Water Based Ink Vs Plastisol
Since the inks react differently with each t shirt it takes a deep knowledge of ink and fabric types to get the right colors and opacities.
Water based ink vs plastisol. Plastisol is the ink of choice for printing of finished goods such as t shirts sweatshirts jackets and tote bags. This is a cheaper ink is the industry standard and makes for thick prints. Either in piece form or on the roll. Water based ink is the ink of choice for the printing of yard goods.
Due to the ink dying the shirt water based screen printers need to have significant knowledge on fabric types and ink reaction. Just about every apparel screen printer in the world can print with plastisol inks but the same cannot be said about water based inks. Can work with all colors. Learn the advantages of each type of screen printing ink and pros cons of printing.
The soft plastisol ink lays directly on the fabric covering the shirt with a layer of the graphic. Plastisol ink is a plastic based ink made for apparel. A plastic based ink made for apparel. Compatible with all screen mesh counts.
Both inks have technical advantages and disadvantages for use in specific applications. Plastisol ink is made with pvc and water based ink is made with water. Water based ink is not entirely free of plastic. Cannot get halftone and gradient results.
What are the pros and cons of using water based ink and plastisol with screen printing. Ink is one of the most used products when you are screen printing. Water based ink is a higher quality ink that takes significant training to use. It is mostly water soluble absorbs into the fabric.
When exposed to a high temperature or cured it becomes a solid. For a long time plastisol inks were the most common choicesince water based inks were more difficult to use. Plastisol served printers well and created some rad designs. Water based and discharge printing is not nearly as common as standard plastisol printing.
Muted when used on dark colors. It is primarily liquid plastic.