Introduction
When your Mimaki printer runs out of SS21 ink in the middle of a job, it can bring production to a halt. As the owner of DPI Supply, I’ve experienced that panic firsthand. Mimaki’s OEM SS21 cartridges deliver beautiful prints but come with a significant cost, especially for high‑volume shops. Over time, customers began asking if third‑party inks could match the results while saving money. After years of testing replacements, I’ve learned that some alternatives truly offer plug‑and‑play convenience and near‑identical colour—while others aren’t worth the risk. In this guide, I’ll share what sets the best replacements apart and how to choose the right one for your business.
OEM SS21 Ink vs. Third‑Party Options
Mimaki’s SS21 inks are formulated to produce vivid colour, resist scratches and dry quickly on vinyl, banner and canvas. Its performance is why many printers stick with OEM cartridges, but the price can quickly add up. Third‑party inks aim to lower those costs. The best of them are engineered to drop straight into your JV33, JV150, JV300 or CJV printer without flushing the lines or re‑profiling colours. They often boast low odour and eco‑friendly ingredients. The challenge lies in selecting a brand that truly matches the original’s colour gamut, adhesion and durability.
Top SS21 Replacement Brands
STS Compatible Cartridges
STS is widely regarded as one of the most reliable replacement brands. Its 440 ml cartridges and one‑litre bottles are designed to replicate the SS21 formula. Product pages describe instant drying, very low odour and water resistance. In my tests, STS inks produce crisp text, smooth gradients and colours so close to the original that I could mix STS and OEM cartridges without adjusting profiles. Because of this compatibility, you can replace cartridges one at a time and minimise waste.
Jetbest SS21 Eco‑Solvent Ink
Jetbest is another strong alternative. The ink is formulated for the same Mimaki models as the OEM and aims to deliver nearly identical performance. It dries quickly, has very low odour and is noted for excellent scratch resistance. When I compared Jetbest to Mimaki ink on vinyl banners, colours were vibrant and gradients were smooth, while the mild scent made printing more pleasant.
Installation, Compatibility and Quality
One reason high‑quality replacements are attractive is that they truly drop into your printer. STS emphasises that its cartridges require no line flushing or profile changes, and Jetbest makes the same claim. In my experience, swapping cartridges and running a nozzle check is often all that’s needed to get back to printing. This plug‑and‑play convenience saves time and prevents wasted ink.
Compatibility is crucial. STS lists models such as CJV150‑130/160, CJV300‑130/160, JV150‑130/160 and JV300‑130/160, while Jetbest targets the same machines. Generic brands may support wider ranges, but always check the manufacturer’s specifications. If you’re unsure which ink family your printer uses, our blog post Using a Mimaki Printer? Choosing Between SS21, SS22, and BS4 can help.
Quality extends beyond colour matching. For outdoor signage and vehicle wraps, you need an ink that resists scratches and fading. Jetbest ink is praised for its scratch resistance and strong adhesion to pressure‑sensitive vinyl, while STS highlights water resistance and outdoor durability without lamination. Both brands boast broad colour gamuts that replicate deep blues, bright reds and subtle gradients. Generic inks can perform well too, but they sometimes show variability in colour reproduction or durability.
Choosing the Right Ink
When picking a replacement, start by assessing your print volume and budget. High‑volume shops can benefit from the lower cost per millilitre offered by bottles or bulk bags, though they require a larger upfront investment. Smaller operations may prefer cartridges for convenience. Second, verify your printer’s compatibility. Even the best ink won’t work if it’s not formulated for your machine. Third, think about colour consistency. If you produce work for corporate clients or photographers, choose a brand known for near‑identical colour reproduction and mix‑and‑match compatibility. Finally, consider durability. For indoor posters, any decent ink will suffice. For outdoor applications, invest in a brand with proven scratch and fade resistance.
Final Thoughts
Switching to a third‑party Mimaki SS21 ink for print shops can reduce costs without sacrificing quality—if you choose wisely. After extensive testing, I recommend STS or Jetbest for most applications. They deliver the colour accuracy, drying speed and durability you expect from Mimaki ink, with the added benefits of low odour and easy installation. Bulk bottles and generic inks can be economical for high‑volume printing, but do your homework on supplier reliability. Always confirm compatibility and review warranty implications before making the switch.
Ready to explore your options? Visit our collection of MIMAKI INKS for OEM and compatible cartridges. You’ll also find tips and comparisons on our Mimaki Printer Ink page. Whether you stick with OEM or try a new brand, the right ink keeps your prints vibrant and your business profitable.
