You’ve created a striking, creative, and attention-grabbing t-shirt design. Now it’s time to bring that vision to life—but your standard inks just won’t do it justice. That’s where special effects inks come in.
Special effects inks are engineered to enhance prints with visual and tactile impact. They shimmer, puff, stretch, block dye migration, and add dimensionality. These inks go beyond color—they add depth, texture, and originality. Here are eight essential special effects inks and additives from SHALITEINK that can elevate your screen printing projects.
Innehållsförteckning
Shine Bright with SHALITEINK Metallic Gold
Few colors command attention like gold. SHALITEINK Metallic Gold is loaded with sparkling metallic flakes that gleam under light, offering a premium, high-impact finish. This ink adds a bold, luxurious statement to any design—ideal for clients looking to stand out.
Add Luster with SHALITEINK Metallic Silver
SHALITEINK Metallic Silver delivers a sleek, chrome-like effect with exceptional clarity and brilliance. It flows smoothly through screens, making it easy to work with while delivering outstanding visual appeal. Metallic silver provides a crisp, futuristic aesthetic that takes standard greyscale designs to the next level.
Subtle Elegance with SHALITEINK Pearl
For a more understated, sophisticated effect, SHALITEINK Pearl provides a soft pearlescent sheen. This ink reflects light with a gentle shimmer, perfect for designs that benefit from a refined finish without being overpowering. It’s ideal for fashion-forward prints and elegant branding.
Add Dimension with SHALITEINK Puff
SHALITEINK Puff ink creates a raised, 3D texture that brings designs off the fabric. This effect is achieved through heat-reactive microspheres that expand during curing. Whether you want subtle depth or a dramatic lofted look, puff ink introduces texture and tactile interest to your prints.
Improve Printability with SHALITEINK Curable Reducer
Not every special effect is visible to the customer—but some are game changers for the printer. SHALITEINK Curable Reducer thins out thick, high-viscosity inks, making them easier to print without compromising cure properties. It’s especially useful for white or long-bodied plastisols that can slow production and fatigue press operators.
Maximize Flexibility with SHALITEINK Extender Base
SHALITEINK Extender Base is a clear, pigment-free plastisol ink that unlocks numerous creative and practical possibilities. Use it to:
- Print transparently and let garment color show through
- Mix with other inks for vintage or tonal effects
- Extend low-quantity ink batches without sacrificing quality
It’s a multifunctional ink additive every print shop should have on hand.
Stretch Further with SHALITEINK Stretch
Performance and athletic garments made with spandex, nylon, or poly-blends require inks with greater flexibility. SHALITEINK Stretch is formulated to move with the fabric, preventing cracks and maintaining design integrity even under high-stress movement. It’s essential for printing on leggings, compression wear, and form-fitting apparel.
Prevent Dye Migration with SHALITEINK Barrier Black
Printing on polyester-based garments often leads to dye migration, where fabric dyes bleed into the ink and distort the design. SHALITEINK Barrier Black acts as a powerful blocking base, packed with carbon to stop dye migration at the source. Use it as an underbase to ensure your top colors remain vibrant and accurate.
Slutsats
Great design deserves the right ink to bring it to life. With SHALITEINK’s lineup of eight special effects inks and additives, you can achieve prints that sparkle, shimmer, stretch, and stand out—both visually and physically. Whether you’re printing fashion-forward apparel or high-performance gear, these tools give you the creative and technical edge.
Enhance your prints and expand your possibilities—stock your studio with SHALITEINK specialty inks today.
