Screen printing on textiles has only two main ink types - water based screen printing ink with water as the solvent, and Plastisol, which is a polyvinyl chloride-based system that has no solvent. Each has different features and different suggested uses. They also have their own advantages and disadvantages. All this must be weighed when deciding on which to use.
For the water-based medium, the water must be dried and evaporated, leaving the dyes and pigments behind. For the Plastisol, heat must be applied that is 300 degrees Fahrenheit or more to cure the resins, turning them into a solid. That is why some call in a solid ink method. This method requires an extremely high temperature heat source, while with the other one a lot of room is required for the dryers.
For already constructed items, such as T-shirts, jackets, etc., Plastisol is the preferred medium. For large pieces or rolls of fabric, however the water-based medium is best. Each of them have their own environmental impact, and their own advantages and disadvantages, which much be considered when making your choice. The needs of the project must also be taken into consideration when deciding.
This type of ink has certain advantages. Most notably is it lack of solvent, which means it won't dry out. Leaving it open or in the screen for prolonged periods of time is no problem, as it won't dry out. Also, left over ink can be poured back into the unused portion, meaning there is little or no waste. Its disposal poses not problem, either.
With Plastisol, it is available for use directly out of the container, requiring no mixing. One thing to consider is how opaque it is and how opaque you need it to be. The more opaque colors cost more, so use the minimum that will give you good results. This will keep costs down, but will give a satisfactory product as well.
There are only two real disadvantages to using this ink. One is that it will melt if exposed to heat, like a dryer or iron heat, and will smear the design. The other disadvantage is that is has a film with a hard feel, or hand. This film forms as it cures. It is not preferred by consumers.
Water-based mediums have three advantages. The first is its hand, or softness to the touch, due to little film being formed. It can barely be detected. The second advantage is the degree of penetration. It can be used on high naps such as terry cloth towels, as it penetrates extremely well. The last advantage is the speed with which it penetrates even huge rolls of fabrics.
Disadvantages to water based screen printing ink are three in number. One is the difficulty with drying and the room required to do it. Also, cleanup for them is a lot more difficult. And, finally, disposal is much more difficult than that for Plastisol.
For the water-based medium, the water must be dried and evaporated, leaving the dyes and pigments behind. For the Plastisol, heat must be applied that is 300 degrees Fahrenheit or more to cure the resins, turning them into a solid. That is why some call in a solid ink method. This method requires an extremely high temperature heat source, while with the other one a lot of room is required for the dryers.
For already constructed items, such as T-shirts, jackets, etc., Plastisol is the preferred medium. For large pieces or rolls of fabric, however the water-based medium is best. Each of them have their own environmental impact, and their own advantages and disadvantages, which much be considered when making your choice. The needs of the project must also be taken into consideration when deciding.
This type of ink has certain advantages. Most notably is it lack of solvent, which means it won't dry out. Leaving it open or in the screen for prolonged periods of time is no problem, as it won't dry out. Also, left over ink can be poured back into the unused portion, meaning there is little or no waste. Its disposal poses not problem, either.
With Plastisol, it is available for use directly out of the container, requiring no mixing. One thing to consider is how opaque it is and how opaque you need it to be. The more opaque colors cost more, so use the minimum that will give you good results. This will keep costs down, but will give a satisfactory product as well.
There are only two real disadvantages to using this ink. One is that it will melt if exposed to heat, like a dryer or iron heat, and will smear the design. The other disadvantage is that is has a film with a hard feel, or hand. This film forms as it cures. It is not preferred by consumers.
Water-based mediums have three advantages. The first is its hand, or softness to the touch, due to little film being formed. It can barely be detected. The second advantage is the degree of penetration. It can be used on high naps such as terry cloth towels, as it penetrates extremely well. The last advantage is the speed with which it penetrates even huge rolls of fabrics.
Disadvantages to water based screen printing ink are three in number. One is the difficulty with drying and the room required to do it. Also, cleanup for them is a lot more difficult. And, finally, disposal is much more difficult than that for Plastisol.
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