To screen print successfully, you must have the appropriate ink for your project. Contrary to popular belief, screen printing is not limited to fabrics or t-shirt printing. This printing method is also widely utilized across various industries, including the industrial, medical, packaging, and toy sectors. These industries employ screen printing to apply designs on metal, plastics, glass, and other non-fabric materials. One of the most critical factors in achieving optimal results in screen printing is the use of high-quality ink. As a result, the selection of ink can greatly influence the durability, appearance, and texture of the final print.

Types of Screen Printing Ink

There are various types of screen-printing inks available, each possessing unique properties and applications. Let us examine each type below

Plastisol Ink

Plastisol ink is perhaps the most widely used ink in garment screen printing. It is renowned for its vibrant colors and durability. Many T-shirt printing companies favor plastisol inks due to their extended pot life. High-temperature curing prevents the plastisol ink from drying out. This characteristic allows for prolonged production runs without concern about the ink drying on the screen. However, it restricts the types of materials suitable for printing. For instance, this ink is not ideal for use on polyester and plastic materials. While these inks can create various effects, from high-opacity prints to soft-hand finishes, the prints lack durability. Furthermore, they are susceptible to cracking and fading after multiple washes.

Water-Based Ink

Water-based ink is popular for its soft feel and eco-friendly properties. Unlike plastisol, water-based inks penetrate the fabric, creating a softer, more breathable print. They are ideal for printing on lighter fabrics and detailed designs. However, they require more attention during the printing process. These water-based inks do not bond to plastic, glass, and metal materials.

Discharge Ink

Discharge ink is a type of water-based ink that removes the dye from the fabric, leaving a natural cotton color in its place. Mostly used on dark fabrics, discharge ink creates a soft, vintage look. Discharge inks require precise control and curing to achieve the desired effect, but they can create unique and high-quality prints.

UV Ink

UV ink is primarily utilized for printing on non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic, and metal. To bond effectively to these materials, this ink requires adhesion promoters. UV/LED ink dries instantly when exposed to UV light, making it ideal for high-speed production processes. UV inks are recognized for their durability and resistance to scratching and fading, making them suitable for items that must endure harsh conditions. In contrast to plastisol, water-based, and discharge inks, UV inks are particularly well-suited for printing on hard goods.

Solvent ink

Solvent screen printing inks are used for printing on both porous and non-porous materials like plastic, vinyl, and metal. These inks have excellent adhesion to many materials without the need to use primers. Additionally, solvent-based inks are known for their durability, resistance to environmental factors, and ability to produce vibrant, high-quality prints. There are several types of solvent-based inks:

  • Polyurethane Inks: These inks are known for their flexibility and resistance to abrasion.
  • Epoxy Inks: They provide strong adhesion and excellent chemical resistance.
  • Vinyl Inks: Specifically designed for printing on vinyl, these inks ensure optimal results.
  • Acrylic Inks: They offer a balanced combination of flexibility and durability.
  • Cellulose Inks: These inks provide a smooth finish along with excellent opacity.

Silicone ink

Silicone screen printing inks are a specialty ink made from liquid silicone. There are two types of silicone inks: silicone ink for rubber screen printing and silicone ink for textile screen printing. Silicone ink for rubber is specifically made for printing on silicone rubber materials. In contrast, the formulation of silicone ink for textiles enables it to print on a wide variety of fabrics, including polyblends. Unlike plastisol inks, silicone inks for textiles do not fade or crack. These inks offer a soft feel and have exceptional durability. Furthermore, they are flexible, lightweight, and provide vibrant colors.

Choosing the Best Ink

The best screen printing ink for your needs will depend on various factors, including the material, the type of print, and your production process. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

Substrate

The material you are printing on will significantly influence your choice of ink. For textiles, silicone, plastisol, and water-based inks are typically preferred. Solvent inks work best on non-porous surfaces such as metal, glass, and plastic. For silicone rubber, silicone ink is the best option.

Print Durability

If you are screen printing on textiles, durability is a key concern. Silicone, plastisol, and solvent inks are recognized for their long-lasting properties. Water-based inks can also provide durability, but they tend to deteriorate more quickly on frequently washed garments. In comparison to plastisol and solvent inks, silicone inks can endure for the life of the textile—they never fade or crack. While slightly expensive, silicone ink is the best screen printing ink for textiles.

For non-porous goods, the choice of ink will vary based on the material. For example, use epoxy-based solvent ink to screen print on glass.

Environmental Impact

With growing environmental awareness, many printers are opting for eco-friendly inks. Water-based and silicone inks are typically regarded as more environmentally friendly compared to plastisol inks, which contain PVC. Additionally, UV screen printing inks serve as an alternative to solvent-based screen printing inks that contain VOCs.

Special Effects and Finishes

Different inks can produce a variety of effects and finishes. For instance, silicone and plastisol inks can create high-density prints, metallic effects, and glitter finishes. Conversely, discharge inks are ideal for achieving a vintage appearance, while water-based inks provide a softer texture and more intricate prints.

Conclusion

Choosing the best screen printing ink is crucial for achieving high-quality prints that meet your specific needs. Whether you prioritize durability, environmental impact, or special effects, there is an ink available that will be ideal for your project. By understanding the properties and applications of various inks, you can make an informed decision and create prints that truly stand out. Take the time to experiment with different inks and techniques to find what works best for your screen printing endeavors. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us or visit our YouTube channel or support hub to learn more about printing inks.