A common method for imprinting designs on a variety of materials, such as cloth and paper, is screen printing. The type of ink used is one of the most important screen printing components. Screen printing uses four different types of ink as a foundation: water-based, plastisol, discharge, and solvent-based.
The ink type most frequently used in screen printing is water-based ink. The components of this ink are water, pigment, and a binder. The ink works well for printing on fabric since it is simple to use and dries rapidly. The fact that water-based inks don’t contain any hazardous compounds makes them also environmentally friendly.
Another ink that is frequently used in screen printing is plastisol ink. PVC particles suspended in a liquid plasticizer make up this ink. Printing on dark fabrics is made possible by the thickness and opacity of plastisol ink. Additionally, it is more resistant to fading and more durable than water-based ink.
Designed specifically to remove the dye from the fabric it is printed on, discharge ink is a water-based ink. This produces a bleach-like effect that gives the printed pattern a softer, more organic feel. To contrast the printed design with the fabric color, discharge ink is often employed on dark-colored fabrics.
A form of ink called solvent-based ink is composed of pigments and solvents. Printing on non-porous materials like plastic and metal often uses this ink. Additionally fade- and weather-resistant, solvent-based ink can tolerate exposure.
There are several types of fabrics that work better for different types of screen printing. Because the ink does not stick properly to the fibers of some materials, including polyester, screen printing is not recommended for them. Other materials, such organza, are too delicate and prone to tearing when being printed.
Organza can be screen printed, but it takes a delicate touch and specialty inks to do so. Usually, water-based or discharge inks are utilized since they are kinder on fabric and don’t clog the delicate mesh screen.
When a screen is used to print something, a phenomena known as “ghosting” occurs when the ink dries and a faint picture of the printed artwork emerges on the cloth. The ink usually bleeds through the cloth and onto the print surface to cause this. Use the appropriate ink type for the fabric and make sure the ink is thoroughly cured in order to avoid ghosting.
It is feasible to mix screen printing ink, but it should be done with caution. The consequence of combining two distinct ink types can be unpredictable, and it may have an impact on the print’s quality and longevity. When combining inks, it’s crucial to adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You should also test the ink on a small patch of paper before printing the full design.
In conclusion, obtaining high-quality prints requires a grasp of the many ink types used in screen printing. Each type of ink—water-based, plastisol, discharge, and solvent-based—has distinct qualities and is appropriate for a variety of printing tasks. To ensure that the ink adheres effectively and yields the desired outcome, it is crucial to take the fabric’s texture and composition into account when choosing a cloth for screen printing.
There are various forms of speedball ink, some of which are permanent and others which are not. In contrast, Speedball Acrylic Screen Printing Ink is not thought to be permanent and is subject to washing away over time. As an illustration, Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink is permanent and water-resistant when properly heat-set. Therefore, depending on the precise ink used, Speedball ink may or may not be permanent.