SHALITEINK — Ink That Speaks Your Style

PLASTISOL VS. WATER-BASED: MASTERING INK CHOICES WITH SHALITEINK

Discover the difference between plastisol and water-based screen printing inks with SHALITEINK—vibrant color, soft finishes, and reliable performance.

In the fast-paced, detail-driven world of screen printing, the type of ink you use can define the quality, durability, and overall feel of your finished product. Among the many ink types available, two dominate the conversation: plastisol and water-based ink. Each has unique properties, advantages, and ideal use cases. But more importantly, how do these inks fit into the workflow of modern printers—and where does SHALITEINK stand in helping professionals and hobbyists alike achieve the best results?

At SHALITEINK, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between performance and sustainability, between vibrancy and softness. Our plastisol and water-based ink lines are engineered to give you the flexibility and confidence to handle any project. Here’s what every screen printer should know about these two ink types—and how SHALITEINK empowers you to get the most out of each.

PLASTISOL INK: THE RELIABLE WORKHORSE

Plastisol ink is often regarded as the go-to solution for screen printers of all levels. It’s made from PVC particles suspended in a plasticizer, giving it a thick, creamy texture and exceptional opacity. Unlike other inks, plastisol doesn’t dry on the screen during use, making it incredibly forgiving for beginners or for long production runs.

With SHALITEINK’s plastisol series, you gain:

• Vibrant Coverage: Our plastisol inks are known for their rich, saturated color and excellent coverage—even on dark garments. Whether you’re printing bold logos or detailed designs, the ink maintains edge sharpness and visual impact.
• Ease of Use: You can leave plastisol ink on your screen overnight without worrying about drying or clogging. This kind of flexibility saves time and reduces stress in the shop.
• Simple Curing: SHALITEINK plastisol inks cure when the ink film reaches the proper temperature, usually around 320°F (160°C). This can be achieved using a conveyor dryer, heat press, or even a flash dryer—making it ideal for shops without industrial equipment.
• Layering and Correction: Mistakes? No problem. Simply reprint over the previous layer. Plastisol’s opacity means design adjustments are fast and seamless.

Whether you’re just starting out or running a full-scale print operation, plastisol ink offers the control, versatility, and durability you need to produce professional-quality results every time.

WATER-BASED INK: SOFT, SUSTAINABLE, AND STYLISH

Water-based ink is increasingly popular among printers looking for a more eco-conscious solution without compromising design integrity. Made primarily from water and natural resins, these inks soak into the fabric rather than sitting on top of it, resulting in a soft, breathable finish.

With SHALITEINK’s water-based series, you get:

• Unmatched Softness: The final print feels like part of the fabric itself. It’s ideal for fashion-forward brands, athletic apparel, or any application where comfort matters.
• Eco-Friendly Formulation: Our water-based inks are designed to reduce environmental impact. They contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and require minimal harsh chemicals for cleanup.
• Curing Options with Flexibility: While water-based inks do require careful curing—first by evaporating moisture, then by setting the ink resins—SHALITEINK offers solutions for every setup. For those without a forced-air dryer, our Warp Drive additive allows chemical curing over 48 hours. It’s perfect for low-budget or home studios.
• Screen Durability Tip: For best results, we recommend using waterproof emulsion. Water-based ink is more abrasive than plastisol and can wear down regular stencils over time.

Water-based ink can be more demanding in terms of workflow, but in the hands of a prepared printer, the results are stunning. And with SHALITEINK, even newcomers can achieve consistent outcomes with ease.

SO, WHICH INK IS BETTER?

The short answer: neither. The real question is, which ink is better for your project, your shop, and your customers?

• If you’re prioritizing bright prints, high production speeds, and maximum forgiveness, plastisol may be your best bet.
• If you’re aiming for a soft-hand feel, breathable prints, and an eco-conscious workflow, water-based inks might be the way to go.

SHALITEINK offers the best of both worlds. Our mission is to provide screen printers with ink solutions that don’t force trade-offs. We understand the real-world constraints printers face—tight budgets, varied equipment, shifting client demands—and we develop products to support every scenario.

THE SHALITEINK DIFFERENCE

What sets SHALITEINK apart isn’t just the quality of our ink—it’s our understanding of what printers need. Whether you’re printing 10 shirts a week or 10,000, our products are engineered for real-life printing environments. We obsess over pigment strength, flow characteristics, cure reliability, and long-term durability so you don’t have to.

At SHALITEINK, ink isn’t just chemistry. It’s creativity. It’s control. It’s your signature on every print that leaves your shop.

EXPERIMENT. INNOVATE. PRINT WITH CONFIDENCE.

From smooth plastisol to soft water-based finishes, SHALITEINK is your partner in precision and possibility. Explore our full ink range, choose what suits your workflow, and print without compromise.