How do I print on metallized paper?

Printing on metallized paper is similar to printing on any non-porous substrate (e.g., plastic). The fountain solution is not absorbed by the metallized paper and tends to build up on the plate and emulsify the ink. Even if the ink does not emulsify, it typically picks up more fountain solution, which results in slow drying. The press should be well maintained, and rollers and dampeners should be in top condition and set correctly. Running the minimum fountain solution is critical. UV inks cure instantly and solve the problem of slow drying and offsetting in the delivery. Printers who run plastics say finding the best ink and fountain solution is difficult, but it is possible to have conventional inks dry in 8 hours or less. It is not uncommon to have inks on these substrates take days to dry. The ink vehicle is not absorbed into the stock, and there is a thick, wet ink film remaining on the surface. Unless you are using UV inks and coatings, running small loads in the delivery, or racking, is important to prevent offsetting.

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