Plastisol Ink vs Water-Based Ink: Which is Best for Screen Printing?

Plastisol Ink is known for its durability and vibrant colors in garment printing

Plastisol Ink vs Water-Based Ink is a great Using eco-friendly inks can be beneficial for the environment and the printing industry. alternative in the printing industry: Which is Best for Screen Printing?

This article helps you learn about Plastisol vs water-based ink in screen printing. We will use simple words. We use lists and tables. You will see data and facts. We hope this guide helps you pick the best screen printing ink for your needs.

This guide has easy words and clear lists. We add a data table with facts and numbers. You will learn about eco-friendly ink, the curing process, and PVC-free options. We also talk about brands like Wilflex offers a range of products suitable for both water-based and plastisol inks. is a popular choice in the printing industry for producing high-quality prints on various garments. and Matsui. We mention rules such as Oeko-Tex and ideas from ZDHC and GOTS.

Let’s begin!

1. Introduction

Screen printing has many ink options. Two main inks are plastisol ink and water-based ink. Each ink has its own good points and bad points. You may work with cotton or polyester. You may print on sportswear or eco-friendly clothes. This guide will show you the best ink for your need.

• Plastisol Ink is made from PVC and plasticizers. It is thick and needs heat to dry.
• Water-Based Ink is made with water. It soaks into the fabric and feels soft.

Many screen printers choose plastisol ink for ease of use and bright colors. Others choose water-based ink to be kind to the earth, consider using eco-friendly additives in your printing process. We will compare both inks.

2. A Quick Look: Comparison Table

Below is a table that shows key facts for each ink:

3. What is Plastisol Ink?

Plastisol ink is a classic ink in screen printing. It uses PVC and plasticizers. Here are the key points:

• Thick and Viscous: It stays thick until it is cured with heat.
• High Opacity: It gives bright and bold colors even on dark fabrics.
• Easy to Use: It is forgiving for small mistakes. This makes it good for beginners.
• Vibrant Colors: You get bright colors, and you can even add special effects like glitter.
• Durability: It lasts over 50 washes. It does not fade fast.

However, there are some downsides:

• Rubbery Feel: The printed design may feel thick and stiff.
• Not Eco-Friendly: It has PVC and phthalates. This is a problem for the earth.
• High Curing Temperature: It needs high heat (320°F) for 60–90 seconds when working with plastisol print. This can use a lot of energy.

Plastisol ink works well for sportswear. It works best on dark fabrics and when you want bright, strong prints. Many printers like brands like Wilflex and Matsui for this ink.

4. What is Water-Based Ink?

Water-based ink is a newer type of ink. It mainly uses water as its carrier. This ink has many good points:

• Soft Feel: It soaks in the fabric. The print feels light and is almost not felt.
• Eco-Friendly: It is biodegradable. It is also PVC-free and low in harmful chemicals.
• Breathable: The ink lets the fabric breathe. This is good for clothes like baby wear and organic cotton apparel.
• Smooth Look: It gives a softer, vintage look to the print.

But there are some challenges:

• Longer Drying Time: It takes 15–30 minutes to air dry.
• Lower Opacity: On dark fabrics, you may need extra layers and pretreatment.
• Skill Needed: It can clog screens if not used well. You need more skill to work with it.

For those who care about the earth, water-based ink is the choice. It is popular among eco-brands that use organic cotton and other natural fabrics. It also meets rules like Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and ZDHC guidelines.

5. Head-to-Head Comparison

Here we compare plastisol vs water-based ink side by side. This will help you see what matters most to you.

A. Durability & Washability

• Plastisol Ink
  • Lasts over 50 washes.
  • Colors do not fade easily.
  • Best for heavy use.
• Water-Based Ink
  • Lasts 30–50 washes.
  • Colors may fade if the ink is not pretreated.

B. Comfort & Feel

• Plastisol Ink
  • Gives a thick, rubbery feel.
  • May feel heavy on cotton.
• Water-Based Ink
  • Feels soft and light.
  • Lets the fabric feel natural.

C. Environmental Impact

• Plastisol Ink
  • Contains PVC and phthalates.
  • Releases microplastics and has high carbon emissions.
• Water-Based Ink
  • Is eco-friendly.
  • Has a low carbon footprint and is nearly free of microplastics.

D. Cost Analysis

• Plastisol Ink
  • Costs less at $20–$50 per kg.
  • Lower ink cost but uses more energy for curing.
• Water-Based Ink
  • Costs $30–$70 per kg.
  • Must buy special dryers sometimes.

