What is latex printing?

Latex printing is becoming more popular with commercial printing companies, as latex inks can be used on a variety of indoor and outdoor materials due to their fast-drying capability and water-based formula. With the broadest range of latex equipment and printers, HP is known as the most popular brand for this form of printing, although other brands do also offer latex ink technology.

What is latex printing used for?

Latex printing is used across a wide range of applications and materials such as soft signage, wallpapers, vehicle graphics, banners and vinyl. With uses both indoor and outdoor, the ability to print on both coated and uncoated materials makes this method of printing extremely versatile.

The benefits of latex printing

As well as the wide range of uses latex printing offers, there are many benefits as to why it has become such a popular method of printing.

No hazardous chemicals

In the past, commercial printing companies used solvent-based inks which contained compounds that were harmful to people and the environment. Latex ink was introduced as an alternative to solvent, with HP latex inks being made up of around 70% water.

Reducing the environmental and health concerns of printing means your finished product can be displayed anywhere, including healthcare or dining facilities.

Durable and resistant

Latex ink does have different life spans dependant on the material and whether it is located indoors or outdoors. However, latex printing is scratch and abrasion resistant, as well as water and chemical resistant to different levels. To find out more about the resistance of latex inks, check out HP’s guide for their print durability. You can also check our guide on How to check ink levels on a printer to keep track of your ink cartridges.

High quality and high speed

Printing vibrant colours and clear graphics, latex printing offers not only incredible quality but also high-speed prints that are ready in an instant. Unlike traditional solvent printing, latex inks require no dry time, so you can move onto the next job as soon as one is complete.

Cost-effective

Latex printing doesn’t require lamination for short term use, saving you both time and money. You will also save money by taking advantage of high-speed printing as you can deliver finished products twice as fast, and therefore, take on more jobs.

Latex printing has been found to be a great solution for many businesses thanks to its quality, durability and ease of use. Even though it is one of the newest ink technologies available, all of the limitations such as high-temperature drying and poor scratch-resistance have been overcome, and printers and inks still continue to be improved as demand grows.

If you would like to achieve the best possible printing results whilst saving money, protecting the environment and delivering quality products, you should consider latex printing.

Here at Perfect Colours, we have a range of HP Latex printers available for you no matter the scale of your business. Get in touch today to speak to our team of experts about your requirements!