{"id":6518,"date":"2025-03-31T03:20:03","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T07:20:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/?p=6518"},"modified":"2025-03-31T03:21:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T07:21:28","slug":"7-common-screen-printing-plastisol-ink-problems-and-how-to-fix-them-fast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/7-common-screen-printing-plastisol-ink-problems-and-how-to-fix-them-fast\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Common Screen Printing Plastisol Ink Problems (and How to Fix Them Fast)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h2>Table of Contents<\/h2><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#7-common-screen-printing-plastisol-ink-problems-and-how-to-fix-them-fast-\">7 Common Screen Printing Plastisol Ink Problems (and How to Fix Them Fast)<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#-1-ink-not-sticking-to-fabric-\">1. Ink Not Sticking to Fabric<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#-2-pinholes-or-fisheyes-tiny-holes-in-prints-\">2. Pinholes or Fisheyes (Tiny Holes in Prints)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#-3-ink-bleeding-or-smudging-\">3. Ink Bleeding or Smudging<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#-4-tacky-or-sticky-prints-\">4. Tacky or Sticky Prints<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#-5-ghosting-double-images-\">5. Ghosting (Double Images)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#-6-ink-clogging-the-screen-\">6. Ink Clogging the Screen<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#-7-faded-colors-\">7. Faded Colors<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#-pro-tips-to-avoid-problems-\">Pro Tips to Avoid Problems<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#-faqs-\">FAQs<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1743404999247\"> Can I mix plastisol with water-based ink?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#faq-question-1743405019392\"> How long does plastisol ink last?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#-conclusion-\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-common-screen-printing-plastisol-ink-problems-and-how-to-fix-them-fast-\">7 Common Screen Printing Plastisol Ink Problems (and How to Fix Them Fast)<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Plastisol ink is a thick, colorful ink used to print designs on t-shirts, hats, and other fabrics. But sometimes, things go wrong. This guide will help you fix common plastisol ink problems fast. No confusing words\u2014just simple fixes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-1-ink-not-sticking-to-fabric-\"><strong>1. Ink Not Sticking to Fabric<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why It Happens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Curing temperature<\/strong>\u00a0is too low (ink needs heat to stick).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fabric has dirt or oils.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheap ink is used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Check the temperature<\/strong>\u00a0with a\u00a0<strong>thermocouple<\/strong>\u00a0(like a special thermometer).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Good temperature<\/strong>: 320\u00b0F (160\u00b0C) for 30 seconds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clean fabric<\/strong>\u00a0with a\u00a0<strong>CCI Chemicals<\/strong>\u00a0spray before printing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use trusted brands like\u00a0<strong>Wilflex<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0<strong>Rutland<\/strong>\u00a0ink.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Quick Tip<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fabric Type           \u00a0Best Temperature<br>Cotton\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0         \u00a0 \u00a0320\u00b0F (160\u00b0C)<br>Polyester\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0        \u00a0 \u00a0 300\u00b0F (149\u00b0C)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"434\" height=\"287\" src=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/a862ae95244a61163da47747e2d9b82.png\" alt=\"screen printing\" class=\"wp-image-6519\" title=\"plastisol inks\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/a862ae95244a61163da47747e2d9b82.png 434w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/a862ae95244a61163da47747e2d9b82-300x198.png 300w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/a862ae95244a61163da47747e2d9b82-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><figcaption>plastisol inks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-2-pinholes-or-fisheyes-tiny-holes-in-prints-\"><strong>2. Pinholes or Fisheyes (Tiny Holes in Prints)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why It Happens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dust on the\u00a0<strong>screen<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Static electricity<\/strong>\u00a0(like when clothes stick together).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrong\u00a0<strong>screen mesh<\/strong>\u00a0(holes too big).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Clean screens<\/strong>\u00a0with\u00a0<strong>Ecotex\u00ae emulsion remover<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spray\u00a0<strong>antistatic spray<\/strong>\u00a0on the fabric.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use\u00a0<strong>Sefar 110\u2013160 mesh<\/strong>\u00a0screens.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Case Study<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Kiwo Squeegees<\/strong>\u00a0found that\u00a0<strong>antistatic sprays<\/strong>\u00a0cut pinholes by 40%.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-3-ink-bleeding-or-smudging-\"><strong>3. Ink Bleeding or Smudging<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why It Happens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Too much squeegee pressure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Over-flashing<\/strong>\u00a0(too much heat between prints).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lower squeegee angle<\/strong>\u00a0to 15\u201320 degrees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a\u00a0<strong>Xenon flash cure unit<\/strong>\u00a0to control heat.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Quick Fix Table<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Problem&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fix<br>Bleeding colors&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Use FN-INK Quick Cure<br>Smudged designs&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Lower squeegee pressure<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-4-tacky-or-sticky-prints-\"><strong>4. Tacky or Sticky Prints<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why It Happens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ink is\u00a0<strong>under-cured<\/strong>\u00a0(not heated enough).