Plastisol inks, known for their versatility and vibrant colors, have become a mainstay in the world of screen printing. These inks, made from a mixture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin, plasticizers, pigments, and additives, offer unique advantages that make them suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple designs to complex multi-color prints. Their ability to create bold, opaque prints on various surfaces, including fabric, metal, wood, and plastic, has made them a popular choice among screen printers and crafters alike.
Permaset Aqua Supercover 300ml Fabric Printing Ink - Black is the perfect solution for the eco-friendly professional printer. Using advanced polymer technology, this water-based Supercover ink has uns...
Merry Christmas Trees Buffalo Cheetah Screenprint Heat Press Transfer Ready to Press Full Color Heat...
Welcome to Merry Christmas Trees Buffalo Cheetah Screenprint Heat Press Transfer! This full-color plastisol ink transfer is perfect for adding festive holiday cheer to all your projects. This transfer...
Merry Christmas Leopard Letters Screenprint Heat Press Transfer Ready to Press Full Color Heat Transfer...
This Merry Christmas Leopard Letters Screenprint Heat Press Transfer is the perfect way to add a festive touch to your apparel. Made with full-color plastisol ink, this transfer measures 11 inches wid...
Liquitex Professional Acrylic INK! is a range of extremely fluid, acrylic inks that use super-fine pigments in a state-of-the-art acrylic emulsion. This Essential Color Set includes six essential prof...
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The Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Holiday Set is the perfect choice for your holiday projects. This 4-pack of inks includes red, green, silver, and gold colors and is a great value for your scr...
Permaset Aqua Standard Colors 300ml Mid Red (P000807) is the perfect choice for eco-friendly professional printers. This water-based ink is 100% solvent free and has intense pigments with a resin base...
Permaset Aqua 1 Litre Fabric Printing Ink - Purple is the perfect solution for creating your own unique textile artwork. This water-based ink is free from PVC and phthalates, and is much more environm...
Gamblin Dry Pigment 4 Oz Ivory Black is a high quality oil pigment color made by America's premier colorman, Robert Gamblin. This 4 oz bottle of pigment provides an intense, pigment-rich oil color tha...
The Speedball Screen Printing Kit is the perfect solution for fabric, t-shirt, and textile printing. This special value set includes six 4 oz jars of Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink in Black, Red...
Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink black 8 oz. is a professional quality screen printing ink that offers artists vibrant colors, great coverage, and consistent workability every time. The unrivaled...
Speedball Opaque Iridescent Fabric Screen Printing Ink is perfect for adding dazzling metallic and pearlescent effects to your prints. This 8-ounce bottle of Pearly White ink is suitable for a range o...
Liquitex Professional Acrylic Ink is an innovative range of extremely fluid, acrylic inks that use super-fine pigments in a state-of-the-art acrylic emulsion. This Carbon Black 1-oz / 30ml jar of ink ...
Permaset Aqua 1 Litre Fabric Printing Ink - Jet Black is the ideal choice for screen printing on all cotton and synthetic fabrics, as well as paper. This ink is 100% solvent free, water-based, and low...
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⋅ Easy to Use - Rapid Cure Plastisol Inks cure as low as 270°F compared to the average plastisol ink that cures at 320°F. Our screen printing ink is easier to use with a much longer shelf life...
Are you looking to create stunning and vibrant epoxy resin art? Look no further than the Jelife 24 Bottles Alcohol-Based Inks Resin Pigment Dye. This set of 24 bottles of vibrant and intense alcohol-b...
Permaset Aqua 300ml Standard White Fabric Printing Ink is the perfect solution to create your textile artwork. This 100% solvent-free, water-based ink is environmentally friendly and does not contain ...
The Jacquard Versatex Printing Ink Set #2 is the perfect choice for creating vibrant and unique designs on textiles. This printing ink is heavily pigmented and has a thick and creamy consistency, idea...
Printmaking is an art form that involves the creation of multiples of a single image using various printing techniques. One of the most popular and widely used techniques in printmaking is screen printing. This technique involves transferring ink onto a substrate using a mesh screen. Plastisol inks are one of the most common types of inks used in screen printing. They are known for their durability, vibrancy, and versatility. Choosing high-quality plastisol inks for your printmaking project is crucial to ensure excellent results. In this article, we will go through the essential tips you need to know when choosing plastisol inks.
