Abstract: A printing method includes forming an image by applying marking material onto the surface of a substrate; optionally applying an intermediate layer onto the substrate; subjecting the image to a fixation treatment; applying a layer of an ionically stabilized varnish on the surface of the image; and performing image-wise gloss control by locally varying at least one of a fixation parameter and a primer application parameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous pre-treatment liquid for use in ink jet printing, the pre-treatment liquid comprising: water; magnesium-sulfate; and a crystallization retarding agent selected from the group consisting of: sorbitol, xylitol, adonitol, ?-alanine, proline and ?-aminobutyric acid. The pre-treatment liquid is non-yellowing, non-smelling and does not crystallize upon drying. Prints made by using a pre-treatment liquid according to the present invention in combination with an aqueous ink shows a significant decrease of end-curl after a long period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous reaction liquid composition including an anti-deforming agent. selected from the group consisting of a choline salt (formate, acetate, chloride), a guanidine salt (formate, acetate, chloride), trimethylglycine (betaine), potassium formate and ammonium nitrate. The present invention also relates to an aqueous reaction liquid composition including a Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) having urea in combination with an anti-deforming agent as disclosed above. In another aspect the invention relates to an ink set including such aqueous reaction liquid composition and an ink composition, preferably a pigmented ink composition. In another aspect the present invention relates to a printing method including application of an aqueous reaction liquid composition according to the present invention and application of an ink composition.

Abstract: A method of printing using a thermo reversible gelling primer composition, a thermo reversible gelling primer composition, and an ink set comprising the thermo reversible gelling primer composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous reaction liquid composition comprising an anti-deforming agent. selected from the group consisting of a choline salt (formate, acetate, chloride), a guanidine salt (formate, acetate, chloride), trimethylglycine (betaine), potassium formate and ammonium nitrate. The present invention also relates to an aqueous reaction liquid composition comprising a Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) comprising urea in combination with an anti-deforming agent as disclosed above. In another aspect the invention relates to an ink set comprising such aqueous reaction liquid composition and an ink composition, preferably a pigmented ink composition. In another aspect the present invention relates to a printing method including application of an aqueous reaction liquid composition according to the present invention and application of an ink composition.

Abstract: A method of printing using a thermo reversible gelling primer composition, a thermo reversible gelling primer composition, and an ink set comprising the thermo reversible gelling primer composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially water-free pre-treatment composition having at least one of an acid or an acid anhydride in an organic matrix. Also disclosed is a kit of parts having the pre-treatment composition and an ink composition that has an intrinsic inferior water fastness when printed, where the ink contains a compound that is soluble in alkaline environment (ink as such) and insoluble in a neutral and/or acidic environment. Also disclosed is a printing method for improving the water fastness of a print made with an ink that has intrinsically low water fastness, by using a pre-treatment composition as disclosed.

Abstract: A method of printing includes a. providing a substrate, a reaction liquid including a coagulation agent and an ink set including a first ink composition including a first colorant and a second ink composition including a second colorant, different from the first colorant, wherein both the first colorant and the second colorant are dispersed as primary particles in the first ink composition and the second ink composition, respectively; b. applying the reaction liquid to a first surface of the substrate; c.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous reaction liquid comprising a salt, a first surfactant being an amphoteric surfactant and a second surfactant being a non-ionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic silicones (such as polyalkylene oxide modified silicones/polyether modified silicones), alkoxylated alcohols, fluorosurfactants, polyether modified silicone surfactants and polyethyleneoxides. Reaction liquids according to the present invention show improved spreading on print substrates when applied, which is beneficial when the reaction liquid is applied by an ink jet method. The present invention further pertains to an ink set comprising such a reaction liquid and a method of printing using such an ink set.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substantially water-free pre-treatment composition having at least one of an acid or an acid anhydride in an organic matrix. Also disclosed is a kit of parts having the pre-treatment composition and an ink composition that has an intrinsic inferior water fastness when printed, where the ink contains a compound that is soluble in alkaline environment (ink as such) and insoluble in a neutral and/or acidic environment. Also disclosed is a printing method for improving the water fastness of a print made with an ink that has intrinsically low water fastness, by using a pre-treatment composition as disclosed.

