or making jewelry pop off the page. Like white, however, these inks contain particles heavier than the liquid they’re suspended in and must be agitated and run through the ink lines. Because of this, a decision to equip a printer with metallic ink should follow the same guidelines as that of white ink; if less than 50 percent of the printing will use metallic ink then it might not be a wise purchase.

Regardless of your equipment base and ink choice, as sign business owners, we need to stay educated on all of the options available to us in order to stay abreast of the competition. With a little investment of time and resources, you could ensure that you are taking advantage of the sales opportunities available to you.