SCITOPInkjet Media Expert
Knowledge Base

Answers, guides and technical know-how

Everything you need to pick and use the right media: frequently asked questions about our adhesion technologies, print compatibility, application methods and custom programs — plus curated technical articles.

Curriculum

Start with the fundamentals

4 teaching modules written from ZST's own product knowledge — no theory detached from real media. Click a topic to jump to its chapter, or scroll through the full curriculum.

ChapterDigital PrintersAn introduction to the main families of digital printers — desktop inkjet, large-format Eco-solvent, UV flatbed/roll, Latex and electrophotographic presses (HP Indigo, toner) — what each is for, and what to consider when choosing a printer for your media.7 lessons →ChapterDigital PrintingHow digital inkjet and electrophotographic printing work, the main print systems (water-based, Eco-solvent, UV, Latex, Indigo, toner) and why the print medium must match the print engine.4 lessons →ChapterPrint Media & ConsumablesHow a self-adhesive print medium is built (substrate, coating, adhesive/cling layer, liner), the main substrate families (PET, PP, PVC, paper), the five adhesion technologies, and how to read the key specifications.4 lessons →ChapterSelection & Application GuidesA practical, decision-based guide: choose by surface, duration, indoor/outdoor and print system, then apply dry or wet and remove without residue.5 lessons →ReferenceGlossary14 plain-language definitions of adhesion, material, printing and property terms, most linked to the series they describe.View terms →
Chapter 01

Digital Printers

An introduction to the main families of digital printers — desktop inkjet, large-format Eco-solvent, UV flatbed/roll, Latex and electrophotographic presses (HP Indigo, toner) — what each is for, and what to consider when choosing a printer for your media.

1.1

What is a digital printer?

A digital printer reproduces images directly from a digital file onto print media, with no plates, screens or film. The category spans desktop inkjet machines used for proofs and small jobs, large-format inkjet printers (the workhorse of sign shops), UV flatbed and roll printers that cure ink instantly, Latex machines for indoor-safe output, and electrophotographic presses such as HP Indigo and toner-based digital presses for commercial short runs. The printer and the medium are a system: the ink chemistry of the printer must match the coating of the medium, which is why every ZST model lists its print compatibility.

  • Direct digital-to-media imaging, no plates or screens
  • Spans desktop, large-format, UV, Latex and electrophotographic presses
  • Printer ink chemistry and medium coating must match
Use the guided product finder →
1.2

Desktop inkjet printers

Desktop inkjet printers use water-based dye or pigment inks and are the economical choice for proofs, small labels, photographs and short runs. Their inks need an absorbent, water-compatible coating — which is exactly what ZST's AC series is built for. Pigment inks give better water and UV resistance than dye inks; choose pigment for output that may be handled or displayed longer. Desktop printers are also the easiest way to test a new medium before scaling up to a large-format printer.

  • Water-based dye or pigment inks
  • Perfect for proofs, labels, photos and short runs
  • AC series media is matched to desktop water-based inkjet
  • Pigment inks outlast dye inks outdoors and under handling
ac
Use the guided product finder →
1.3

Large-format Eco-solvent printers

Large-format printers running Eco-solvent (弱溶) ink are the standard production tool for sign shops. The ink slightly swells the media coating so pigment anchors firmly, giving durable outdoor output with low odour at a moderate cost per square metre. Most of ZST's adhesive film series — Wall Lizard™, Octopus™, Easy Cling™, Spider™ — support Eco-solvent printing. Roll-fed printers like these are what window graphics, vehicle graphics and exhibition displays are produced on day to day.

  • The sign-shop production standard
  • Durable outdoor output, low odour, moderate cost
  • Supported by most ZST adhesive film series
  • Used daily for window, vehicle and exhibition graphics
wall lizardoctopuseasy clingspider
Use the guided product finder →
1.4

UV printers (flatbed & roll)

UV printers cure ink instantly under UV lamps as it is jetted, so the ink sits on top of the coating instead of soaking in. This allows printing on the widest range of substrates — rigid boards, glass, plastics, and films — with vibrant, scratch-resistant results. UV ink has almost no drying time, so output can be handled and finished immediately. On flexible films, choose a UV-compatible model; several ZST series list UV digital and UV offset compatibility.

  • Ink cures instantly under UV lamps
  • Widest substrate compatibility, including rigid media
  • Scratch-resistant, vibrant output, no drying wait
  • Choose UV-compatible models for flexible films
Use the guided product finder →
1.5

Latex printers

Latex printers jet water-based resin ink that is dried and cured with heat, producing odour-free, indoor-safe output that is popular for retail and office graphics. Because the ink is water-based, latex printers work best with media whose coating accepts water-based inks. Latex output is durable and flexible, suitable for window graphics and interior signage, and many of ZST's films are rated for latex printing.

