What's the difference between an ink base and an ink additive?Updated 2 hours ago

Base: A finished ink designed to have color concentrates or pigments added to it. Bases can generally be printed and cured on their own, even without added color. Think clear base, puff base, or high-density base. Each can be used on its own or as a starting point for creating a specific print effect.

Additive: A product designed to be mixed into a finished ink to change one or more of its properties, such as its texture, stretch, or finish. Unlike a base, an additive generally isn't designed to be printed on its own and may not cure properly without being mixed into a compatible ink.

For example, a puff additive might be mixed into an ink at 10–20% to create a raised, puffed effect, while a stretch additive might be added at around 25% to improve the elasticity of the finished print. These percentages are examples only, so always check the manufacturer's recommendations for the specific product you're using.

When in doubt, check the product instructions and test before going into production. There are exceptions to these general guidelines, and the correct mixing ratio and curing requirements will depend on the specific product.