A Guide to Ink Receptive Coating for Digital Printing

What is Ink Receptive Coating?

Ink receptive coatings are an innovative solution used to enhance print quality by improving ink adhesion and preventing smudges. These coating are applied to paper, textile, or films to enhance and aid their ability to absorb ink. They are used in printing processes to ensure vibrant colour reproduction and to prevent ink from spreading or being absorbed unevenly. 

How is ink receptive coating used for digital printing?

Ink receptive coating in digital printing is applied to print surface before printing to make it more ink absorbent. The coating improves print quality while reducing drying time. 

Ink receptive coating is compatible with specific inks, and the compatibility is determined by specific formulation of the coating.  Different types of inks used in digital printing include:

• Dye based ink – Dye based inks are generally water soluble and coating designed for these inks typically enhance vibrancy and absorption. 

• Pigment based ink - Pigment based inks include solid pigments in liquid carrier. Coating crafted for these inks focus on promoting adhesion and prevent pigment migration.

• UV curable inks- UV curable inks are cured using ultraviolet light and coating compatible with these inks provide durability with a shiny finish. 

How Inkjet Receptive Coating Works?

Inkjet receptive coating is a formulation applied to different substrates to enhance their compatibility with inkjet printing. The coating facilitates ink absorption, quick drying and controls dot spread and bleeding to ensure that accurate, sharp, and vibrant images are printed. It simply improves the interaction between ink and the printing material through various chemical agents.  

What are the features of Inkjet Receptive Coating?

1. Colour Accuracy – Receptive Ink Coating facilitates controlled ink absorption and influences the way ink interacts with substrate. It promotes accurate and brilliant colour reproduction. 
2. Ink Absorption – Coating prevents pooling of ink on surface. It enables even distribution and eliminates blotting.
3. Quick Drying – Receptive ink coating facilitates efficient drying of ink which ensure fast production speed in printing processes.
4. Reduced Bleeding – Receptive ink coating minimizes ink bleed as it prevents the ink from spreading. This helps in maintaining sharp image quality.
5. Compatibility – Receptive ink coating are formulated to ensure high performance with different types of inks such as dye based or pigment-based inks. 

What is over print coating? 

Print coating are different types of coating applied to print substrates to improve their appearance, durability, and functionality.  Coating are also used to element deterioration through natural elements like moisture and dust. They offer different benefits and protect prints from regular wear and tear. 

Common over print coatings include: 

• Aqueous coating – Aqueous (AQ) coating are water-based formulations that are applied to print surfaces to enhance their visual appeal. It adds durability and offers a matt, gloss, or satin finish to the end application. 
• UV coating – UV coatings offer durability along with shiny gloss to the end application. This is also a form of liquid coating and is cured with the use of ultraviolet light.
• Lamination – Lamination is application of plastic film to printed material to protect it from wear, tear, moisture, and fingerprints. Lamination enhances aesthetic appeal of prints and gives it a more formal appearance. 

What Cosmo Speciality Chemicals offers? 

Cosmo is one stop solution for sustainable adhesives, coating and white masterbatches. Cosmo Speciality Chemicals manufactures a wide range of coatings for excellent ink adhesion, gloss, clarity, durability, and resistance to scuff and scratches for a wide range of packaging, lamination, and synthetic paper applications.

For more details connect with Cosmo coating experts today!