Does Screen Printing Ink Need Heat to Dry or Can It Air Dry?

Screen printing is a common and versatile method of printing designs on a number of surfaces, particularly fabric. Among the most asked questions by beginners and even some experienced printers is: Does screen printing ink need heat to dry, or will it air dry? The answer to this question depends largely on the type of ink and the degree of durability of the print one wants. This article will focus on the different forms of drying for various screen printing inks, including screen printing drying techniques and some of the behavior of water-based ink.

Understanding Screen Printing Drying

In the screen printing process, it is considered an important step. Drying allows the ink to bind to the substrate, making the print itself strong and long-lasting. In general, two types of techniques are typically used.

  • Air drying: Letting the ink dry naturally at room temperature.
  • Heat curing: Drying or curing the ink with heat, typically using a heat gun, conveyor dryer, flash dryer, or heat press.

The ideal drying method is based on the type of ink that has been utilized in the screen printing process.

Water Based Ink and Air Drying

Water based ink is a popular ink in screen printing due to the fact that it is eco-friendly, has a soft hand, and cleans up easily. It contains water as a main solvent, which causes it to get absorbed into the fibers of the fabric. This renders water based ink air dry in theory.

That being said, while water based inks can air dry if conditions are right (heat, low humidity, good air flow), air drying alone is rarely adequate for long-term durability, especially if the print is to be washed multiple times. Air-dried water based prints may feel dry to the surface, but without the heat curing, the ink may not be fully set, and it may crack, fade, or wash off over time.

For best results, water based ink needs to be heat cured in order to bond well with the fibers of the substrate. Most manufacturers recommend curing temperatures of 320°F to 350°F (160°C to 177°C) for about 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the ink and substrate.

Plastisol Ink and Heat Curing

On the other hand, plastisol ink—another widely used screen printing ink—cannot air dry at all. Plastisol is made up of PVC particles suspended in a plasticizer and only begins to cure when it is subjected to heat at approximately 320°F (160°C). Below that temperature, plastisol ink will remain wet and transferable.

That is why heat curing is a must when screen printing with plastisol ink. Not heat curing will result in a print that never fully dries, smears easily, and will not survive a wash.

How to Properly Dry or Cure Screen Printing Inks

Whether you are screen printing with water based or plastisol ink, screen printing drying methods are crucial for producing quality, long-lasting prints. The following are the common heat curing options:

  • Conveyor Dryer: Suitable for large production runs, it provides even and controlled heat.
  • Flash Dryer: Usually employed to cure individual layers or small batch work.
  • Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: Suitable for the hobbyist, but more challenging to achieve consistent results.
  • Heat Press: Extremely popular for final curing, especially with water based ink.

When air drying aqueous ink, ensure that the conditions are conducive to it—warmth, low humidity, and plenty of airflow can go a long way. However, supplement with heat curing where possible.

Conclusion

While water-based ink in screen printing can technically air dry under ideal conditions, heat curing is strongly advised to develop durability, wash fastness, and color density. Plastisol ink, on the other hand, absolutely requires heat to cure because it will not dry on its own.

Understanding your drying process for screen printing and your ink's properties is the secret to producing quality prints that will last. Whether you are home printing or in a commercial enterprise, investing in the right drying equipment and techniques will dramatically enhance the quality and longevity of your printed products.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is the Difference Between Heat Transfer and Screen Printing?

Image
 When it comes to customizing apparel and other products, two popular printing methods often come into play: heat transfer and screen printing . Both techniques have their unique advantages and are suited for different applications. Understanding the differences between them can help you make informed decisions for your printing needs. In this blog post, we'll delve into the specifics of each method, comparing their processes, benefits, and ideal uses. Understanding Heat Transfer Printing What is Heat Transfer Printing? Heat transfer printing involves transferring a design from a specially formulated paper onto a substrate (such as fabric) using heat and pressure. The design is first printed onto transfer paper using inkjet or laser printers and then pressed onto the material with a heat press machine. How Does It Work? Design Creation : The desired image or text is designed using graphic design software. Printing onto Transfer Paper : The design is printed in reverse onto heat tr...
Read more

Screen Printing vs. DTG Printing: Choosing the Best Method for Your Printed Apparel

Image
Are you thinking of getting some cool designs printed on your t-shirts for an event or a family gathering? Well, you're in for a treat because there are some awesome printing methods out there to make your apparel stand out. Today, we're going to talk about two of the most popular ones: screen printing and DTG printing. Let's break it down so you can pick the perfect method for your needs. What is Screen Printing? Screen printing is like the OG of garment printing. It's been around for ages, and it's great for big orders. If you're printing a bunch of t-shirts for a big event, screen printing is your go-to. Plus, it's perfect for bold designs with simple shapes and text. Pros: Cost-effective for bulk orders: If you need a ton of shirts printed, screen printing won't burn a hole in your pocket. Great for bold designs: Simple graphics look awesome with screen printing. High quality and durable: Your prints will last through countless washes and wears. Con...
Read more

Water-Based Ink vs. Plastisol Ink: Unveiling the Strongest Ink for Printing

Image
When it comes to screen printing, creators always have one question: which ink type is better - plastisol or water-based ink? In this article, we will explore which type of ink is better and dive into the differences between these intriguing  screen printing ink types.  So, without further ado, let’s begin exploring what sets water-based and plastisol ink apart.   Understanding Water-Based Ink:    Water-based ink is preferred among eco-conscious screen printers because of its environmentally friendly nature. It includes various things like water, pigments, and many other additives. These inks saturate the cloth's fibers and evaporate to dry, leaving a soft touch feeling. Moreover, the eco-friendly composition of water-based ink also allows for easy cleanup with water, reducing the use of harsh chemicals.    Strengths of Water-Based Ink:    Soft Hand Feel:  Water-based ink absorbs into the fabric, resulting in a soft, breathable print that is highly des...
Read more