Exploring Specialty Inks: Guide to Screen Printing

Welcome! This guide explores how tintas especiais enhance textile printing with expert insights from Industry Experience Ltd.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned printer, we’ll break down the latest in serigrafía, eco-friendly solutions, and advanced techniques.


1. Types of Specialty Inks

Specialty inks go beyond standard options, offering unique textures, finishes, and durability. Key categories include:

A. Plastisol Inks

  • Durable & vibrant, ideal for apparel.
  • Examples:
  • Extra Green Plastisol Ink (eco-friendly)
  • Extra Black Plastisol Ink (high opacity)
  • Tinta Puff Plastisol (3D texture)

B. Water-Based Inks

  • Soft feel, eco-friendly.
  • Lower VOC emissions, great for detailed designs.

C. UV-Curable Inks

  • Fast-drying, works on rigid substrates (glass, metal).
  • Energy-efficient with LED curing.

D. Special Effects Inks

  • Metallic Finishes: Shimmering results.
  • Glow-in-the-Dark: Perfect for novelty items.
  • Sublimation Inks: Vibrant, dye-based prints.

Quick Comparison Table

Tipo de tintaMellor paraKey Benefit
PlastisolApparel, durabilityHigh opacity, long-lasting
A base de augaEco-friendly projectsSoft hand feel
UV-CurableHard surfacesInstant curing
Puff/High-DensityTextured designs3D effect

2. Screen Printing Techniques

Master these methods for flawless prints:

A. Setup

  • Mesh Count Selection: Higher for fine details (~230 mesh), lower for bold prints (~110 mesh).
  • Screen Emulsion: Use Saati Emulsions ou Ulano Emulsion Removers for clean screens.

B. Printing Process

  • Presión da escobilla: Adjust for even ink deposit.
  • Flash Curing: Partially dry layers before adding colors.
  • Precisión do rexistro: Align multi-color designs precisely.

C. Troubleshooting

  • Clogged Screens? Use Screen Reclaiming techniques.
  • Ink Not Sticking? Apply Platen Adhesives ou Plasma Treatment.

3. Sustainability in Screen Printing

Eco-friendly practices are revolutionizing the industry:

  • Water-Based & Low-VOC Inks: Reduce harmful emissions.
  • LED UV Curing: 50% less energy than traditional systems.
  • Redución de residuos: CTS systems cut ink waste by 50%.

Did You Know?

  • 42% of printers now use water-based inks (2022 data).
  • UV inks cure 3x faster than plastisol (2-5 sec vs. 60-90 sec).

4. Screen Printing vs. DTG: Which to Choose?

FactorSerigrafíaDirect-to-Garment (DTG)
Mellor paraBulk orders, special effectsSmall batches, photo prints
Eficiencia de custosLower per unit at scaleHigher for small runs
Ink OptionsPlastisol, puff, metallicWater-based CMYK

Hybrid Tip: Combine both for cost-effective, high-quality mixed runs.


  • Tintas intelixentes: Thermochromic (heat-sensitive) and photochromic (light-reactive).
  • Automation: M&R Challenger III presses boost speed.
  • Tintas condutoras: For wearable tech and IoT devices.

Claves para levar

  1. Match ink type to project needs (e.g., plastisol for durability, water-based for softness).
  2. Prioritize sustainability with LED curing and waste-reducing tech.
  3. Hybrid workflows optimize cost and quality.

For deeper dives, explore our guides on:

  • Screen Printing Basics
  • Tintas ecolóxicas

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