DPI-Supply

We started DPI‑Supply because we were tired of seeing shop owners pay too much for OEM cartridges. Our alternative inks are formulated to match OEM color profiles, dry times and durability, so you can pop them in and start printing without flushing or re‑profiling. By controlling our formulations and bottling in the USA, we keep quality high and cost per milliliter low. Most customers say they can't tell the difference in print quality but do notice the savings.

We carry several ink families to suit different printing methods and media. Our eco‑solvent inks use mild, biodegradable solvents that soften the surface of vinyl or banner material so pigment and resin can fuse into it. DTF (direct‑to‑film) inks are water‑based pigments engineered to sit on top of a PET film and transfer to fabric; they include a white ink for dark garments and flow smoothly through Epson‑based printheads. UV inks cure instantly under ultraviolet light, providing strong adhesion, vibrant colors and scratch resistance on both flexible and rigid substrates. Our sublimation inks are nano‑dispersed aqueous dyes that deliver exceptional clarity and rich colors when transferred onto polyester fabrics or coated hard goods.

Eco‑solvent, or "light solvent," inks were developed to deliver solvent‑like durability with far fewer volatile organic compounds. They suspend pigment in a mild solvent that penetrates the media and bonds firmly as the solvent evaporates. Compared with traditional high solvent inks, eco‑solvents emit less odor, require less ventilation, and are gentler on your printheads. They still produce vibrant, waterproof graphics with good outdoor durability and are ideal for banners, vehicle wraps and indoor signage.

True solvent inks use aggressive petroleum‑based carriers and can last up to five years outdoors but release high levels of VOCs and require robust ventilation. Eco‑solvent inks rely on milder, biodegradable solvents; they dry faster, have less odor and work on a wide range of substrates. The trade‑off is that eco‑solvent prints may need lamination for extreme weather resistance. If you're producing billboard or vehicle graphics exposed to harsh sun, solvent inks offer maximum longevity; for indoor or mixed environments, eco‑solvents strike a balance between durability and environmental impact.

DTF ink isn't just rebranded desktop inkjet ink—it's a water‑based pigment formulation with binders and resins that allow it to sit on a PET film and transfer to fabric. The particles are finely ground and suspended in a carrier with the correct viscosity (around 3–6 mPa·s) to jet through Epson‑based printheads without clogging. Using regular dye or solvent ink in a DTF printer will either bleed through the film or clog the nozzles, so it's important to use ink specifically labeled for DTF.

Yes—white ink is a critical part of the DTF process. Dark garments require a white underbase so that the colored inks can "pop." DTF white ink uses titanium dioxide pigment and extra resins for opacity. Standard desktop inks don't include a white formulation and can't provide the solid foundation needed for bright colors on dark fabrics. Look for CMYK + White sets when purchasing DTF consumables.

Because DTF inks are water‑based pigments, they emit fewer VOCs and can be cleaned with water rather than harsh chemicals. When combined with polyurethane powder adhesive, then properly cured and pressed, DTF prints are remarkably durable—vibrant colors remain vivid after dozens of wash cycles and won't crack or peel. This durability, combined with the efficiency of printing transfers ahead of time, is why many shops are adopting DTF technology.

UV‑curable inks are photopolymers that solidify instantly when exposed to ultraviolet light. They offer faster curing times, enhanced durability and strong adhesion on thermoplastics like PET and polyurethane. Advanced UV ink sets such as UV450 and HP UV deliver exceptional scratch resistance and superb adhesion on both flexible and rigid substrates. Choose UV inks when you need to print on hard surfaces (like metal, glass or wood) or when you want instantaneous drying and resistance to abrasion.

Our Fabr‑Ink sublimation ink is a nano‑dispersed, water‑based dye formulated for transfer and direct‑to‑substrate printing. It produces exceptional image clarity, vibrant colors and rich blacks on polyester garments, aluminum panels, ceramic products and other sublimation‑ready materials. Sublimation ink chemically bonds to polyester fibers, so it's best for synthetic fabrics or coated hard goods rather than cotton. We offer it in standard and fluorescent shades and in packaging ranging from 1‑liter bottles to 190 kg drums.

