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Showing posts from January, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to Plastisol Screen Printing Ink

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 When it comes to screen printing, choosing the right ink is essential for achieving long-lasting, high-quality prints. Plastisol screen printing ink is the industry standard for professional screen printers due to its durability, versatility, and ease of use. If you're looking for the best plastisol inks for your printing projects, check out Screen Print Direct for premium-quality options. What is Plastisol Screen Printing Ink? Plastisol ink is a PVC-based ink that remains in a liquid state until cured with heat. Unlike water-based inks, plastisol does not dry in the screen, making it a favorite among screen printers. Once properly cured, it creates a smooth, vibrant, and long-lasting print that withstands multiple washes without fading or cracking. Why Choose Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing? Plastisol screen printing ink offers several advantages that make it the top choice for professional and beginner printers alike: Vibrant Colors – Provides bold and opaque prints on both ...

Plastisol inks vs Water-Based inks

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  In screen printing there are two major players when it comes to inks, you have your water-based inks and your plastisol inks. PLASTISOL INKS : Plastisol inks are extremely easy to use and convenient when you are on press. If you are new you can take your time printing and don't have to worry about the ink drying or clogging your print area. Plastisol, which sits on top of the shirt, allows for a nice vibrant punch in color but over time if not cured properly will begin to crack and eventually flake off. PRO: You get a nice and vibrant print Will not dry out even when left open You can use any type of emulsion Easy learning curve for new printers CON: You can feel it on the shirt You may need different inks for polyester/ blends You need Plastisol ink cleaners WATER-BASED INKS : Water-based inks are a totally different breed of ink. These inks become a part of the garment and do not sit on top of the garment like a plastisol ink would . Water-based inks produce an extremely s...

How to Choose the Correct Water-based or Plastisol Ink Cleaner

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Screen print direct Cleaning screen printing screens is simple if you choose the right ink cleaner for the job. First you must distinguish which type of ink you are printing with, are you using a plastisol ink or a water-based ink? The type of ink used will determine the type of cleaner you need to get a quickly clean screen. Plastisol Ink If you are using plastisol ink there are two different types of plastisol ink cleaner you may need in the reclaiming process. There is plastisol press wash and there is plastisol screen wash. We will distinguish between the two below Press Wash   – This plastisol ink cleaner is used on the press for color changes through the printing process or for cleaning off your squeegees, ink spatulas etc. This ink cleaner can also be used as a screen opener if the print area is clogged or blocked. This chemical is fast drying and doesn’t leave oily residue, this is important when changes color on the press. The quick dry will allow you to resume printing qu...

Heat Transfer vs. Screen Printing: Which Method Is Best for Your Custom Printing Needs?

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When deciding between heat transfer vs screen printing , it's important to understand the advantages and drawbacks of each method. Both have their unique strengths, and your choice will depend on factors like project size, design complexity, and durability requirements. Heat transfer vs screen printing can have a significant impact on the quality and longevity of your printed products, so making the right decision is crucial. Heat Transfer Printing is often chosen for its ability to print detailed, multi-colored images with quick turnaround times. It's ideal for smaller batches or custom, one-off designs. However, it might not last as long as screen printing, especially when it comes to repeated washing or heavy use. In contrast, Screen Printing is a traditional method known for its durability and ability to handle large volumes. While it requires more setup and is most cost-effective for large orders, it offers vibrant colors and long-lasting prints. The screen printing pro...