Learn about ink plastisol, its uses, benefits, and disadvantages in screen printing, and find out why it’s so popular.
What Ink is Best for Screen Printing?
When it comes to screen printing, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right ink. While there are several options available, ink plastisol remains one of the most popular choices for many printers. This is because plastisol ink offers unique advantages that make it ideal for certain printing jobs.
However, it’s important to note that there are other types of ink used in screen printing, such as water-based inks and discharge inks. Each type of ink has its own set of pros and cons, and choosing the best one depends on the specific requirements of your project.
Here are some common ink types used in screen printing:
- Plastisol Ink: Known for its durability and opacity, plastisol ink is a great choice for printing on dark fabrics and creating vibrant colors. It’s also very easy to work with and doesn’t require any special curing conditions.
- Water-Based Ink: This ink is more environmentally friendly and offers a softer finish, which is often preferred for printing on garments. However, it can be more challenging to work with, especially when it comes to curing.
- Discharge Ink: Discharge inks are used to print on dark fabrics without leaving a heavy layer of ink. It’s a great option for a vintage or “soft-hand” feel, but requires careful handling and expertise.
While all these inks have their place in the world of screen printing, ink plastisol tends to be the most popular choice for beginners and professionals alike, especially when durability and ease of use are priorities.
How Many Washes Does Plastisol Ink Last?
One of the main reasons why ink plastisol is favored by screen printers is its excellent durability. Plastisol prints can last for hundreds of washes without significant fading, cracking, or peeling. This makes it an excellent choice for high-quality, long-lasting prints on items such as t-shirts, hoodies, and other apparel.
The number of washes plastisol ink can withstand largely depends on the quality of the ink, the curing process, and how well the garment is cared for. On average, properly cured plastisol ink can last up to 50 to 100 washes before showing signs of wear, and in some cases, even longer if the print is done properly and cared for correctly.
However, it’s important to remember that plastisol prints will eventually start to degrade over time, especially if exposed to harsh conditions like extreme washing temperatures or strong detergents. To maximize the lifespan of plastisol prints, it’s best to follow care instructions, such as washing garments inside out in cold water and air drying them.
What is Plastisol Ink Used For?
Plastisol ink is widely used in screen printing because of its unique properties. It’s made from a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) base and is commonly used to print designs on a wide range of materials, particularly textiles. Here are some of the primary applications of ink plastisol:
- T-shirt Printing: The most common use for plastisol ink is t-shirt printing. Its ability to sit on top of fabric without soaking in makes it ideal for vibrant, opaque designs on both light and dark fabrics.
- Apparel and Textiles: In addition to t-shirts, plastisol is commonly used to print on other garments, such as hoodies, jackets, and even caps. It provides strong, durable prints that can stand up to regular wear and washing.
- Promotional Products: Plastisol ink is also used for printing on promotional products such as bags, towels, and banners, offering durability and long-lasting color vibrancy.
- Sportswear: Because of its durability, ink plastisol is a great choice for printing on sportswear and uniforms. It holds up well through rough use and repeated washes, ensuring that the designs remain intact.
- Custom Printing Jobs: Many custom printing shops rely on plastisol ink because it works well for custom jobs that require precise, bold, and lasting prints.
Is Plastisol Better Than Water-Based Ink?
The question of whether ink plastisol is better than water-based ink depends on the specific requirements of the print job. Both types of ink have their own advantages and disadvantages, so let’s break them down:
Advantages of Plastisol Ink:
- Durability: As mentioned earlier, plastisol ink is incredibly durable and can last for hundreds of washes without fading or cracking. This makes it the preferred choice for designs that need to withstand heavy wear.
- Opacity: Plastisol ink provides excellent opacity, especially on dark fabrics, meaning that the colors will appear vibrant and true, even on darker materials.
- Ease of Use: Plastisol is easier to work with compared to water-based inks, especially for beginners. It doesn’t require the same level of expertise to achieve good results.
Disadvantages of Water-Based Ink:
- Less Durability: Water-based inks tend to fade faster than plastisol inks and may not hold up as well under repeated washing.
- More Difficult to Work With: Water-based inks are trickier to manage, especially for beginners. They require precise curing conditions and may be more challenging to use on dark fabrics.
Ultimately, ink plastisol is often the better choice for durability and opacity, while water-based ink might be better suited for eco-conscious brands and soft, breathable prints.
What Happens if You Over Cure Plastisol Ink?
Proper curing is essential when working with ink plastisol. If the ink is over-cured, it can cause a range of issues that negatively impact the quality of your print. Over-curing happens when the ink is exposed to excessive heat for too long. Here’s what can happen:
- Brittleness: Over-cured plastisol can become brittle, causing the print to crack or flake off more easily, especially with repeated washes.
- Texture Changes: Over-curing can alter the texture of the print, making it feel rougher or stiffer than intended. This can lead to an uncomfortable feel on the garment.
- Color Fading: Excessive heat can also affect the vibrancy of the ink. Over-curing can result in the colors becoming less vibrant or even discolored, which compromises the quality of your print.
To avoid over-curing, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended curing time and temperature, which typically ranges from 320°F to 330°F (160°C to 165°C) for about 2-3 minutes. It’s better to slightly under-cure than over-cure.
Why Plastisol is Still the Best Screen Printing Ink
Despite the rise of water-based inks and other alternatives, ink plastisol remains the most popular choice in the screen printing industry for several key reasons:
- Durability: Plastisol prints last much longer than many other types of ink. They hold up well through multiple washes, making them ideal for clothing and other items that will experience heavy use.
- Vibrant Colors: Plastisol inks provide bold, vibrant colors, even on dark fabrics. This makes them perfect for designs that need to pop, especially for fashion items.
- Ease of Use: Plastisol is easy to work with, which is why it’s a go-to ink for both beginners and professionals. It doesn’t require the same expertise as water-based inks, which can be tricky to cure and manage.
- Versatility: Plastisol works well on a variety of materials, from textiles to promotional products and beyond. It can be used in almost any screen printing job.
Despite the growing trend toward more eco-friendly options, ink plastisol remains a top choice for screen printers because of its dependability, ease of use, and long-lasting results.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a seasoned screen printer or just starting out, ink plastisol is a solid choice for many printing jobs. Its durability, ease of use, and vibrant results make it ideal for a wide range of applications, from t-shirts to promotional products. While it has some environmental concerns, its performance in terms of color opacity, longevity, and ease of application cannot be denied.
When choosing the best ink for your screen printing needs, it’s essential to consider the specifics of your project, such as fabric type, desired durability, and environmental impact. Plastisol remains a favorite for many due to its reliability and ability to produce bold, vibrant prints that last.