Abstract: A plasma generating device includes a first plasma electrode and a counter electrode facing each other. The first plasma electrode extends in a lateral direction and includes two projections. Each of the two projections protrudes from the first plasma electrode in the direction of the counter electrode over a predetermined distance. The plasma generating device further includes a preload mechanism adapted for urging each of said two projections of the first plasma electrode against the counter electrode. The two projections cooperatively define a plasma gap between the first plasma electrode and the counter electrode. The counter electrode includes a support surface facing said plasma gap. The support surface is substantially flat along the plasma gap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous reaction liquid comprising a salt, a first surfactant being an amphoteric surfactant and a second surfactant being a non-ionic surfactant, preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrophilic silicones (such as polyalkylene oxide modified silicones/polyether modified silicones), alkoxylated alcohols, fluorosurfactants, polyether modified silicone surfactants and polyethyleneoxides. Reaction liquids according to the present invention show improved spreading on print substrates when applied, which is beneficial when the reaction liquid is applied by an ink jet method. The present invention further pertains to an ink set comprising such a reaction liquid and a method of printing using such an ink set.

Abstract: A method of printing includes a. providing a substrate, a reaction liquid including a coagulation agent and an ink set including a first ink composition including a first colorant and a second ink composition including a second colorant, different from the first colorant, wherein both the first colorant and the second colorant are dispersed as primary particles in the first ink composition and the second ink composition, respectively; b. applying the reaction liquid to a first surface of the substrate; c.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of printing having the steps of: providing a recording substrate having a water insoluble salt having a polyvalent cation; providing an aqueous ink composition having stably dispersed particles, the pH of the ink composition being between 2 and 5.5; printing the aqueous ink composition on the recording substrate. Optionally, the printing substrate is treated with a plasma prior to applying the ink composition. Optionally, the aqueous ink has a gelling agent, for instance, a water soluble salt of alginic acid.

Abstract: A plasma generating device includes a first plasma electrode and a counter electrode facing each other. The first plasma electrode extends in a lateral direction and includes two projections. Each of the two projections protrudes from the first plasma electrode in the direction of the counter electrode over a predetermined distance. The plasma generating device further includes a preload mechanism adapted for urging each of said two projections of the first plasma electrode against the counter electrode. The two projections cooperatively define a plasma gap between the first plasma electrode and the counter electrode. The counter electrode includes a support surface facing said plasma gap. The support surface is substantially flat along the plasma gap.

Abstract: A method of surface pre-treatment of a variety of ink-receiving substrates of different types includes applying treatment energy to the surface of the substrates in a controlled atmosphere that contains nitrogen and oxygen. The amount of energy per surface area is adjusted dependent upon the type of substrate. The ratio of oxygen to nitrogen in the controlled atmosphere is adjusted dependent upon the type of substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of printing an aqueous ink on a recording substrate. The aqueous ink composition comprises particles of a water dispersible colorant and has a pH of between 8 and 12. The method comprising the steps of: a) pretreating the recording substrate by at least partial acidification of the recording substrate by subjecting the recording substrate to a gaseous acid or by subjecting the recording substrate to a plasma treatment; and b) imagewise printing the ink composition on the pretreated recording substrate.

Abstract: A method of surface pre-treatment of a variety of ink-receiving substrates of different types includes applying treatment energy to the surface of the substrates in a controlled atmosphere that contains nitrogen and oxygen. The amount of energy per surface area is adjusted dependent upon the type of substrate. The ratio of oxygen to nitrogen in the controlled atmosphere is adjusted dependent upon the type of substrate.

Abstract: A method of creating an image on a recording medium including a support having thereon a porous fusible layer, using an ink composition that is solid at room temperature and liquid at elevated temperature including the steps of generating droplets of the ink composition with an ink jet print head, transferring the droplets of the ink composition to the surface of the fusible layer, thermally treating the recording medium such that the ink transferred to fusible layer passes into the medium away from the surface of the fusible layer while the fusible layer remains substantially unfused, and when the ink has passed into the medium, treating the recording medium to fuse the fusible layer to become a protective overcoat. The present invention also pertains to a system for creating an image on a recording medium.

Abstract: A method of creating an image on a recording medium including a support having thereon a porous fusible layer, using an ink composition that is solid at room temperature and liquid at elevated temperature including the steps of generating droplets of the ink composition with an ink jet print head, transferring the droplets of the ink composition to the surface of the fusible layer, thermally treating the recording medium such that the ink transferred to fusible layer passes into the medium away from the surface of the fusible layer while the fusible layer remains substantially unfused, and when the ink has passed into the medium, treating the recording medium to fuse the fusible layer to become a protective overcoat. The present invention also pertains to a system for creating an image on a recording medium.