Earlier I use to buy dye – sub ink in bulk so that I can stock it and work on multiple projects. But soon I realized that older ink bottles are not providing good prints. I was confused, how did this happen?
I had only one question in my mind: how long does sublimation ink last? So, I searched a lot and consulted with my grandfather who is an expert in printing world, and I came to this conclusion.
The sublimation ink can be used for certain time span. Generally, it can last up to two years (if the bottle is sealed). There are some ways to prolong the age of inks. I tested these methods for more than six months and here is my opinion.
Definition and composition of dye – sub ink
Dye – sub ink is made up of special material which has the ability to transform from solid state to gas without becoming liquid. The dye is suspended in the carrier liquid and is generally made of the mixture of alcohol, glycol and water. The carrier liquid helps to maintain the dye in liquid form and then delivers it to the printhead of the printer.
What is the lifespan of sublimation ink?
The ink may last for 9 months to two years, but its longevity depends on the factors below.
1. Brand
Ink brands play a crucial role as different brands use different formulations, different chemicals and the ratio of stabilizer to produce various printing results.
2. Opened or sealed bottle
When the bottle of sublimation ink is unopened or sealed, it lasts longer than the open ink bottles. It is because sealed bottles are not exposed to the things which may degrade the dye.
When the opened ink is exposed to air, it comes in contact with microorganisms, oxygen and humidity which may cause the ink formulation to break down faster. It also means that you should use the open ink bottles more quickly.
3. Storage
Based on the storage choice, you can easily increase or decrease the expiry of dye. The ink is best stored in dry, cold places with less sunlight which help to extend its age.
It is because, if you do so, you eliminate the most critical factors which may influence the breakdown speed of the ink. The more humid environment, the faster your ink will deteriorate. Also, the higher the temperature and more sunlight will lead to fast deterioration.
How long does an unopened ink bottle last?
As I have mentioned earlier, unopened ink bottles may last from nine months to two years, based on the brands. I have spent some time testing the expiry date of unopened ink bottles and here is what I discovered.
| Brand (Unopened ink bottle) | Lifespan | How to maintain life? |
| Cosmos | <1 year | Store in dry place |
| Cobra | 1.5 year | Store in dry place |
| Hippo | 2 years | Store away from sunlight in dry place |
| Sawgrass | 2 years | Store ink cartridges in dark, cool and dry place |
| Epson | 2 years | Store ink in dry, cool and less bright space at temperature of 70°F (21°C) |
What will happen if I try to print using expired sublimation ink?
If you are using expired sublimation ink for printing, then you may have an unsatisfactory print outcome or clog. It can also damage the print heads.
It is because, with time the dyes in expired sublimation ink can separate from liquid and clump together. The clumps will clog the printhead and result in bad prints. So, if you are printing via expired inks then you may get
- Unsatisfactory results
- Damage printheads
Also, the expired dye can cause the ink to separate from other liquid material in the ink and then form the dye clumps which are heavy and thick.
Due to which the ink flow may not be smooth in the printhead when printing and it will result in poor color output and unsatisfactory print results.
With this you may need to contribute some time performing deep learning, removing the clogs by changing to fresh ink and then using it to unclog the machine. You may also have to spend more money on this.
Lifespan of dye – sub ink on various materials
The ink is a necessary component of the printing process. It is used to transfer art work on different materials like wood, plastic, metal, glass, ceramic etc. But on different materials the lifespan of ink varies.
1. Polyester fabric
It is the most popular material for sublimation printing. It is because the ink bonds neatly with polyester fibers, generating long lasting and vibrant prints.
The lifespan of ink on polyester fabric varies based on various aspects like type of printer used, ink quality and maintenance of printer and ink system. But under ideal conditions, the ink can last up to years.
2. Glass and ceramic
Using this substrate you can create home decor, promotional items and personalized gifts. Quality and care of printed materials decides the lifespan of ink. On ceramics, the ink tends to last longer than glass due to its porous nature.
3. Metal and plastic
Using this method you can make promotional items, license plates and personalized phone cases. Quality of ink, printer used and after care steps decides the life span of ink on these substrates. Generally, the ink tends to last longer on metals than plastic as it has a smooth surface.
4. Wood
It is best for creating home decors, photo frames, signs etc. the lifespan of prints depends on type of wood, quality of ink and after care steps. On softer woods the result lasts for long.
How to extend the lifespan of dye – sub ink?
The quality of ink used plays a critical role in the final outcome of the image. But the ink is expensive, and it is mandatory to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible. Here is how.
1. Proper maintenance of ink and printer system
The essential factor in extending the life of sublimation ink is the right functioning of the ink and printer system. It includes regular cleaning of print heads and to ensure that the ink system is working correctly.
With time, ink residues can build up in the printer and can clog the print heads resulting in poor print quality and short life of ink. So, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and maintenance of the ink and printer system.
2. Regular cleaning of print heads and printer
Cleaning of printer and print heads is critical to maintain the lifespan of ink. It is recommended to clean the print heads and printer after each use or at least once a week(if not used regularly).
Either you are using an automatic or manual cleaning function, it is necessary to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Use high quality sublimation paper
The type of transfer paper used can affect the lifespan of ink. With high quality of sublimation paper, you will get a special coating which absorbs the ink and prevents it from spreading, resulting in vibrant and sharp prints.
But cheap paper does not have this coating resulting in low print quality and short lifespan. So, I recommend using high quality paper.
4. Avoid overuse and wastage of ink
It is necessary to use the right quantity of ink for every print job and always avoid overusing it. As overusing may cause clogging of print heads and also reduce print quality. It is also important to avoid wasting the ink by ensuring the printer is rightly calibrated and that the transfer paper is properly aligned to the substrate.
Conclusion
How long does sublimation ink last depend on various factors. You should take care of every factor to enhance the life of sublimation ink. If you have any other information about it, please mention in comments or you can mail me directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q – How can I extend life of my sublimation ink?
For prolonging life of your sublimation ink, you should buy high quality ink, follow proper usage guidelines and storage. Along with this you should perform regular printing practice. If these tips are followed regularly then your printing ink will last longer than usual.
Q – How many washes does sublimation ink last?
The printing ink can last as many washes as the shirt itself. If you are using a polyester shirt then your ink is going to last longer. Bit you need to follow some practices like not using harsh chemicals for washing, drying printed shirt in shade, using cold cycle for washing and drying.
Q – How long does sublimation ink last on the ceramic mug coated with a layer of polyester?
The design on ceramic mug will last as long as you are not using harsh washing practices. You should also avoid using dishwasher for washing. Also, make sure not to use the printed mug on microwave as the heat will react and will peel off the design.
Q – How long a sublimation ink can be stored?
If your ink bottle is sealed correctly and you are storing it in cool and dark place, then the ink can last up to one year. However, if it is exposed to moisture or sun then it will get damaged, and you will not be able to produce good quality prints.
