Sample Pack Ink

A sensible start for colour, cure and adhesion checks

This sample pack is put together for real testing, not showroom use. It gives you a smaller quantity of UV-curable ink so you can check print quality on your own boards, vinyl, film, labels or packaging stock before placing a larger order. That means you can confirm whether the ink sits well on the substrate, cures properly under your lamp setup and gives the finish you need for daily work.

UV-curable ink cures when exposed to the correct UV energy, so printer setup matters just as much as the ink itself. If the cure is too light you may see tackiness, scuffing or poor adhesion. If the cure is too strong, some materials can warp or discolour. For best results, follow the safety data sheet, wear gloves when handling ink, and keep the area ventilated.

What comes in the sample pack

The pack is suited to businesses that need a test set before deciding on a production fill. It can be used for flatbed and roll-to-roll testing, depending on your printer and the type of material you are running. We can also help with colour trial support and sample pack prep so you get a sensible mix for your application.

• Smaller volume ink for trial runs and colour matching
• Options suitable for common UV printer configurations
• Support for adhesion testing on rigid and flexible media
• Guidance for curing checks on your usual print settings
• Pack preparation for repeatable side by side comparisons

For busy shops in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria and Gqeberha, a sample pack can save time by narrowing down the right ink before the machine goes into full production.

Where this sample pack suits best

This product is useful for signage shops, display producers, label converters, packaging teams and print rooms that work with mixed materials. It is also a good fit if you are testing a new printer, changing substrates, or checking how a surface behaves in coastal humidity or dry inland conditions. In Cape Town and Gqeberha, for example, moisture in the air can affect drying and surface behaviour, so a proper test is worth doing before committing stock.

It suits businesses that need guidance on whether an ink will hold on acrylic, PVC, coated boards, foamex type sheets, glass, metal, PET or other compatible media. Always test on the exact material you plan to print, not just a similar one, because surface treatment and coating can change the result quite a bit.

Before the first production run

Check your machine’s ink channel, head type and curing system before loading. If you switch from another ink line, clean the system properly to avoid contamination or blocked nozzles. Remote tech help is useful here if you are unsure about the sequence.

• Use only with printers designed for UV-curable inks
• Confirm lamp output and curing distance before production
• Allow for good ventilation and a tidy, dust free workspace

Sudden interruptions can affect curing, head health and the consistency of your test results.

Care, handling and storage on site

UV ink should be handled carefully from the moment the bottle is opened. Keep lids closed when not in use, avoid skin contact and never leave open containers near dust, sunlight or heat. Wear gloves and follow the safety data sheet, especially when doing repeated test batches or cleaning up spills. A small habit like wiping the neck of the bottle before recapping can help keep the ink clean.

Store the pack in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. In warmer inland areas, high room temperatures can shorten the working life of some inks once opened. On the coast, humidity can also affect storage conditions and substrate behaviour, so keep your stock room dry where possible. If a container has been open for a while, mix gently before use and check for any unusual smell, settling or skinning before running tests.

Before you order ink

Before ordering, it helps to confirm a few practical details so the sample pack matches your job list. A good test pack should reflect the materials, print speed and finish you actually use, not a general sample that tells you very little. Our team can help with ink selection, compatibility checks and curing guidance from Epping, Cape Town, with courier delivery across South Africa.

• Printer model and whether it is flatbed or roll-to-roll
• Substrate type, thickness and any surface coating or treatment
• Expected finish, such as gloss, matte or overprint compatibility
• Whether you need adhesion testing, colour trial support or both
• Your usual curing settings and production speed
• Delivery area, whether Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, Gqeberha, Bellville or Paarl

Once the sample pack has done its job, repeat order management becomes easier because you already know how the ink performs on your own material, with your own machine and your own production settings.