Discuss the different plastisol screen printing inks and curing methods on the market. Share tips on getting the best results with the different ink manufacturers.
Hi everyone. I want to start hand painting t shirts, but I have no clue at all what types of inks work best? Obviously, I want something that:
1) Stays true to color even after many washes
2) Does not feel stiff or heavy
Any suggestions?
Also, I will mostly be painting on 100% cotton and 50/50 blends... will I need separate types of ink for the different fabrics?
I would stick with water-based inks like Permaset or Matsui. They do however require heat setting other than with an iron (heat gun, flash dryer, etc.).
I actually do have a heat press. Would that work with the Permaset and Matsui inks?
Not recommended. With these commercial inks, the trick is to remove all moisture from the ink to facilitate curing. A heat press does not allow moisture to escape.
If your press has a 'hover' feature, it will work. Otherwise a $20 heat gun from Home Depot will work too.
Waterbased ink. Being true to colour won't be a problem with any professional screenprinting product. Waterbased ink will be easier to work with in a home environment, and softer on the garment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by hls1621
Also, I will mostly be painting on 100% cotton and 50/50 blends... will I need separate types of ink for the different fabrics?
Waterbased ink doesn't play very nicely with polyester. However you can get an additive for the ink to help with that, so you'll still be able to use the same inks.
Maybe I can just stick with 100% cotton to avoid problems.
It would make life easier, but the option of the additive is there if you need it. Although many of the downsides of using the additive wouldn't apply anyway if you were painting and not screenprinting.
Quote:
Originally Posted by hls1621
This might be a stupid question, but, does it matter what I use to paint with? Or would I just use a paint brush?
Use whatever gives you the result you want. Try and keep the ink layer thinner if you can.
Denise, I know of a local Art supply store that carries that brand. Does it need to be heat set also? If so, how have you done it?
Thanks!!
Hi, yes, you would want it to dry and then heatseal it. It needs to be fully cured. On the label, it will give you exact info. They can be cured with a heatpress, a heatgun or a home iron...heatseat on the backside when using an iron. Use a teflon cover sheet if you're using a heatpress. With the heatgun, you apply heat on the painted side.
Also, if it's the Createx that you buy, be sure to get the regular Createx and not their Auto Air (Auto Air is strickly for rigid, non porous surfaces)
I've got shirts that are now rags, that I painted in the 80's, and the artwork still looks good, it's the shirts that wore out.
Lewis and Denise, Thanks so much for the advice! I am going to go to the art store today and get the Createx paint and some tools and I should be all set! I am very excited! =]
Hand Painting Fabric Inks 