  • Water-based resin ink, heat-cured
  • Odour-free and indoor-safe — ideal for retail & office
  • Needs media coating that accepts water-based inks
  • Durable, flexible output for windows and interior signage
Use the guided product finder →
1.6

Electrophotographic presses (HP Indigo & toner)

Electrophotographic digital presses — HP Indigo with its liquid ElectroInk and toner-based machines — transfer charged toner or liquid ink onto the medium, delivering offset-like quality for labels, packaging and premium short-run commercial print. Because the image is fixed with heat, these presses need heat-tolerant media with a compatible coating. ZST models that carry an HP Indigo compatibility rating are designed for this workflow, letting brand owners and converters run consistent short runs digitally.

  • HP Indigo liquid ElectroInk & toner-based machines
  • Offset-like quality for labels, packaging, premium short runs
  • Require heat-tolerant media with compatible coating
  • ZST Indigo-rated models are built for this workflow
Use the guided product finder →
1.7

Choosing a printer for your media

Match the printer to the job, not the other way around. Ask four questions: what surfaces will you print on (rigid boards need a UV flatbed; films need a roll printer); what run length (short runs and personalisation justify digital; very long runs may favour offset); what durability is required (outdoor work favours Eco-solvent or UV pigment inks); and what your existing media is rated for. Buying media already certified for your printer's ink system — as ZST's compatibility list states — removes the biggest source of print-quality problems.

  • Surfaces decide the machine: rigid → UV flatbed, film → roll
  • Short runs & personalisation justify digital
  • Outdoor durability favours Eco-solvent or UV pigment
  • Buy media certified for your printer's ink system
Use the guided product finder →Ask our engineers →
Chapter 02

Digital Printing

How digital inkjet and electrophotographic printing work, the main print systems (water-based, Eco-solvent, UV, Latex, Indigo, toner) and why the print medium must match the print engine.

2.1

What is digital printing?

Digital printing reproduces an image directly from a digital file onto a substrate, without plates or screens. Unlike offset printing, every copy can be different — which makes it the standard for personalised, short-run and on-demand jobs such as window advertising, event graphics and retail promotions. The ink or toner is applied in tiny dots by the print head, and the substrate (the 'media') must be coated or structured to accept and fix those dots.

  • Plate-less: digital file goes straight to print
  • Ideal for short runs, personalisation and on-demand jobs
  • Media must be coated/structured to accept ink or toner
Use the guided product finder →
2.2

Print systems at a glance

Each print technology lays ink down differently and needs a matching medium. Water-based dye and pigment inks are economical desktop solutions. Eco-solvent (弱溶) inks are the workhorse of sign shops — durable, low-odour and compatible with most self-adhesive films. UV-curable inks dry instantly under UV lamps and print on the widest range of surfaces. Latex inks are water-based with heat-cured polymer resin, odour-free and indoor-safe. HP Indigo uses liquid electro-ink, and toner-based machines use electrophotography; both are common for premium short-run print.

  • Water-based: economical desktop printing
  • Eco-solvent: durable, low-odour, sign-shop standard
  • UV: instant cure, widest surface compatibility
  • Latex: odour-free, heat-cured, indoor-safe
  • Indigo / toner: premium short-run electrophotographic print
Use the guided product finder →
2.3

Why the medium must match the print engine

The coating on a print medium is formulated for a specific ink chemistry. Eco-solvent ink swells the coating so pigment can anchor; UV ink sits on the coating and cures; water-based ink needs an absorbent coating layer. Printing solvent ink on a water-only medium can cause bleeding, mottling or slow drying; printing water ink on a solvent medium can cause pooling. That is why every ZST model lists its exact print compatibility — always check the model datasheet before printing.

  • Coating chemistry is matched to ink chemistry
  • Wrong match causes bleeding, mottling, pooling or slow drying
  • Always check the model datasheet's print compatibility
Use the guided product finder →
2.4

Indoor vs outdoor durability: ink + media together

Outdoor life is a property of the printed result, not the film alone. UV-stable inks combined with a UV-resistant coating and a stable film substrate decide how long a graphic survives sun, rain and abrasion. ZST's Wall Lizard™ PET models are rated indoor and outdoor, while the removable film technology itself stays residue-free — a long-term removable graphic needs both an outdoor-rated medium and outdoor-rated inks.

  • Outdoor life = ink + coating + substrate
  • PET Wall Lizard models are rated indoor & outdoor
  • Removable + outdoor both required for long-term exterior graphics
wall lizard
Chapter 04

Selection & Application Guides

A practical, decision-based guide: choose by surface, duration, indoor/outdoor and print system, then apply dry or wet and remove without residue.

