Two of the most common print quality complaints we hear are cracking (or flaking) after the print is handled, and ink that won't dry properly. Both are almost always down to the same three things: the wrong media for your ink type, how the print is handled straight off the printer, and the conditions it's printed and cured in. Here's how to work through it.
Prints cracking or flaking
Cracking usually shows up after a print has been rolled, folded, or laminated, not straight off the printer. That timing is the biggest clue.
Common causes
The media wasn't built to flex the way it's being used, for example a rigid coated stock rolled up tightly, or folded rather than rolled. It can also happen when a print is handled or laminated before it's fully cured, or when it's folded in cold conditions, which makes most coatings more brittle.
How to fix it
Match your media to how the finished piece will be used, if it needs to be rolled, folded, or laminated, check the product's recommended handling before you print. Let prints cure and rest fully before rolling, laminating, or packing them, rushing this step is the single most common cause of cracking. Avoid tight folds in cold conditions, and where possible bring prints to room temperature before handling.
Prints not drying or smudging
If ink is still wet, tacky, or smudges when touched well after printing, this is almost always a media and ink mismatch, or an environment issue.
Common causes
Standard bond or coated paper without an instant-dry coating will take longer to dry, especially with heavier ink coverage. High humidity and lower temperatures slow drying further. Printing more ink than the media is designed to absorb (oversaturation) has the same effect, even on a fast-drying paper.
How to fix it
If fast handling matters, choose an instant-dry media, our Photographic Papers and HP Universal Bond Paper are both built for this. Give extra dry time in humid or cold conditions rather than handling on the usual schedule. Check your print settings aren't laying down more ink than the media needs, your printer's recommended media settings or ICC profile will have this dialled in correctly.
Still having issues?
If you've matched your media to your printer and it's still cracking or not drying, it's worth double checking compatibility first with our printer compatibility guide, then get in touch, our team can help track down what's going on.