What is ink crystallization?

Ink crystallization occurs when a dry ink is overprinted or dry trapped over a previously printed ink. The first printed and fully dried ink has had wax, silicone, or Teflon migrate to the surface, and the second down ink does not lay in a smooth film, resulting in an orange peel effect or pin holes. Waxes, silicone, and Teflon are added to inks to provide slip or run resistance, which helps prevent abrasion to the surface of the ink film. Waxes, silicone, and Teflon can be used to increase run resistance, but can also interfere with adhesion of an overprint, including inks and coatings.

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