In this article, we will review the best ink for screen printing on glass. While there are other techniques for printing on glass, such as pad printing and inkjet printing, our focus for this article is screen printing.

Why choose glass?

Glass is an excellent choice for containers because of its durability, recyclable, stable, and inert properties. For these reasons, glass is a choice material for packaging containers including food, drinks, cosmetics, and medical packaging. Glass possesses additional properties that make it an excellent choice for packaging containers.

Taste and freshness preservation

  • Durability
  • Recyclable and reusable,
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Protects from contamination

Screen printing on glass overview

Screen printing involves the use of a squeegee to push ink through a mesh, with the exception of areas blocked by emulsion on a material. All over the world, there are many screen-printing shops, both industrial and small-scale operations. Many printing professionals like this printing process because of its ability to apply vibrant and durable prints to glass surfaces. Additionally, it is also affordable. While the printing process is readily available, the choice of excellent inks for printing on glass is limited.

Like plastic or silicone inks, the choice of ink is essential for ensuring the designs on glass are vibrant and durable. Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. makes and offers the MG Series ink for screen printing on glass. Learn more about our screen print ink for silicone wristbands.

MG Series ink for screen printing on glass

MG Series ink for screen and pad printing on glassGlass is a tough to print material. For this reason, Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. developed an epoxy-based ink that delivers high opacity and extremely durable prints. This ink series not only bonds well on glass, but it is also able to withstand exposure to moisture, weather elements, chemicals, etc. Below are some of the key features of this ink series.

  • Adhesion: While other leading inks require the substrates to be pre-treated before printing, the MG Series bonds easily and exceptionally well to glass.
  • Opacity and color vibrancy: MG Series colors have very high opacity, making them perfect for printing on clear glass. Because the inks are very opaque, printers can achieve the right color density.
  • Durability: As discussed, this ink series not only withstands weather elements but also harsh chemicals. Once cured, the prints are permanent. These inks never fade and can withstand detergents and other chemicals without fading.
  • Screen stability: This is an important feature of this ink series. Screen stability means that the inks do not dry on the screens, offering excellent printability.

Additives for the Natron MG Series inks

The MG Series inks are a two-component ink for screen printing on glass. This ink uses the i-260X hardener, which helps the ink cross-link to glass. Other additives include TS3 solvent for screen printing and MGR retarder. There is also an available TRP retarder paste, which helps keep the ink wet on the screen for a long time.

Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. also offers UV-curable ink for screen printing on glass—the UVMK Series inks. We will review this ink in detail in a future article.

Here are some tips for successfully printing on glass.

Below are some tips to help you achieve the perfect print on glass with the MG Series inks.

  • Surface preparation: Always clean the glass material to make sure that there are no oils or debris on the glass. Oils will prevent the ink from bonding to the glass. Use denatured alcohol or flame-treatment to clean any debris from the glass.
  • When printing with these inks, we recommend using a mesh count of 230 or more.
  • Post-curing the prints: After printing, cure the inks in an oven at 300F for 10 minutes.
  • Machine consideration: Consider using a screen-printing machine such as the Volta S300C cylindrical screen-printing machine for printing on glass.

Where can I purchase ink for printing on glass?

The MG Series is available worldwide through our distributor networks. If you are in the USA, you can buy this ink series directly from Boston Industrial Solutions, Inc. Visit our distributor page to find a Boston Industrial Solutions inks and coating dealer near you.

Do you have any questions about how to print on glass? Contact us today or visit our support hub or YouTube channel to learn more.