Printing

Screen printing has become the heart of many printing operations in this digital era. Starting from graphics to industrial uses and textiles, the art of printing endorsed a notable change.

Screen printing involves using a stencil to transfer paint or ink to any substrate. It may include wood, canvas, fabric, etc. Today, this printing technique is very famous for apparel decoration. Many businesses employ it because of the various designs and color options available.

It is crucial to consider some factors when choosing inks for screen printing. The type of fabric to be used significantly affects the mixing of colors. However, what kind of ink should you use? It completely depends on the project.

Don’t worry about ink colors if you want to use Custom Screen Printing Las Vegas.

Screen printing is all about colors of creativity. Check out this article ahead for more valuables!

What is in Ink?

The main components of ink used for screen printing include the following:

• PVC resins (without water or solvent)
• Pigment
• Plasticizer
• Other additives (with 100% solid content)

Inks are categorized into six groups depending on the transfer type used to carry the pigment. For example, emulsion, solvent, wax, water, oil, and UV-curable inks. Oil-based inks contain oil as the carrier, such as synthetic hydrocarbon or vegetable oils.

Water-based ink consists of water that is used as the pigment carrier. In contrast, solvent-based inks utilize ether, petroleum, ethyl acetate, toluene, and xylene to carry the binders.

Color Theory

If you are designing a t-shirt through screen printing, it is advisable to use color theory. In addition, the color scheme is categorized into four types:

1. Monochromatic Colors

The monochromatic color scheme contains only a single color tint. But it differs in brightness and saturation. It can be a good choice if you want to design a subtle, simple piece of apparel.

2. Analogous Colors

Analogous colors are three neighboring colors (orange, red, and yellow) on the color wheel. Printing with these colors provides a low-key and non-dramatic design.

Furthermore, analogous colors are more advanced than the monochromatic color scheme.

3. Triadic Colors

The triadic color scheme includes three-spaced colors (yellow, blue, and red) on the color wheel. In contrast to analogous colors, triadic colors are more vibrant to create a calming effect.

4. Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are typically present on the other side of the color wheel.

For example, green and magenta, yellow and purple, red and green, and orange and blue.

Types Of Inks Available for Screen Printing

Nowadays, most business owners want to stand out from the market crowd within a limited budget. Screen printing is a high-impact and low-cost marketing tool for them.

Let’s discuss the crucial types of inks available for screen printing and their pros and cons.

1. Water-Based Ink

As aforementioned, water-based inks contain water as the pigment carrier. These inks comprise water rather than PVC, plastic, or other components. Additionally, you can wash out water-based ink if it dries. However, using a bit of soap and brush for washing is advisable.

Pros

• Softer, vibrant, and more breathable
• Provides a silky and comfortable final print
• Eco-friendly as it is made with natural pigments

Cons

• Demands more temperature control and maintenance

2. Plastisol Ink

Plastisol ink is made up of polyvinyl chloride. It is the most commonly used ink for industrial screen printing. You can color-match plastisol ink for precise color representation. In addition, you can screen print using this ink wet-on-wet. It can be printed on both dark and light fabrics.

Pros

• High color saturation and opaque nature
• Ability to print high-detailed designs
• Durable and can resist multiple washes

Cons

• Low print quality over pockets, pleats, seams, folds, etc.

3. Metallic Plastisol Ink

Metallic plastisol inks provide a shiny look over prints. Although the ink looks thick, the glossy appearance appeals the most. Metallic plastisol ink is the best choice if you want to print on dark garments. Furthermore, they are different than glitter ink due to high light-reflective quality.

Pros

• Can create unique and spectacular design effects
• Long-lasting and durable metallic effects
• Offer a higher level of versatility in application

Cons

• Metallic plastisol ink offers limited color selections.

4. Glow In the Dark

Glow in the Dark is recognized for producing illuminating effects in the dark. This transparent oil-based ink requires a white-colored base to leave an enhanced glowing effect. In addition, these inks demand careful handling to maintain durability due to phosphorescent properties.

Pros

• It can be employed as an overprint on light or white colors
• Environmental-friendly and prudent for children’s clothing
• Add extra dimensions to your designs to produce a unique effect

Cons

• Unavailable color matching

Which Type of Ink is Best for Screen Printing?

As aforementioned, there are different types of screen printing inks. Each ink has unique features, benefits, and cons. Which type of ink you should use for your project? It’s all up to you.

However, plastisol ink has been the best and most used screen printing ink for many years. Many Print on Demand companies have been using this type of ink for printing purposes.

Furthermore, plastisol ink is more accurate and reliable to match Pantone colors.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy Inks for Screen Printing?

Screen printing ink prices vary from supplier to supplier and state to state. Of course, there are different amounts for different types of inks.

But before you purchase screen printing inks, it is best to understand the price range estimation.

• 1 gallon of ink for screen printing costs between $45 to $90
• 5 gallons of ink for screen printing costs between $250 to $400

Concluding Remarks

Understanding different types of screen printing inks is critical to achieving the desired feel for your design. Each ink has unique attributes that make it the right choice to choose for your specific project. However, in case you want to end up with an informed decision. Then, it is advisable to consider factors like durability, opacity, detail, and texture.

Besides, you need to ensure exploring eco-friendly and sustainable options. For example, discharge and water-based screen printing inks to lessen their environmental impacts.