Sublimation ink is popular for printing and imaging applications because it can produce high-quality prints that last. However, there are some things you should know about the shelf life of sublimation ink, especially if you like to buy it in bulk (whether for convenience or to save money).
Sublimation ink goes bad if it is left in the printer for an extended period. The ink should be replaced every six months after installation, even if it is only partially used. The shelf life of unopened ink is generally one to two years if stored in ideal conditions.
Since sublimation inks differ from one manufacturer to the next, their quality and shelf life will differ as well. This article will discuss the shelf life of sublimation ink, what affects the shelf life, and will answer the question Does Sublimation Ink Ever Go Bad?
Table of Contents
Shelf Life of Sublimation Ink
Sublimation ink has a limited shelf life, meaning it will expire due to its ingredients degrading over time.
It’s always best to refer to the ink labels for specific information on shelf life, as they vary depending on the ink itself and whether it’s installed or stored. In general, ink installed in your printer will have a shorter shelf life than ink stored in a sealed container.
Shelf Life of Installed Sublimation Ink
Air exposure is the main reason sublimation ink deteriorates while installed in the printer. Once the ink is exposed to air, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria contamination and drying out. That’s why you need to use the installed ink completely within six months of installation.
Shelf Life of Stored Sublimation Ink
On average, sublimation ink can last one to two years in storage, depending on the manufacturer. It’s always a good idea to check the product label for the expiration date and proper storage recommendations. Also, you’ll want to keep the ink expiring sooner in front so it can be used first.
What Affects Sublimation Ink Shelf Life?
Quality sublimation ink produces vibrant and defined sublimation prints, and storing it in
appropriate conditions will help it keep its quality.
Many manufacturers don’t recommend storing expired sublimation ink due to the possible damage it can cause to your printer. Further, expired ink can harm your health due to the contaminated fumes it releases upon use.
The three key components that affect stored sublimation ink are the following:
- Container or packaging: Ink must be stored in an air-tight container or sealed package to prevent air exposure. You can use something like the CDZHH Plastic Pot Jars
(available on Amazon.com), which can come in handy for storing various objects minus the risk of breakage. - Sunlight: Keep your ink away from direct sunlight. UV rays can break down the chemical composition, which degrades the ink. Therefore, when storing sublimation ink, make sure to keep it away from your windows or any other source of natural light.
- Temperature: Fluctuating temperatures are terrible for stored items, including sublimation ink. Always keep ink in a dark room with temperatures close to 70°F (21°C) to maximize its storage life and quality.
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What Happens When Sublimation Ink Goes Bad?
When sublimation ink goes bad or dries out, it can cause an array of issues with your printer and print transfers.
If sublimation ink has been left in the printer for too long, or if you’re using ink well past the expiration date, you may experience the following issues from dry ink:
- Nozzle clogging
- Banding issues
- Color shifting
- Poor print quality
Typically, these issues can be fixed by performing routine maintenance to prevent dry ink build-up in the printer parts. So, if you’re not using your printer frequently, running your printer’s cleaning mode at least once every week is highly recommended to keep the ink flowing.
How To Fix Issues From Dry or Bad Sublimation Ink
To fix issues from bad or dry sublimation ink:
- Perform a nozzle check using the utility settings of your printer software and follow the steps. The printer will print four colored grids with lines that should be complete and connected.
- If the lines have gaps anywhere, you’ll also need to perform a nozzle cleaning in the utility settings until it prints the grids with no gaps — an issue known as “banding.”
It’s recommended that you perform a nozzle cleaning before you start every project to prevent bad ink from ruining your prints.
If, even after performing regular maintenance, your printer still has issues, you may want to take it to a professional for repairs.
Other Tips To Prevent Sublimation Ink Issues
As the old saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If you don’t want the headaches that come with using dried or expired sublimation ink, here are some tips for you aside from the ones I’ve mentioned throughout this article.
- Write the ink’s expiration date in large characters, put it on a thick tape, and paste it onto your sublimation ink’s container. As with most products, expiration dates tend to be printed in near-microscopic numbers on the container, so it may help you if they’re a bit bigger.
- Paste a reminder on top of your printer to clean the printer before and after use. When you’re busy creating art, it’s hard to keep track of little things like routine maintenance. Therefore, it may help to paste a sticky note with a friendly reminder near or on top of your printer.
Final Words
Like ink from regular printers, sublimation ink will go bad eventually. Once you’ve opened the sealed package, the ink should be used within six months; otherwise, you’ll have to replace it whether there’s still some left or not. The shelf life of sealed ink is generally one to two years when stored appropriately.
Once exposed to air, the ink can dry out and cause clogging, banding, and other printing issues, which can really set you back on your projects. It’s a good idea to perform nozzle cleaning at least once a week to prevent clogging and damage to your printer.