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PSCO · November 5th, 2009

My waterbased inks are way too thin and runny! Why is this caused and what can I do??

Thanks

splathead · November 6th, 2009

What brand are you using. What is the mesh size of your screen? Generally you meed a higher mesh to print waterbased inks.

tlbays · November 6th, 2009

Hi PSCO

In addition to Joe's correct assignment of finer meshes needed for some waterbased ink formulas,
there is an additive thickening agent that can be used with many screen inks and paint coatings known as a "fumed silicate":
Cab-o-Sil Filler. M5 Cabosil-untreated fumed submicron silica used as an inert filler to thicken thin liquid systems (polyester, urethane, epoxy, dyes and paints. Available in small quantity. EP7965

Trade names of Cabosil* and Airosil are common,
and companies like Rutland sell it as Thickener #10 (MO-0010). Note it also works with non-plastisol inks, too.

A little goes a very long way, and if mixed properly, it can do wonders in viscosity increase.

Major handling consideration:
Wear a mask to avoid breathing this "feather-light powder" additive and avoid mixing it amidst high air circulation.

(*Not to be confused with Cabo Wabo.)

Happy trails!

PSCO · November 6th, 2009

Thanks for responding Joe and Screen Outlaw. I am using anywhere between 200 and 280 mesh depending on design. I can't remember the brand name, it is the exclusive water-based ink on screenprintingsupplies.com.
My ink is the consistency of pulpy orange juice, far too runny. I think that I will try this additive.

Thanks for taking the time to reply!

jsf · November 6th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSCO


	Thanks for responding Joe and Screen Outlaw. I am using anywhere between 200 and 280 mesh depending on design. I can't remember the brand name, it is the exclusive water-based ink on screenprintingsupplies.com. My ink is the consistency of pulpy orange juice, far too runny. I think that I will try this additive. Thanks for taking the time to reply!

Use coarse mesh than your 200. Perhaps 100-120 will do give you much better print. Having a fine mesh will control ink deposit to your garment, meaning thin coat is resulted. Vise versa with coarse.

PSCO · November 9th, 2009

Thanks for the added info!! I let the ink sit out open for a while and that seemed to thicken it some! Thanks to all for your help!

NoDivision1998 · November 13th, 2009

Try International Coatings - Generation IV (4) Waterbased Ink. It looks and feels more like plastisol, it takes about 40 min to dry in your screen, and doesn't break down your screen. I used it on this one order, but I was looking for the thin water based ink, so I didn't like it for that job... but now that I know how it prints, I know what it can do.

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HELP!! Water based ink too thin