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Can I mix dpiSub ink with my current sublimation ink?
Updated June 15, 2023
In order to be transparent, I have left the content of my original post and thoughts on this topic below because it also contains important information. However, after more research and testing, I have somewhat changed my stance on this topic.
Click here to read the full updated post and watch the video on the most current information.
That said, I have mixed brands of cheaper foreign-made ink in the past and couldn’t tell a difference in the color but I also have no idea where it was made and for all I know could have been the same ink. While I can’t guarantee it wouldn’t be a problem, at the least you would lose the benefit of having a high quality ink if it were mixed with a lower grade ink such as any contaminates, color consistency, viscosity, etc. I also had some discussions with our lab regarding flushing ink from printers for replacement and at the price of printers versus the risk of damaging them and the work it takes, the recommendation is to use it in a new printer.
If someone has a printer that’s working 100% fine and they are happy with it, I wouldn’t recommend that they switch inks. Duplicating formulations can be done but you’re not going to find a cheap ink from China that does it. As an example, tons of people used Cobra ink then they went out of business so those people had to do something–either flush it, mix it, or replace the printer. Having an engineering background, I simply cannot recommend mixing inks of any types just because there could be unexpected results. Theoretically, mixing our premium ink with cheap ink from China or whatever would only dilute the cheap quality ink with better quality ink and slightly degrade our ink but who knows what happens in reality.
Click here to read the full updated post and watch the video on the most current information.
Old Content Below
My official answer is that you shouldn’t mix brands of ink and this goes for any brand–this goes for ANY brand of ink. Any ink company that says you can safely mix their ink with someone else’ ink (a) is giving poor recommendations so they can sell their ink, in my opinion (b) knowingly gets their ink from the same vendor as another if they are saying it’s compatible with certain inks or (c) has a very high quality lab that can duplicate formulations. If they advertise this compatibility it will typically come with a warranty. If a manufacturer or vendor says, “I’ve done it and never had issues.” they are simply trying to sell you ink. If they aren’t willing to guarantee there will be no issues, be skeptical.That said, I have mixed brands of cheaper foreign-made ink in the past and couldn’t tell a difference in the color but I also have no idea where it was made and for all I know could have been the same ink. While I can’t guarantee it wouldn’t be a problem, at the least you would lose the benefit of having a high quality ink if it were mixed with a lower grade ink such as any contaminates, color consistency, viscosity, etc. I also had some discussions with our lab regarding flushing ink from printers for replacement and at the price of printers versus the risk of damaging them and the work it takes, the recommendation is to use it in a new printer.
If someone has a printer that’s working 100% fine and they are happy with it, I wouldn’t recommend that they switch inks. Duplicating formulations can be done but you’re not going to find a cheap ink from China that does it. As an example, tons of people used Cobra ink then they went out of business so those people had to do something–either flush it, mix it, or replace the printer. Having an engineering background, I simply cannot recommend mixing inks of any types just because there could be unexpected results. Theoretically, mixing our premium ink with cheap ink from China or whatever would only dilute the cheap quality ink with better quality ink and slightly degrade our ink but who knows what happens in reality.