Outdoor longevity depends on exposure and whether the print is laminated. In our experience, prints made with Mimaki SS21 eco‑solvent inks stay vibrant for around two to three years on unlaminated material. Lamination or UV‑protective coatings can extend the lifespan to five years or more. Sunlight intensity, color choice and climate also play a role—reds and oranges fade faster than blues and greens, and prints in mild climates last longer than those exposed to intense sun or moisture.

Proper storage keeps your ink performing at its best. DTF ink sets have a shelf life of about 12–24 months when unopened and should be stored in a cool, dark place; white ink should be used within three to six months after opening. Always shake white ink before use to prevent pigment settling and run regular nozzle checks. For all ink types, avoid exposing bottles or cartridges to extreme heat or direct sunlight. Use clean funnels and gloves when refilling to prevent contamination.

Different applications require different volumes. Our sublimation ink line offers 1‑liter bottles, 19‑liter jugs, 190 kg drums and chip‑equipped ink bags. Eco‑solvent and DTF inks are typically sold in 500 ml or 1‑liter bottles; white DTF ink may be available in smaller sizes due to its shorter shelf life. UV inks come in cartridge and bulk bag formats for Mimaki, HP and Roland printers. If you need case or drum quantities, give us a call—bulk orders qualify for volume pricing.

Mixing chemistries is risky. DTF and eco‑solvent inks from different brands may use incompatible resins or solvents, and blending them can cause clogs or color shifts. If you plan to switch brands, flush your system completely and install new dampers and filters. We're happy to walk you through the process—just reach out before making a change.

Yes—we still support the machines that keep your business running. We provide parts and service for Mimaki, Mutoh and Roland printers. We stock caps, dampers, pumps and other consumables, and our technicians can guide you through routine maintenance or schedule an on‑site service call. Ink will always be our focus, but we know a clogged damper or worn cap top can ruin a print job, so we keep those items in stock for our customers.

Ordering is easy—just browse our categories, add items to your cart and checkout using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Apple Pay, PayPal or other accepted payment methods. We offer free shipping on solvent and DTF ink orders over US $499 and run occasional promotions through our newsletter. New subscribers receive $5 off their first order and "Subscribe & Save" options are available for consumables. If you prefer phone orders or need bulk pricing, call (614) 316‑9780 and we'll take care of the details.

In most cases, yes. Many of our customers come to us after using OEM ink for years because they want the same dependable print quality without the high cartridge cost. The key is making sure you choose the correct compatible ink for your exact printer model and current ink setup. If you are switching from OEM ink to one of our compatible ink options, we can help you determine whether you can make a direct switch or whether a flush is recommended. We would rather help you make the change correctly than have you guess and run into color, flow, or clogging issues later.

It can if you use the wrong ink, but that is exactly why we focus on properly matched ink options. Good ink should give you strong color output, smooth gradients, and reliable performance without making your prints look dull or washed out. In our experience, most color issues come from mismatched ink, old profiles, poor media settings, or maintenance problems—not simply from using a compatible ink. If your colors are not where they need to be, we can usually help narrow down whether the issue is ink, profile, media, heat, or printer maintenance.

The safest way is to match the ink to your printer brand, model, and existing ink type. Mimaki, Mutoh, Roland, HP, Epson, DTF, UV, sublimation, and eco‑solvent systems all have different requirements. Even two printers from the same brand may use different ink sets. If you are unsure, send us your printer model and the ink currently in the machine. We can help you find the right option before you order. That little step can save a lot of frustration, especially if you are switching brands or trying to lower your ink costs.

We understand wanting to save money on ink—that is one of the main reasons DPI‑Supply exists. But there is a big difference between affordable ink and cheap ink. Cheap, poorly matched ink can lead to clogs, banding, weak color, poor adhesion, wasted media, and downtime. The real cost of ink is not just the price of the bottle or cartridge. It is how well it prints, how consistently it performs, and how much waste it prevents. Our goal is to give shops a better price without putting their printer or production schedule at risk.

Reach out anytime! We love talking shop and can help you match inks to your printer, troubleshoot print quality or plan for an equipment upgrade. Call us at (614) 316‑9780, email sales@dpi‑supply.com or visit us at 4670 Groves Road, Columbus, Ohio 43232. Our team has decades of experience and understands that every print shop is unique. We're here to be a partner, not just a vendor.