Processes for preparing phase change inks comprising admixing (a) a phase change ink carrier; (b) a colorant of the formula ##STR00001## or mixtures thereof, wherein M.sub.1, z, A.sub.1, R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, a, b, c, d, Y, Q, Q.sup.-, A.sub.1, and CA are as defined herein; and (c) a metal salt of the formula (M.sub.2.sup.v+).sub.w(A.sub.2.sup.w-).sub.v of which the metal portion M.sub.2 is either a metal ion having positive charge +v, a metal-containing moiety, or a mixture thereof, and A.sub.2 is an anion having negative charge -w, wherein M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 can be the same as or different from each other, wherein A.sub.1 and A.sub.2 can be the same as or different from each other, said admixing occurring at a temperature at which the ink carrier is a liquid.