Water-based ink, using water as its solvent, has gained widespread application in the fields of printing and painting due to its environmental friendliness. Proper use of water-based ink not only enhances printing quality but also minimizes environmental pollution. Below is a detailed guide on how to use water-based ink.

I. Preparation

1. Selecting the Printing Substrate:
   • Choose a printing substrate suitable for water-based ink, such as paper, film, fabric, etc. Different substrates vary in ink absorption and adhesion, so selection should be based on actual needs.
2. Cleaning the Printing Equipment:
   • Keep the printing press clean to ensure no impurities are produced during the printing process, which may affect print quality. Use specialized cleaning agents and tools for cleaning.
3. Adjusting Printing Press Parameters:
   • Reasonably adjust the speed, pressure, and other parameters of the printing press according to the characteristics of the printing substrate and ink.
4. Mixing the Ink:
   • Stir the water-based ink before use, as it may separate over time. Use specialized stirring tools or machines to evenly disperse the pigments.
5. Selecting the Appropriate Ink Fountain:
   • Choose the right ink fountain based on the printed pattern and the printing press used, and prevent impurities from entering the ink fountain.

II. Adjusting Ink Viscosity

1. Adding Water or Thinner:
   • Adjust the ink’s viscosity by adding appropriate amounts of water or thinner to achieve the desired printing effect.
2. Filtering Excess Ink:
   • If the remaining ink contains impurities, filter it before mixing with new ink to ensure print quality.

III. The Printing Process

1. Base Printing:
   • Before the official printing, a base print using light-colored ink is often necessary to enhance the quality of subsequent layers. The base ink should be fully dried to ensure color effects and adhesion.
2. Adding Defoamer:
   • Since water-based ink is weakly alkaline, it is prone to bubbling during the printing process. Adding about 1% of defoamer can avoid quality issues such as white spots and sand holes in the print.
3. Controlling Printing Speed and Pressure:
   • Maintain uniform printing speed and pressure, and control the ink volume to ensure clear and full printing patterns.
4. Adjusting Ink Concentration and Viscosity:
   • Adjust the ink’s concentration and viscosity as needed based on the printing effect.

IV. Precautions

1. Preventing Ink Mixing:
   • Do not mix water-based ink with other solvent-based inks as it may lead to quality issues.
2. Controlling Drying Temperature:
   • Water-based ink primarily dries through evaporation and is accompanied by a certain degree of reactive drying. Controlling the hot air temperature is crucial. Too low a temperature can result in the ink surface drying but not thoroughly inside.
3. Timely Cleaning of Equipment:
   • After completing the printing task, promptly clean the ink fountain, rollers, and other components of the printing equipment to prevent ink residue from clogging the equipment.
4. Storage Conditions:
   • Avoid exposing the ink to high temperatures or direct sunlight during storage. Proper storage conditions can keep the ink from spoiling for up to a year. Once opened, immediately close the ink container to prevent dust and skin formation.

V. Maintenance and Servicing

1. Regularly Checking Ink:
   • Regularly check the expiration date of the ink and avoid using outdated ink.
2. Servicing the Printing Press:
   • Regularly maintain the printing press, such as lubricating and replacing worn parts, to ensure its normal operation.

As an environmentally friendly ink, water-based ink has broad application prospects. By following the correct usage methods and precautions, you can effectively improve printing quality while reducing environmental pollution.