When it comes to screen printing, a project selection of ink can break or make your design, as it is paramount to how it turns out. For example, ink selection in screen printing is the soul of the body. Choosing the best screen printing projects comes with selecting the right ink method that allows various designs and the durability of the design created. 

The most common types of ink used in screen printing services are plastisol and water-based ink, each comes with different properties that suit different projects, there are other types of ink available as well, in this realm select the right Ink for your next screen printing project can be a difficult task, so guess what? With this quick guide, you will be able to make an informed decision for your next screen printing apparel project. 

This guide will help you choose the right ink for your screen printing project:

Types of Screen Printing Inks

Screen printing comes with dozens of ink that increase the appearance and quality of projects. Screen printing is an art and there isn’t a single size that fits, it comes with different printers each has its unique properties and fits different projects.

 For instance: Discharge and water-based ink work best for prints that are vibrant and soft, plus environmentally friendly. On the flip side, plastisol ink works wonders for adaptability and capacity to give a raised look instead of soaking, making it an ideal choice for opaque and bold texture. 

Let’s explore various inks of screen printing to learn which will work best for you:

Water-Based Inks for Custom Screen Printing Apparel

Water-based ink has numerous benefits, such as it has environmental properties, and is one of their huge pron. However, it does not consist of harsh chemicals such as PVC and Phthalates. Water-based ink has excellent properties, creating a soft and vibrant touch. These ink properties work well for various fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and rayon. 

You can also explore top printing companies in the USA for more guidance. 

What are the Pros and Cons of Water-based inks?

Pros:

•  Delicate and Light-weight Touch
• Eco-friendly and Non-Toxic
• Ideal Weight for distressed and vintage prints
• Breathable which makes an excellent choice for garments. 
• The ink is soft and can be printed easily on apparel. 
• Easily soaked and with heating properties, it lasts. 

Cons:

• Can be challenging to work on dark fabric
• Dries out quickly on the screen
• Requires more careful curing to guarantee durability 
• Less durable than plastisol ink may fade with time due to regular washing. 
• Few fabrics do not soak water-based ink such as spandex and nylon which can cause the ink to bleed or spread. 

When is the Right Time to Choose Water Based Inks:

Whenever you are printing on lighter apparel and want environmentally conscious ink with a softer more natural look and feel, water best ink will be an excellent option for you. In addition: works best for brands who do not compromise on durability. 

Discharge Ink: Vintage Clean Look 

Discharge ink is designed to produce, and yield sharp quality prints on dark color fabric, removing the original color by incorporating a delicate and vibrant look. When the discharge ink is merged with the activator the dye in the fabric reacts chemically. 

This texture completely removes the t-shirt dye and replaces it with a blank spot where the print will be pasted. Subsequently, the design is pasted on the rare area using ink, and that area turns out dye to produce vivid ink on custom screen printing apparel. 

Works wonders for fabric with a dark texture that allows you to design high-quality prints that do not leave a white cast spot behind as a base. This means you won’t be adding a layer of ink on apparel that makes apparel prink thick and messy. 

What are the Pros and Cons of Discharge Ink?

Pros:

• Discharge is known for its production of vibrant colors without needing to add a layer of white paint. 
• Create soffit and delicate prints that are soothing to the eyes. 
• Can bear a high degree of color vibrancy allowing you to use multiple colors at once to your favorite screen printing apparel. 
• If used with proper guidance and under expert supervision it can give out amazing results. 

Cons:

• Require certain conditions if want consistent results.
• It is necessary to mix the correct amount of discharge ink and activity, if not mixed in equal quantity can turn out messy print. 
• The proper temperature is required to print a certain design. 
• Can be proper for people having breathing issues or may cause harm if touched without gloves. 

When is the Right Time to Choose Discharge Ink? 

Discharge ink can be your best bet if you are looking for a faded or retro design, especially on dark 100% cotton fabric. The final result is malleable and ‘worn in appearance, that can look fabulous in clothing for fashion. 

Conclusion:

Choosing the right screen printing ink for your project can be a walk-in or walk Decision, ink plays a huge role in making or breaking a design. There are numerous kinds suitable for different apparel, choose screen printing project ink according to your needs and requirements. It is advisable to consider the type of print you are pring on, the type of fabric, the vibrant colors you are choosing, and most importantly what your desire looks like, every ink has different properties and may work for one fabric but might not work for another. Choosing the correct ink can get you your desired look, and will help you to make informed decisions. 

Enjoy Creating