Discover premium specialty screen printing inks, including plastisol and shimmer effects. The printer used must be compatible with direct printing techniques. Elevate your prints with SHALITEINK for stunning results, including phosphorescent options!

We want you to learn about:

• The versatility of plastisol ink in various applications.
• Shimmer ink
• How to use them and fix problems
• Key data and numbers
• Tips on eco-friendly screen printing inks formulated to minimize environmental impact.

1. Table of Contents

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   What is Plastisol Ink? Plastisol ink is a common ink for screen printing.

Key points of Plastisol Ink:

• Opaque plastisol inks give bright colors.
• Works on cotton/polyester and many other fabrics.
• Uses flash curing units and curing temperature guidelines.
• Crack-resistant and durable.

Below is a table with key data about plastisol ink:

2. Pros and Cons of Plastisol Ink

Pros:

• Wash-resistant prints
• High-density ink effects
• Stretchable ink for garments
• Low-cure plastisol inks cure fast
• Specialty ink formulations create bright prints

Cons:

• Requires phthalate-free plastisol to be eco-friendly
• Sometimes stiff on soft cloth
• Requires careful ink layering techniques

3. What is Shimmer Ink?

Uses:

• Chameleon color-shifting inks change in light
• Mix with neon pigment inks for unique colors
• Ideal for reflective safety inks on work gear

Design ideas:

• Fashion apparel with metallic screen ink effects
• Promotional merchandise using puff plastisol ink effects
• Holiday-themed prints using glow-in-the-dark ink
• Sportswear with high-opacity shimmer inks

4. Plastisol vs. Other Inks

Plastisol Inks:

• Strong colorfastness in textiles
• Requires heat to cure
• Works best with screen printing techniques

Water-Based Screen Printing Inks:

• Soft-hand feel
• More eco-friendly
• May have issues with ink opacity

Other Inks:

• Discharge inks remove fabric color
• CMYK process inks mix light colors
• Direct-to-garment (DTG) comparison shows differences in texture

When to use plastisol and shimmer inks:

• High volume orders
• Custom color mixing
• Bold and bright prints
• Use on cotton/polyester and sportswear

5. How to Use Plastisol and Shimmer Inks: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep Work

• Use the right mesh for your ink
• Clean your screen properly

Step 2: Mixing the Ink

• Follow ink mixing ratios
• Adjust viscosity using thinners or reducers
• Mix shimmer additives carefully

Step 3: Printing

• Use the right squeegee hardness
• Apply proper ink layering techniques
• Check ink bleeding prevention

Step 4: Curing

• Follow curing temperature guidelines
• Use flash curing units or quartz flash dryers
• Ensure proper curing for durability

Step 5: Finishing

• Let prints cool
• Perform durability testing
• Store leftover ink properly

6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: Ink Cracking

• Adjust ink viscosity
• Use stretchable ink for garments
• Try reduced-plasticizer inks for flexibility

Problem: Ink Bleeding

• Improve ink bleeding prevention
• Adjust squeegee hardness or add adhesion additives

Problem: Poor Ink Adhesion or Curing Failure

• Verify curing temperature guidelines
• Use flash curing units correctly
• Select UV-resistant screen inks for outdoor wear

7. Eco-Friendly and Regulatory Trends

• Use phthalate-free plastisol
• Reduced-plasticizer inks align with regulatory compliance
• Specialty ink sustainability and recycling programs help minimize waste

Key Data on Eco Trends:

• 40% of print shops use phthalate-free plastisol
• Water-based inks emit 90% fewer VOCs than plastisol

8. Where to Buy Specialty Inks

Buying quality ink is key. Here are some specialty ink suppliers and distributors:

• SHALITEINK offers specialty inks
• Online suppliers provide specialty ink sample packs
• Print shop equipment stores carry various inks

9. Glossary of LSI Keywords Includes terms like:

• Screen printing supplies
• Ink curing process
• Custom color mixing
• Heat transfer ink
• High-density ink effect
• Reflective safety inks

10. Internal Links for More Information For more details on inks, check these guides:

• Reflective Plastisol Ink
• Glow-in-the-Dark Blue Plastisol Ink
• Puff Plastisol Ink
• Final Thoughts

Key takeaways:

1. Plastisol ink provides bright, wash-resistant prints
2. Shimmer ink adds special effects to designs
3. Proper curing and ink layering techniques ensure high-quality results
4. Eco-friendly ink choices benefit the environment

11.Conclusion

This guide provides insights into specialty screen printing inks, including plastisol and shimmer ink. By understanding the ink curing process, custom color mixing, and proper preparation techniques, you can achieve excellent prints every time.

Using tools like flash curing units, squeegee hardness control, and screen reclaiming chemicals will help maintain quality. Eco-friendly options are available for sustainability. Explore SHALITEINK for top-tier specialty inks.

Thank you for reading! Explore our guides on Reflective Plastisol Ink, Glow-in-the-Dark Blue Plastisol Ink, and Puff Plastisol Ink for more insights.