Hi, I’m Alex, a technical engineer at Zhongzhixing (Starcolor). I’ve been working with printing inks for over 15 years, from solvent-based systems to water-based and UV inks.

One question I hear all the time from printing plants is: “Should we use water-based ink or UV ink?”

My honest answer is simple: there’s no universal winner. The right choice depends on your orders, your customers, and your production reality.

When Water-Based Ink Makes More Sense

In most cases, water-based ink is the more stable and safer option.

• Food and daily-use packaging: easier compliance, low VOCs, and less audit pressure.
• High-volume, standard orders: stable color, lower waste, and smoother long runs.
• Cost-sensitive jobs: better overall cost control when energy, waste, and compliance are considered.

If safety, stability, and long-term consistency matter most, water-based ink is usually the right starting point.

When UV Ink Has Clear Advantages

UV ink stands out when speed and visual impact are critical.

• Instant curing: no drying time, faster turnaround.
• Premium appearance: higher gloss, stronger color density.
• Special materials: better adhesion on films, PET, PVC, and synthetic substrates.

For labels, cosmetics, electronics, and high-end packaging, UV ink often delivers results that customers are willing to pay for.

A Reality Check

UV ink is not always the “more advanced” choice. It requires proper curing systems, higher maintenance costs, and stricter process control.

In food packaging, migration and regulatory limits can also restrict UV ink usage. This is one area where water-based inks still have a clear advantage.

My Practical Recommendation

The future is not water-based or UV — it’s using both correctly.

• Water-based inks for core, high-volume, compliant production
• UV inks for premium, customized, and value-added jobs

Many successful printing plants already follow this hybrid approach. It keeps cash flow stable while improving profit margins.

Final Thoughts

Choosing ink is really about choosing a business model. Don’t follow trends blindly — choose what fits your customers and your production reality.

I’m Alex. If you’re unsure which ink system fits your application, feel free to reach out. Choosing the right ink early can save a lot of problems later.