E. Best Use Cases

• Plastisol Ink
  • Ideal for bold sportswear.
  • Good for dark fabrics.
  • Used in high-volume orders.
• Water-Based Ink
  • Best for eco-friendly brands.
  • Suits organic cotton and baby clothes.
  • Ideal for light fabrics and casual wear.

6. Decision Factors: How to Choose

When you choose ink, think of these 5 points to consider when choosing inks for your garment printing projects.:

1. Fabric Type:
   • Dark fabrics may do better with plastisol ink.
   • Light fabrics and organic cotton do best with water-based ink.
2. Print Longevity:
   • If you need prints that last many washes, plastisol ink is the choice.
   • If softness is key, try water-based ink.
3. Budget:
   • Plastisol ink is cheaper upfront.
   • Water-based ink might cost more but saves on waste and energy costs over time.
4. Skill Level:
   • Plastisol ink works well for beginners.
   • Water-based ink suits those who have more experience.
5. Environmental Rules:
   • Know the rules for your market.
   • Water-based ink meets Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and ZDHC.
   • These are key for eco-friendly brands.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some lists of mistakes you must not do:

• For Plastisol Ink:
  • Do not use it for baby clothes. It has harmful chemicals.
  • Do not under-cure. This can cause cracks in the print.
  • Do not ignore the high energy cost.
• For Water-Based Ink:
  • Do not skip the pretreatment on dark fabrics.
  • Do not let the ink dry too long on your screen.
  • Do not use it if you are just learning; it needs more care.

It is best to plan your work and follow the instructions for each ink.

8. FAQs

Here are some common questions that can help you choose:

9. Case Studies

Let’s look at some real stories:

• Sportswear Brand Case:
  A sportswear brand used plastisol ink. They saved 25% on their ink cost. The prints lasted well even on heavy use. This shows plastisol ink works great for high-volume orders and dark fabrics.
• Eco-Apparel Company Case:
  An eco-apparel company switched to water-based ink. They lowered their waste disposal cost by 40%. The soft print was loved by their customers. This shows water-based ink is a strong choice for eco-friendly brands.

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

We looked at plastisol vs water-based ink. Here are the main points:

• Plastisol Ink:
  • Pros: Bright colors, high opacity, easy to use, good for sportswear and dark fabrics.
  • Cons: Thick feel, high energy for curing, not eco-friendly.
• Water-Based Ink:
  • Pros: Soft feel, eco-friendly, natural look, good for light fabrics and organic cotton.
  • Cons: Longer drying time, lower opacity on dark fabrics, more skill needed.

How to Choose?
Think of your fabric, print longevity, budget, skill, and rules. If you work with sportswear or need bold prints at a low cost, try plastisol inks for screen printing. plastisol ink. But if you care about the earth and want a soft print for organic cotton, choose water-based ink.

Trend Alert: Some designers like to use hybrid inks. These try to join the good points of both ink types. They can be a good choice if you want to keep the bright feel and lower the harm to our earth.

When you make a choice, use the facts we showed in our table. Know that plastisol vs water-based ink is not just about cost. It is about durability, comfort, environment, and ease of use.

Always follow the screen printing kit instructions. Use the right settings on your dryer or conveyor. Clean your tools well. This care helps you make the best screen printing ink last.

Quick Recap: Key Points and Actions

• Know Your Ink:
  • Plastisol ink is thick. It is used for bold and bright prints.
  • Water-based ink feels soft. It is good for natural fabrics and the earth.
• See the Data:
  • Use our table to compare facts like wash durability, cost, and cure time.
• Consider the Rules:
  • Brands must follow Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and ZDHC.
  • Eco brands choose water-based to meet these rules.
• Action Steps:
  1. Check your fabric type and print needs.
  2. Decide if you want a thick feel or a soft feel.
  3. Balance your budget with ink cost.
  4. Practice with one type first if you are new.
  5. Follow care steps to avoid mistakes.
• Use Good Brands:
  • Look for inks from Wilflex and Matsui.
  • Read reviews and guide books to know more.

Final Thoughts

We hope this guide helps you clear the haze of ink choices in screen printing. Your project may be in sportswear or eco-friendly lines. Use this guide to match the right ink to your need. The facts show that plastisol ink is strong and cost-effective. Water-based ink is soft, eco-friendly, and better for nature.

Print well. Print smart. And choose the best screen printing ink for your art and business. Enjoy the fun of screen printing and make beautiful prints that last.

Thank you for reading this guide. We wish you the best in your screen printing work!