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Ink FAQ

If you are unsure which ink to order, this page covers the usual questions we get from shops, start-ups, and busy print rooms. Use it to check pack sizes, printer fitment, delivery times, and the best way to handle refills.

Ink FAQ

Choosing the Right Pack Size for Your Workload

We supply sublimation ink for both desktop and wide-format printers, so pack size usually comes down to your daily print volume and how often you want to restock. Smaller operations in Kya Sand or Randburg may prefer smaller bottles for test runs, samples, and short production batches. Larger print rooms in Midrand, Pretoria, or the East Rand often choose bigger packs so they can keep a steady flow going without stopping to reorder every week.

As a simple rule, match the pack size to your turnover and storage space. Ink should be kept sealed, upright, and away from direct sun. In summer, especially along the coast, heat and humidity can affect storage conditions, so it helps to keep stock in a cool dry room rather than next to windows or packing areas.

  • Small runs and sample work: smaller packs are easier to rotate.
  • Busy production lines: larger packs can reduce frequent reordering.
  • Keep stock sealed until use to limit dust and moisture exposure.

How to Check Printer Compatibility Before You Order

Compatibility is the first thing to confirm before placing an order. The safe approach is to check your printer model, ink system, and the way your machine feeds colour. If you use a desktop unit for garment transfers or a wide-format machine for bigger production jobs, the ink has to suit that system. If you are not sure, send us the printer details through the enquiry form and we will help you check the fit.

It also helps to confirm what you are printing. Some businesses are focused on garments, others on screen printing support work, display pieces, or promotional items. The right ink should give you clear colour, steady flow, and good wash durability when used correctly. A quick compatibility check before ordering can save time and prevent blocked lines or poor output later.

  • Send the printer model and current ink setup for a quick check.
  • Confirm whether the machine is desktop or wide-format.
  • Let us know what you print so we can guide colour use and handling.

Delivery Times for Johannesburg and Nationwide Orders

Our base is in Kya Sand, Johannesburg, and we support next-day courier delivery on inks nationwide. Orders placed early in the day are easier to process for local and out-of-town dispatch, although timing can shift during busy periods or public holidays. For nearby areas like Sandton, Randburg, Roodepoort, Midrand, Pretoria, and the East Rand, delivery is typically fast and straightforward through courier or local handover arrangements where applicable.

For customers outside Gauteng, we use courier coordination to get stock moving as quickly as possible. If your business depends on daily output, it is worth planning ahead with a small buffer stock. Load-shedding, road delays, and month-end demand can all affect how fast you get through a batch, so keeping a little extra on hand is practical.

  • Local Johannesburg orders are handled from Kya Sand.
  • Nationwide orders go out by courier, with next-day options where available.
  • Bulk buyers should plan stock earlier to avoid production delays.

Refill Handling and Line Cleaning Basics

Refilling should be done carefully so your printer stays clean and consistent. Always work on a protected surface and avoid mixing old residue with fresh ink. If a bottle has been standing for a while, give it a gentle mix before use, but do not shake it hard because that can introduce air bubbles. Clean hands and clean funnels matter more than most people think.

When topping up, go slowly and avoid overfilling the tank. If the printer has been idle, check for dried residue at the nozzle or around the fill point. A proper line cleaning routine can help reduce colour drop out and keeps the system moving. If the print quality changes after a refill, pause and check the ink flow before pushing more jobs through the machine.

  • Use clean tools and keep lids closed between fills.
  • Do not mix unknown inks in the same tank.
  • Check for air bubbles after refilling and before printing a full run.

What to Do If Colours Look Dull or Uneven

If prints are looking flat, patchy, or inconsistent, start with the basics. Check whether the printer has sat idle, whether the line needs cleaning, and whether the substrate or transfer paper is suited to the job. Dull colour can also come from low heat, poor pressure, or a mismatch between settings and materials. In many cases the ink is not the problem, the setup is.

We can help with colour troubleshooting and consistency advice for both start-ups and established trade customers. If you are changing from one job type to another, test a small sample first and compare it against your usual result. Keep notes on temperature, press time, and substrate type so you can repeat the same finish next time. That habit saves time when you are under pressure and need the same output every day.

How We Help Trade Customers Plan Stock and Orders

Many of our customers need more than just product. They need practical stock planning, sample order assistance, and advice on how to keep their printing line moving without interruptions. Whether you are running a small shop in Kya Sand or handling larger volumes for clients in Pretoria or Sandton, we can help you work out what to keep on hand and when to reorder.

Our support covers bulk order help, refill guidance, compatibility checks, and startup print advice. If your business is scaling up, it is worth thinking about storage, courier timing, and how much stock you can turn over in a month. A good plan keeps cash flow steady and reduces waste from over-ordering or running out at the wrong time.

  • Ask for help with first-time orders or repeat stock planning.
  • Use sample packs when testing a new machine or product line.
  • Keep a reorder point so you are not left short during busy weeks.

Questions we get asked

How do I know which pack size to choose?

Choose smaller packs for sample work or lower monthly output, and larger packs if you print every day or keep multiple machines running. If you are unsure, send your printer details through the enquiry form and we will help you work it out.

Do you deliver outside Johannesburg?

Yes. We are based in Kya Sand, Johannesburg, and we offer next-day courier delivery of inks nationwide where courier timelines allow. Local areas like Randburg, Roodepoort, Midrand, Sandton, Pretoria, and the East Rand are also covered.

What should I do if my print colour looks uneven after a refill?

Stop the job and check for air bubbles, dried residue, or a line that needs cleaning. Make sure the ink is suited to your printer and that the tank was filled carefully. If needed, send us the details and we will talk you through the next step.

Planning something? Send the team a message.

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