The Art and Science of Silk Screen Ink: En nybörjarguide

Learn how to pick the best silk screen ink. Avoid mistakes. Make cool shirts, posters, and more!

Why Silk Screen Ink Matters

Did you know? The screen printing ink market will grow by 5.2% every year until 2030! People love making custom shirts, posters, and gifts. But picking the wrong ink can waste time and money.

For example:

• Bad ink can crack, fade, or feel scratchy.
• Good ink lasts longer and looks professional.

4 Types of Silk Screen Ink

Pick the right ink for your project:

1. Plastisol
   • Bäst för: Bright shirts and hats.
   • Good stuff: Stays bright and is easy to use.
   • Bad stuff: Not eco-friendly and needs heat to dry.
   • Fun fact: Plastisol is used in 48% of projects.
2. Vattenbaserat bläck
   • Bäst för: Soft shirts and eco-friendly projects.
   • Good stuff: Feels soft and safe for kids.
   • Bad stuff: Takes a long time to dry.
3. Utsläpp bläck
   • Bäst för: Vintage looks on dark shirts.
   • Good stuff: Removes dye and feels light.
   • Bad stuff: Smells strong and needs practice.
4. UV-härdbart bläck
   • Bäst för: Glass, metal, and phone cases.
   • Good stuff: Dries fast with UV light.
   • Bad stuff: Costs more and needs a special lamp.

5 Things to Check Before Buying Ink

Ask these questions:

1. What are you printing on?
   • Bomull: Use plastisol or discharge ink.
   • Polyester: Avoid plastisol (it cracks).
   • Glass or metal: UV-curable works best.
2. Does it need to last?
   • Wash a lot? Pick plastisol.
   • Want softness? Try water-based ink.
3. Light or dark fabric?
   • Dark shirts: Use discharge ink.
   • Light shirts: Water-based or plastisol.
4. How will you dry it?
   • Värmepress: Plastisol.
   • Air dry: Water-based.
5. Is it safe?
   • Söka efter Oeko-Tex eller PVC-fri labels.
   • Dricks: 70% of pros använda Oeko-Tex certified ink for safety.

How to Choose: Simple Steps

Follow this easy guide:

1. What are you making?
   • Shirt → Fabric ink (plastisol or water-based).
   • Mug → UV-curable ink.
2. What’s your style?
   • Bright colors → Plastisol.
   • Soft feel → Water-based.
3. What tools do you have?
   • No heat press? Use water-based ink.
   • UV lamp? Try UV-curable.

Mistake to avoid: 34% of beginners have ink that peels off. Test first!

Top 3 Mistakes (and Fixes)

Gör inte det här:

1. Plastisol on polyester → Cracks.
   • Fixera: Use water-based ink.
2. Skipping test prints → Wastes ink.
   • Fixera: Test on scrap fabric.
3. Wrong heat setting → Ink rubs off.
   • Fixera: Use a thermometer.

Fallstudie: A shirt company fixed 90% of misprints by switching to utsläpp bläck on black tees.

Stay Safe and Green

Protect yourself and Earth:

• Använd handskar and a mask with strong inks.
• Open windows or use a fan.
• Eco bläck: Choose water-based or PVC-free plastisol.
• Throw away ink at a recycling center.

Faktum: 60% of ink waste happens when it’s too thick. Use a Ford Cup to check.

Best Starter Kits Under $100

Start cheap, learn easy:

1. Speedball Fabric Kit
   • Pris: $60
   • Bäst för: Water-based shirts.
2. VersaCraft Multi-Surface Kit
   • Pris: $85
   • Bäst för: Shirts, wood, and glass.
3. Green Galaxy Bundle
   • Pris: $75
   • Bäst för: Eco-friendly projects.

Dricks: Water-based ink costs 20% more but saves 35% in waste cleanup.

Vanliga frågor

Answers to common questions:

Start Your First Project!

Remember:

• Match ink to your material.
• Test first.
• Stay safe.

Fun challenge: Make a shirt for a friend! Grab a starter kit and try it today.