For many years, styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymers have been successfully used as both dispersants for water-based pigment dispersions and as transfer additives in flexographic printing inks. While studies on the use of SMA copolymers as dispersants have been well documented, a thorough analysis of the use of SMA copolymers as ink transfer aids has not been found. In general, SMA copolymer resins are credited with helping the ink transfer from the ink roller to the anilox, from the anilox to the printing plate, and from the printing plate to the substrate, while minimizing misting and other printing defects. In this article, a new SMA copolymer derivative – SMA® 1550H – will be introduced and tested along with other SMA additives and commercial additives as post-added ink transfer aids to compare the effects on print optical density – a quantitative measure of ink transfer. Furthermore, the effects of the transfer aid chemistries will be monitored by measuring rheology and ink film water resistance. Print quality and optical density (color strength) from both a lab-scale Harper Phantom proofer and a commercial 18-inch narrow web flexographic press will be discussed. The superior performance of the SMA 1550H will be shown.