Choosing the right container is essential before beginning the ink-mixing process.
Four cup types to avoid
- Styrene — susceptible to solvent damage
- Polystyrene foam — breaks down when exposed to solvents
- Wax-coated cups — wax contamination can compromise adhesion
- Ceramic ring cups themselves — difficult to mix in and prone to damage
Two that work
- Waxless paper cups — affordable and disposable
- Polypropylene — durable and solvent-resistant
The thinner test
Test any questionable cup material by allowing thinner to sit in it for approximately one hour. Additionally, we discourage reusing cups due to cleaning difficulty and risks of residual ink or material breakdown affecting subsequent ink batches.