4.1

Choose by surface

Clean, smooth, flat surfaces — glass, metal, acrylic — are ideal for adhesive-free cling films: Wall Lizard™, Octopus™ and Easy Cling™ all grip them without residue. For various or slightly textured surfaces (painted walls, wood, panel boards) use adhesive-backed films from the AC or Spider™ series, which conform and hold better on less-than-perfect surfaces. Always clean the surface before application: dust and grease are the main causes of poor adhesion.

  • Glass/metal/acrylic → adhesive-free cling films
  • Painted walls/wood/panels → AC or Spider adhesive films
  • Clean the surface first — dust and grease kill adhesion
Use the guided product finder →
4.2

Choose by duration

Match the film to how long the graphic must stay. For campaigns of a few weeks, Spider™ is documented as short-term. For months to years — storefront windows, office signage, decorative glass — choose a long-term rated film: Wall Lizard™ PET models are rated indoor and outdoor, Octopus™ and Easy Cling™ hold for long periods, and the AC series is built for extended indoor use. The longer the duration, the more the UV resistance and dimensional stability of the substrate matter.

  • Weeks → Spider (documented short-term)
  • Months–years → Wall Lizard PET, Octopus, Easy Cling, AC
  • Long duration ⇒ UV resistance & stability matter more
spiderwall lizardoctopuseasy clingac
4.3

Choose by print system

Confirm the model's print compatibility before ordering. The AC series is designed for desktop water-based inkjet (dye and pigment). Other series support combinations of Eco-solvent, Latex, UV digital, UV offset, screen printing and HP Indigo. If you print with several technologies, pick a model whose compatibility list covers all of them, or keep dedicated stocks per printer. Set the printer to its highest quality mode for best colour and definition.

  • AC series → desktop water-based inkjet
  • Other series → Eco-solvent / Latex / UV / Indigo combos
  • Multi-technology shops: cover all engines or stock per printer
Use the guided product finder →
4.4

Wet vs dry application

Follow the series datasheet. Easy Cling™ recommends wet application: spray water to position the film, then press firmly to push all water out and avoid bubbles. Octopus™, Wall Lizard™, Spider™ and the AC series apply dry — clean the surface, then squeegee from one edge to the other so the film lies flat with no internal stress. With adhesive-free cling films, repositioning is easy; with adhesive films, work slowly and lift carefully if you need to adjust.

  • Easy Cling → wet application, squeeze out all water
  • Octopus / Wall Lizard / Spider / AC → dry, squeegee one edge to the other
  • Cling films reposition easily; adhesive films need care
easy clingoctopuswall lizardspiderac
4.5

Removal without residue

All ZST removable films — Wall Lizard™, Octopus™, Easy Cling™, Spider™ and the AC series — are engineered to remove cleanly even after long-term use. Peel slowly at a low angle (parallel to the surface) to keep the film intact and avoid stretching. If a small area has aged onto the surface, gentle heat from a hair dryer softens the adhesive for easier removal. There is no chemical residue to scrape; if any dust remains, wipe with mild soapy water.

  • All five removable series remove residue-free
  • Peel slowly at a low angle parallel to the surface
  • Gentle heat softens aged adhesive for easier removal
Ask our engineers →
Glossary

Terms explained in plain language

Every definition is written for a first-time buyer — no jargon. Each term links to the ZST series it describes, so you can move straight from learning to selecting.

Adhesion(5)

Gecko-Toe Adhesion

A biomimetic cling technology inspired by the microscopic hairs (setae) on a gecko's toe pads. The film's backing carries a micro-structured surface that grips smooth substrates through van der Waals contact rather than chemical glue, so it applies bubble-free, repositions easily and removes with zero residue even after long-term use. Used in the FreePost® Wall Lizard™ series.

wall lizard →
Micro Suction Technology

An adhesive-free cling technology in which thousands of microscopic suction cups on the film's backing create a gentle vacuum grip on clean, smooth, flat surfaces such as glass and metal. The film can be repositioned and reused many times without losing grip and leaves no adhesive residue. Used in the FreePost® Octopus™ series.

octopus →
Vacuum Suction Film

A printable film that clings to glass and other smooth surfaces purely through vacuum force — no chemical adhesive, magnetism or static. Wet application with water is recommended so trapped water and air can be fully pressed out, giving a low-tack bond that removes cleanly with no residue at all, even after very long application periods. Used in the FreePost® Easy Cling™ series.

easy cling →
Dot-Pattern Adhesive

A removable adhesive applied in a discrete dot pattern rather than a continuous layer. The gaps between dots let air escape during application, giving a bubble-free finish without a squeegee professional, while the reduced adhesive contact area keeps the film cleanly removable for short-term indoor graphics. Used in the FreePost® Spider™ series.