Tip #1: Consider the Color Range
When choosing plastisol inks, it's essential to consider the color range. Some plastisol inks come in a limited color range, while others have a vast selection of colors to choose from. The color range you choose will depend on the type of project you're working on, the substrate you're printing on, and the final result you're looking to achieve. High-quality plastisol inks come in a broad range of colors, and some even have specialty colors like metallic or glow-in-the-dark.Tip #1.1: Check for Pantone Matching System (PMS)
In addition to the color range, it's also essential to check for Pantone Matching System (PMS) color accuracy. PMS is a standardized color matching system used in the printing industry to ensure that colors remain consistent across different substrates and printing methods. It's crucial to choose a brand that offers PMS color matching, especially if you're working on a project that requires exact color matching.Tip #2: Look for Opaque and Semi-Opaque Inks
Opaque and semi-opaque inks are ideal for printing on dark or colored substrates. These types of inks have a higher level of opacity, which means that they can cover the substrate's color effectively. When choosing plastisol inks, it's important to look for brands that offer opaque and semi-opaque inks. The opacity level of the ink will affect the final result of your printmaking project, so it's crucial to choose a brand that offers high-quality opaque and semi-opaque inks.Tip #2.1: Test the Ink Fully Before Using It
Once you've chosen the brand and ink color, it's crucial to test the ink fully before using it for your project. Testing the ink will ensure that the ink is fully opaque and that it will cover the substrate's color effectively. This step can help you identify any potential issues or challenges before you start the actual printing process.Tip #3: Check the Curing Temperature
Plastisol inks require heat to cure fully. It's important to choose a brand that offers plastisol inks with a lower curing temperature to prevent damage to the substrate or garment. The ideal curing temperature for plastisol inks is between 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Choosing a brand that offers plastisol inks with a lower curing temperature can help you save time and prevent any potential damage to the substrate.Tip #3.1: Use the Correct Curing Temperature and Time
Once you've selected the right plastisol ink that has a lower curing temperature, it's crucial to use the correct curing temperature and time. Using the wrong curing temperature and time can lead to under-cured or over-cured prints, which can affect the final result of your printmaking project.Tip #4: Check the Washability of the Ink
When selecting a plastisol ink, it's important to check the washability of the ink. High-quality plastisol inks should be able to withstand multiple washes without fading or cracking. The washability of the ink is crucial, especially if you're printing on garments that will be frequently washed. Choosing a brand that offers high-quality plastisol inks with excellent washability can save you time and money in the long run.Tip #4.1: Follow the Recommended Care Instructions
Once you've completed your printmaking project, it's essential to provide your customers with the recommended care instructions. Following the recommended care instructions can help ensure that the print remains vibrant and doesn't fade or crack over time. It's also important to note that some brands offer plastisol inks with excellent wash durability, but they may require additional steps like pre-washing or post-curing to achieve maximum durability.Tip #5: Choose a Brand that Offers Safe and Environmentally Friendly Inks
When choosing plastisol inks for your printmaking project, it's important to consider the safety and environmental impact of the ink. Some brands offer inks that contain harmful chemicals or solvents that can be dangerous to the user and the environment. Choosing a brand that offers safe and environmentally friendly inks is not only beneficial for your health and safety but also helps to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices.Tip #5.1: Research the Brand's Commitment to Safety and Sustainability
Before choosing a plastisol ink brand, it's crucial to research their commitment to safety and sustainability. Some brands have certifications that guarantee their inks' safety and environmental impact, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX. Researching the brand's certifications and commitment to safety and sustainability can help you make an informed decision and choose a brand that aligns with your values.Conclusion
Choosing the right plastisol ink for your printmaking project can make all the difference in achieving excellent results. Consider the color range, opacity level, curing temperature, washability, safety, and environmental impact when selecting a brand. Following these tips can help you choose a high-quality, durable, and versatile plastisol ink that meets your project's specific needs.Related Topics You Might Like
