silicone ink mixing instructions

Natron silicone ink is a two-part ink. The inks require a catalyst and solvent. Below are the ink mixing ratios for the various inks.

Mixing ratio:

Natron SE, SE-F, and CS Series – Ratio 10:1

Natron DC Series – Ratio 100:3

To get started, open the ink container and thoroughly stir the base ink.

• Set the scale on a flat surface. Place the mixing cup on the scale and zero it (tare).
• Pour the ink into the unlined ink mixing cup. Note the weight of the ink. Then zero the scale (tare).
• Next, add the appropriate amount of catalyst to the ink following the ink’s mixing ratio. We recommend that you always adhere to the recommended catalyst-to-ink ratio. The mixing ratio is on the ink container. Learn when to use pad printing ink hardener.
• Mix the ink and catalyst thoroughly. Perform this step before adding the silicone thinner. Then place the ink-catalyst mixture on the scale and zero out the scale.
• Add the appropriate amount of silicone solvent to the ink-catalyst mixture. For pad printing applications, add solvent to 5%–20% for most colors and 50%–70% for black ink. For screen printing applications, solvent is optional. Mix the ink and the solvent/diluent/thinner thoroughly. You can use as much solvent as you need; silicone thinner or diluent will not adversely affect the adhesion of the inks to silicone rubber. However, except for spray coating applications, adding too much solvent will affect the opacity of the ink as well as how it is picked up by the silicone pad during pad printing or how it will flow on the screens in screen printing applications.