Each printer works with a different system of ink dispersal. They have different operational pressures and nozzle designs; they aren’t even of the same size or shape. This is decided by the manufacturer alone. Don’t even start discussing the differences between printers and their cartridges made by different manufacturers. There are no standard printer ink cartridge designs. Some are made large to hold more ink and others are made smaller but with greater pressure.

The same thing applies to the ink these use. Specialized printers and designers use different inks for different jobs. Normal mortals use the same ink to print everything they need, from documents all the way to pictures and landscapes and whatever else we need to print. Professionals do not work like this because the papers used are different and the end results desired are different too. Like most things in life, ink has also developed into specialized materials for specialized projects.

Photograph Ink and Paper

This is the easiest and most comprehensive way to explain the difference in papers and inks used on the same printer. When we want to print a picture we usually do not do it on regular bond paper. We usually want to do it on special glossy photograph paper. This paper is designed to enhance details and to last longer than regular paper. It is the same one used by photographers to print their pictures.

The same applies to the ink used. It does not matter if the pictures are in color or in black and white. The details of the picture will not look right if they are done with ordinary ink. Extra thin and easy to diffuse ink is used so that all the details in the pictures can be seen. The thin paint is faster to dry than normal ink and will not run or compromise the complete print; it dries instantly on contact with the glossy paper.

Inks used for Enlargement of Plans and Prints

Professionals who enlarge house plans and things like that use another kind of ink. This is because normal every day ink when used for enlarging the picture will create and leave behind color spots on the enlarged copy. This is why old house plans which were printed with regular ink and then enlarged in a photo shop have areas on them that appear to have ink runs and spots.

The ink used to print the original plans has to be very thin and also heat resistant. When it is put through the enlarger the machine’s heat burns the ink, leaving the spots and runs on the enlarged copy. This special ink is used in specialized photo shops and stores to print plans. It is important for you to ask them to use this ink when printing your plan or they will not do it. This material is expensive, so they don’t use it unless it is requested. If you do and enlarge your plans later, you will notice a great difference.

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