spider →
Removable Adhesive

A pressure-sensitive adhesive engineered with low, controlled peel strength (typically a few g/25mm) so the applied graphic can be peeled away intact without damaging the substrate or leaving residue, unlike permanent adhesives that bond aggressively over time. Removability is specified for a defined period and surface type.

spider →wall lizard →

Materials(3)

PET Film

Polyethylene terephthalate film — a dimensionally stable, optically clear polyester film widely used as inkjet media. Its low shrinkage keeps printed graphics true to size, and its stiffness makes application easy; with a printable coating it suits water-based, eco-solvent, UV and latex inks. PVC-free, it is a more environmentally friendly alternative to vinyl.

ac →wall lizard →
PP Film

Polypropylene film — a lightweight, PVC-free polyolefin film used for cost-effective printable media. It is softer and more conformable than PET and fully recyclable in polyolefin streams, making it popular for short-term promotional graphics and eco-conscious campaigns.

octopus →spider →
Release Liner

The siliconised paper or film backing that protects the adhesive layer before use. Its release force (g/25mm) is calibrated so the liner strips away smoothly without disturbing the adhesive; the liner is removed during application and discarded.

Printing(4)

Eco-Solvent Ink

A mild-solvent inkjet ink that uses less aggressive solvents than traditional solvent inks, softening the media coating just enough for durable pigment bonding while producing far less odour and no need for ventilation systems. It is the standard ink for outdoor signage and vehicle graphics and is supported by most ZST PET/PP media.

UV Digital Printing

An inkjet process in which UV-curable ink is instantly polymerised by ultraviolet lamps as it is jetted, forming a hard, durable ink film on the media surface. Because the ink cures on top rather than soaking in, it works on uncoated and heat-sensitive media and gives excellent scratch and weather resistance.

Latex Printing

HP's water-based inkjet technology in which polymer (latex) particles suspended in an aqueous ink are printed then fused by heat into a continuous, flexible film. It combines eco-solvent-level outdoor durability with water-based environmental safety and is odourless, suiting indoor retail and public-space graphics.

HP Indigo

HP's liquid-electrophotographic digital press technology, which uses electrically charged liquid ink (ElectroInk) transferred via a heated blanket, delivering offset-like print quality for labels, packaging and commercial print. Media for HP Indigo usually requires a certified primer or coating; relevant ZST models carry an HP Indigo compatibility rating.

Properties(2)

Peel Strength

The force required to peel a self-adhesive film from a standard test panel at a defined angle and speed, reported in g/25mm (or N/25mm). ZST specifies 180° peel strength: removable media typically measure single digits to tens of g/25mm, while strong-adhesive films reach 1000 g/25mm or more.

Dimensional Stability

A film's resistance to shrinking or expanding with temperature, humidity and ageing, typically measured as dimensional change after conditioning. High dimensional stability (e.g. ≤0.1 in) keeps multi-panel graphics aligned and prevents edge curl or gaps over the graphic's service life.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1What makes Wall Lizard adhesive-free?

Wall Lizard uses SCITOP's patented gecko toe pad cling technology — a non-static, non-traditional adhesive design inspired by how gecko toes grip surfaces. The film clings to most clean and smooth surfaces such as glass and metal, and leaves absolutely no residue when removed, even after a long application period.

Q2What is the difference between Easy Cling and Wall Lizard?

Easy Cling clings to glass and smooth surfaces by vacuum force — no chemical adhesive, magnetism or static — and wet application with water is recommended for best results. Wall Lizard uses gecko toe pad biomimetic cling, applies dry, works on most clean smooth surfaces, and its PET models are rated for both indoor and outdoor use. Choose Easy Cling for windows and very long-term residue-free removal; choose Wall Lizard for wider surfaces and outdoor applications.

Q3Which printing technologies are supported?

It depends on the model. The AC series is designed for desktop water-based inkjet (dye and pigment ink). Other series support combinations of Eco-solvent, Latex, UV Digital, UV Offset, Screen Printing and HP Indigo. Each product page lists the exact print compatibility of that model — please check the model datasheet before printing, and set the printer to the highest print quality for best results.

Q4Do you offer OEM/ODM service?

Yes. With 20+ years of experience and patented adhesion technologies across 68 product models, we support OEM and ODM cooperation — including custom sizes, materials, adhesion technologies and packaging. Contact us at zst@zst.cc or +86-755-36690569 with your requirements.

Q5How do I choose between wet and dry application?

Follow the datasheet of the series: Easy Cling recommends wet application — spray water to assist positioning, then press hard to remove all water between film and glass to avoid bubbles. Octopus, Wall Lizard, Spider and the AC series are applied dry — water is not necessary and not recommended; simply clean the surface and apply evenly with a scraper. For Octopus, squeegee from one narrow edge to the other so the film lies flat with no internal stress.

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