Inks with long shelf life?

[farmertin]

Good day,

Is all DTF ink pretty similar when it comes to shelf life or are there any brands that have a longer shelf life, like perhaps a year? Any tips on storage that will boost shelf life? I keep it about 60f in the winter and 70f in the summer and don't shake it or mix it but maybe a few times a month unless I'm using it actively. Is that hurting the ink?

Thanks

[johnson4]

5 minutes ago, farmertin said:

Good day,

Is all DTF ink pretty similar when it comes to shelf life or are there any brands that have a longer shelf life, like perhaps a year? Any tips on storage that will boost shelf life? I keep it about 60f in the winter and 70f in the summer and don't shake it or mix it but maybe a few times a month unless I'm using it actively. Is that hurting the ink?

Thanks

Yes. Shake the white ink often, If not daily, every other day. CMYK- doesn't matter. 

 

the ink consists of Water, Diethylene glycol, Glycerol, pigment and it's carrier and usually an additive to prevent bacterial growth. The shelf life comes from the pigment/carrier breaking down, and the mix going beyond it's shelf life ( more than a few months) would start to be affected by bacteria and other chemical breakdowns. While the shelf life may be one year, sometimes that is " worst case" scenario. Anything beyond that though, you are pushing it and risk issues.

Edited February 6, 2022 by johnson4

[johnson4]

That said, I'm using expired inks at the 4-5 month mark without issue, and the DTG inks are over a year expired. white Shaken daily, CMYK isn't. 

 

Good luck!

[farmertin]

Appreciate the info! I ordered more from Andy and will figure out an automatic agitator or stirrer to take better care of it.

Thanks!

[TeedUp]

Of course, everyone knows not letting the ink, especially white, separate and settle is a key issue.

But don't shake vigorously, you want to minimize air bubbles mixing in the ink as it will accelerate evaporation/coagulation.  My ink from DTFsuperstore says to "gently roll the bottles" on the label. What I do is hold the bottle upright and move it in a motion that swirls the ink trying to minimize agitation while also minimizing the possibility of ink collecting (in small amounts) around the seal and inside cap

What I do that I don't see others advocate is when the bottles get about halfway empty I switch the ink to a smaller container, again, to minimize it's ability to mix with air.

[TeedUp]

Just want to add to my above comment that, while I'm not a chemist, and agree that air will also accelerate ink breakdown from bacterial growth, I kind of doubt that is a major factor in 6 mos purported shelf life when other similar type chemicals seem to have a much longer shelf life. 

[johnson4]

Yea, I agree with you, But it hasn't been an issue for me personally. I shake mine like hell, have been for the last 6 years with DTG, and for 14-15 months with DTF. 

 

Happy Printing!