After a decade in the printing industry, I’ve seen it all—clogged heads, faded projects, and frustrated clients. I’ve spent a fortune on repairs and wasted liters of ink just trying to get the colors right.
If you are starting out or looking to switch brands, here is my honest take on the inks I’ve lived with for the last 10 years.
Disclaimer: Before we dive in, please keep in mind that everything shared here is based solely on my personal experience running my own shop for over 10 years. Different environments, printer models, and humidity levels might give you different results, but this is what has worked (and what hasn’t!) for me.
1. Dye Ink: Beautiful, but High Maintenance
When I first started, I used CUYI Dye Ink. I was honestly so satisfied with the output—the colors were deep and vivid. This is because Dye ink acts like watercolor; it actually soaks into the fibers of the paper. This is why it looks so amazing on glossy paper, but you have to remember: it isn’t waterproof!
The Struggle:
My biggest problem with CUYI was the maintenance. If I skipped just a few days of printing, the nozzles would clog. I’d end up wasting more ink on “nozzle cleanings” than on actual projects. One time, I didn’t use it for a month, and I got really worried because it just wouldn’t print. I had to bring it to a technician, and then it happened again a few months later.
My biggest problem with CUYI was the maintenance. If I skipped just a few days of printing, the nozzles would clog. I’d end up wasting more ink on “nozzle cleanings” than on actual projects. One time, I didn’t use it for a month, and I got really worried because it just wouldn’t print. I had to bring it to a technician, and then it happened again a few months later.
My Solution:
After years of this cycle, I decided to switch to the Original Brand ink. It made my life so much easier because it lessened the repairs. Since it’s just a Dye ink, my advice is: don’t keep jumping between brands. Just stick to the original, and your printer will thank you.
After years of this cycle, I decided to switch to the Original Brand ink. It made my life so much easier because it lessened the repairs. Since it’s just a Dye ink, my advice is: don’t keep jumping between brands. Just stick to the original, and your printer will thank you.
2. Pigment Ink: Finding the Balance
Pigment ink is a different beast. Unlike Dye, it’s made of tiny solid particles that sit on top of the paper rather than soaking in. This is what makes it superior for archival documents and stickers—it’s fade-resistant and waterproof.
The Brand Battle:
- CUYI Pigment: Just like their dye ink, the colors are vibrant, but the clogging is a nightmare. You have to print at least once a week or you’ll have a major problem dealing with the head cleaning.
- Hansol: I tried this because I heard it doesn’t clog. It’s true! Even if I didn’t use the printer for a few weeks, it worked perfectly. But there was a catch: the colors weren’t vibrant enough. I even had a client question a project because the colors didn’t match what I sent them before.
- BOYE & INKRITE: This is where I am satisfied now. I’m using BOYE and the colors are vibrant, yet it’s safe even if I don’t print for a week. I discovered INKRITE by accident when BOYE was out of stock, and so far, they perform almost exactly the same. Both are my top recommendations.
My Pro Tip: Even with “safe” brands like BOYE, don’t push your luck. I still recommend running at least one print a week to keep the ink flowing!
3. Sublimation Ink: The Heat Magic
Sublimation is a unique process where the ink turns from a solid to a gas under heat to bond with polyester.
My Recommendation:
In the beginning, I used CUYI for sublimation, but I had the same clogging issues as their other inks. In this business, downtime is lost money. That is why I switched to Hansol for Sublimation. For this specific type of printing, I am definitely satisfied with Hansol’s performance and reliability.
In the beginning, I used CUYI for sublimation, but I had the same clogging issues as their other inks. In this business, downtime is lost money. That is why I switched to Hansol for Sublimation. For this specific type of printing, I am definitely satisfied with Hansol’s performance and reliability.
Final Verdict after 10 Years:
- Dye: Stick to the Original Brand to save on repairs.
- Pigment: Use BOYE or INKRITE for the best mix of color and safety.
- Sublimation: Hansol is my winner for a headache-free experience.