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using\u00a0<strong>phthalate-based plastisol<\/strong>\u00a0(bad chemicals).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Check curing with\u00a0<strong>M&amp;R PrintDry<\/strong>\u00a0sensors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Switch to\u00a0<strong>Green Galaxy\u00ae<\/strong>\u00a0ink (no bad chemicals).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>65% of shops using\u00a0<strong>phthalate-free ink<\/strong>\u00a0had fewer sticky prints.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"419\" height=\"263\" src=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/7ec4a51540f8ac66ee0798bf6aca7ca-1.png\" alt=\"plastisol inks\" class=\"wp-image-6521\" title=\"plastisol inks\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/7ec4a51540f8ac66ee0798bf6aca7ca-1.png 419w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/7ec4a51540f8ac66ee0798bf6aca7ca-1-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/7ec4a51540f8ac66ee0798bf6aca7ca-1-18x12.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 419px) 100vw, 419px\" \/><figcaption>plastisol inks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-5-ghosting-double-images-\"><strong>5. Ghosting (Double Images)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why It Happens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Screen tension<\/strong>\u00a0too loose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wrong\u00a0<strong>squeegee hardness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use a\u00a0<strong>tension meter<\/strong>\u00a0(aim for 25\u201330 N\/cm\u00b2).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try\u00a0<strong>Murakami 70\u201390 durometer<\/strong>\u00a0squeegees.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Case Study<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Switching to\u00a0<strong>85-durometer squeegees<\/strong>\u00a0fixed ghosting 80% of the time.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-6-ink-clogging-the-screen-\"><strong>6. Ink Clogging the Screen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why It Happens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ink dries too fast.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Room is too hot.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Add\u00a0<strong>Union Ink Additives<\/strong>\u00a0to slow drying.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work in a cool room (72\u00b0F\/22\u00b0C).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fact<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>40% of clogs happen in rooms hotter than 80\u00b0F (27\u00b0C).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-7-faded-colors-\"><strong>7. Faded Colors<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why It Happens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not enough ink layers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ink not mixed well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to Fix It<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Add a\u00a0<strong>white underbase<\/strong>\u00a0layer first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mix ink with a\u00a0<strong>Ryonet Mixer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Quick Tip<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Problem&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Fix<br>Faded red&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Use 2 layers of ink<br>Dull colors&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Stir ink for 5 minutes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-pro-tips-to-avoid-problems-\"><strong>Pro Tips to Avoid Problems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use\u00a0<strong>RIP software<\/strong>\u00a0for perfect color designs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Store ink in\u00a0<strong>airtight containers<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Test prints with\u00a0<strong>ASTM D4361<\/strong>\u00a0wash tests.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cost Saver<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fixing errors early saves\u00a0<strong>$1,200\/month<\/strong>!\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"688\" height=\"391\" src=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/4da9a1b5e99b56c5ebaf3cb766eae07.png\" alt=\"screen printing\" class=\"wp-image-6522\" title=\"plastisol inks\" srcset=\"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/4da9a1b5e99b56c5ebaf3cb766eae07.png 688w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/4da9a1b5e99b56c5ebaf3cb766eae07-300x170.png 300w, https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/4da9a1b5e99b56c5ebaf3cb766eae07-18x10.png 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px\" \/><figcaption>plastisol inks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-faqs-\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1743404999247\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong> Can I mix plastisol with water-based ink?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p> No! They don\u2019t work together. Use\u00a0<strong>Matsui<\/strong>\u00a0water-based ink separately.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1743405019392\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\"><strong> How long does plastisol ink last?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p> 6\u201312 months if stored cool.\u00a0<strong>Rutland<\/strong>\u00a0ink lasts longest.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"-conclusion-\"><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow these steps to fix&nbsp;<strong>plastisol ink problems<\/strong>&nbsp;fast. Check temperatures, clean screens, and use the right tools.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>7 Common Screen Printing Plastisol Ink Problems (and How to Fix Them Fast) Plastisol ink is a thick, colorful ink used to print designs on t-shirts, hats, and other fabrics. But sometimes, things go wrong. This guide will help you fix common plastisol ink problems fast. No confusing words\u2014just simple fixes! 1. Ink Not Sticking [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6520,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[100],"class_list":["post-6518","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-screen-printing"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6518","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6518"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6518\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6523,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6518\/revisions\/6523"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6520"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6518"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6518"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/plastisol-inks.com\/an\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6518"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}