To formulate ink adhesion, we should first check the surface tension and energy. The first step is the initial interaction between the ink and the medium, which is driven by the surface tension of the ink and the surface energy of the medium. Generally speaking, the ink must have a lower surface tension than the energy of the medium in order to “wet” the substrate. Otherwise, the ink will form a web and blotchy pattern - basically the effect of glass with water.

On the other hand, if the surface tension is “too low” relative to the energy of the medium, that will cause the ink to spread too much. In this case, you will see a lot of bleeding and loss of clarity. This balance is how you can maximize clarity and droplet spread before curing the ink.

The second stage is adhesion. Now that the ink is on the medium, how it “sticks” and how it can be engineered to stick depends on the medium. If for PVC, the ink would likely chemically alter the medium, causing swelling and penetration to the surface (the way solvent inks always work).
This is your ideal form of adhesion because the ink film becomes an integral part of the media. For inert surfaces, such as polypropylene and polystyrene, this is not possible, so other techniques are needed. You can improve surface wetting, reduce polymerization shrinkage to maintain contact points, and also match polarity in the inks, so they attract each other from a polarity perspective.

The print media is part of a larger solution; it needs to be printed and finished before any print media is delivered. Understanding how a material works with specific printing technology and digital ink technology is a key foundation for the company's product development.

Getting ink to adhere to a variety of media requires understanding the properties of the ink and the surface you're working with. Here are some basics to consider:

1. Choose the right ink
- Water-based Ink: Suitable for textile, paper and porous surfaces.
- Oil-Based Ink: More suitable for non-porous surfaces like plastic or metal.
- Acrylic Ink: Very versatile and adheres to many surfaces when dry.

2. Prepare the surface
- CLEAN SURFACE: Remove dust, grease or any contaminants.
- Primer if Necessary: Some surfaces may require priming to help the ink adhere better (e.g. gesso for canvas).

3. Compatibility Test
-Always do a small test on an inconspicuous area to see how the ink interacts with the surface.

4. Sealing Ink
- Once dry, consider using a sealant (such as clear acrylic spray) to protect the ink, especially on surfaces that may be exposed to moisture or abrasion.

5. Storage and Maintenance
- Store ink properly to prevent it from drying out or separating.
- Clean tools immediately after use to preserve their useful life.

6. Experiment and Adapt
- Different combinations of inks and surfaces may produce unique results. Don't hesitate to try different techniques and materials.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively make ink adhere to a variety of media, thereby enhancing your art projects.