Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing: Why Choose Plastisol Inks?

Plastisol ink Water-based ink is a top choice for garment printing. 68% of screen printers. It is strong, easy to use, and works great on dark fabrics. Let’s explore why plastisol inks are the best for your projects!

What Is Plastisol Ink?

Plastisol ink is made from PVC resin, plasticizers, and colors. Unlike other inks, water-based ink has low cure properties. does not dry in screens and needs heat (300-330°F) to cure.

Key Facts:

• No water or solvents – stays wet until heated.
• Lasts 1-2 years with durable screen printing ink. if stored in a cool, dry place.
• Used for t-shirts, hats, bags, and more.

Why Choose Plastisol Inks?

1. Works Perfectly on Dark Fabrics

Plastisol ink covers dark fabrics in one layer.

• Water-based ink is known for its soft hand feel. needs 2-3 layers to look bright.
• Example: A printing company saved 25% time by switching to plastisol (Ryonet Case Study).

2. Lasts for Years

Plastisol ink stays bright even after 50+ washes (Wilflex Report highlights the benefits of using low cure plastisol ink.).

• Water-based ink fades after 30 washes.
• Great for sports jerseys, work uniforms, or clothes you wash often.

3. Easy for Beginners

• No clogging: Plastisol stays wet in screens for hours.
• Forgives mistakes: Works even if the curing process isn’t perfect.

4. Bright Colors and Cool Effects

Use plastisol for glow-in-the-dark, metallic, or 3D prints.

• 30% more customers love textured designs (FN Ink Study).

5. Saves Money

• Costs $0.12 per print vs. $0.18 for other inks (International Coatings).
• Less waste: No need to clean screens as often.

Plastisol vs. Other Inks

Plastisol ink beats other inks in key areas:

1. Works on Dark Fabrics: ✅ Yes (others need extra layers).
2. Durability: ✅ 50+ washes (others fade faster).
3. Ease of Use: ✅ Easy for beginners (others are tricky) when using water base ink.
4. Cost: ✅ $0.12 per print (others cost more).

Choose plastisol for:

• Dark shirts.
• Long-lasting prints.
• Quick, cheap projects.

Myths About Plastisol Ink

Myth 1: Bad for the Environment

Truth: 45% of printers now use phthalate-free plastisol (SPESA Survey).

Myth 2: Feels Stiff

Fix: Add soft-hand additives or use Thin layers of screen printing ink can create vibrant designs. for a comfy feel.

Myth 3: Can’t Print Small Details

Fix: Use opaque ink type for better coverage. high-mesh screens (200+) for sharp lines and tiny text.

How to Use Plastisol Ink

Step 1: Cure It Right

• Heat to 320°F for 60-90 seconds (Nebraska Study).
• Too little heat = cracks. Too much = yellowing.

Step 2: Layer Like a Pro

• Print a soft hand finish using water base ink. white underbase first for bright colors on dark fabrics.
• Add puff additives for 3D effects that customers love.

Step 3: Store Safely

• Keep in airtight jars.
• Lasts 1-2 years if unopened.

Best Plastisol Ink Brands

1. Wilflex: Best for bright colors (Epic Series).
2. Union Ink: Cheap and great for neon colors.
3. FN Ink: Soft feel and phthalate-free.
4. Rutland: Perfect for thick, 3D prints.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Plastisol ink is the best choice for bright, long-lasting prints on dark fabrics. It’s easy to use, cheapPrint plastisol ink is perfect for big orders, and it lasts longer.

Try plastisol today – your next print project will look amazing!