Sage-Tips

How do I improve screen print quality?

1. Check Your Screen Printing Machine Between Each Run.
2. Start with Quality Graphics.
3. Choose the Right Screens and Check Your Screen Tension.
4. Establish Proper Off-Contact.
5. Use the Right Squeegee Angle and Pressure.
6. Properly Cure Your Ink.
7. Always Do a Test Run.

What is the difference between plastisol and water-based inks?

Plastisol ink is thicker than water-based ink. It will raise up above the shirt a little more than water-based ink will, creating more dimension to the print. Plastisol ink also is more rigid compared to water-based ink. If you scrunch up a garment, plastisol ink will feel more stiff.

How do you soften plastisol ink?

Stir the Plastisol Ink You can fix a thick ink by stirring it. The more you mix an ink prior to pouring it onto your screen printing frame that is on the press, the more it will loosen up.

How do you soften a thick shirt?

To soften up your stiff or scratchy t-shirts, run them through a normal wash cycle as you would, including fabric softener. Then, line dry them to about 60-70\% dryness. From there, put them into the dry on a low tumble dry setting.

How thick should screen print ink be?

For proper printing, plastisol ink needs to be heavy enough to maintain its viscosity throughout the print run while still being thin enough to penetrate the screen easily and evenly. If a stir stick can stand up in the ink, it’s too thick.

What is the best material to screen print on?

Cotton fabrics
Cotton fabrics Natural fabrics are the ultimate choice for screen printing, as they tend to absorb the ink more readily than man-made fabrics do. Cotton and cotton blends are the most popular choice for most printers and customers as they are soft and permeable, and organic cotton can be even softer again.

Does speedball ink need to be cured?

Speedball Screen Printing ink offers great coverage, smooth workability, and easy cleanup. After printing on fabric your ink will dry, but you still need to “cure” your ink to the fabric, also known as heat setting. Speedball water-based fabric inks can be cured by using a household iron.

Does speedball ink crack?

If you are going for a weathered, worn look, you will want to use regular white Speedball fabric ink. As that thicker layer of ink dries, it will begin to crack. After a few washes, you’ll notice even more weathering.

What type of ink is best for screen printing?

Plastisol ink
Most people involved in screen printing tend to use Plastisol ink. It is thick, durable, versatile, and provides clear graphic detail. Plastisol ink is also easy to mix, long-lasting, widely available, comes in a wide array of colors, and works well with a wide range of screen printing methods, equipment, and designs.

Is Speedball ink water based?

The Speedball inks are truly water-based and don’t have any oil.

What is the best ink for fabric screen printing?

Speedball is a top-rated USA-based manufacturer of quality fabric printing ink, so be prepared to come across more products from them in this list. For now, we concentrate on the Speedball 8-Ounce Fabric Screen Printing Ink, Black (4560). This is a water soluble ink that’s made for use on textile and paper substrates.

How do you know if screen printing ink is cured?

If the print doesn’t crack and retains its shape when the fabric is relaxed, the ink is most likely cured. If your ink cracks or fails to return to its original shape, the ink is probably undercured. In regards to curing screen printing ink, much of the focus today is on curing at the lowest possible temperature.

What type of ink should I use for curing my prints?

The right technique for curing your prints depends on the type of ink you’re using. The two basic types of ink used for screen printing are plastisol and water-based ink.. Here are some general guidelines for successfully curing them: Plastisol ink – The industry standard, known for its opacity and durability.

Is screen printing the best T-shirt printing method?

Screen printing is one of the most preferred methods of t-shirt printing— for both individuals and businesses. That said, you’ll need to invest in the right screen printing ink for successful screen printing of your tees or any other items. So, how do you pick the best ink for you?