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.
I have 110 mesh screens, and I would like some opinions about the best type of ink to use. I have heard a little about Plastisol but not much else.
Also, I need to heat set the ink, and I'm wondering if I can use my heat press to do so. I have heat guns too, but I read a thread that discouraged it. I don't have funds for other equipment at this time.
Plastisol Ink (as opposed to waterbased acrylic ink option) is a good place to start.
Once you're practiced in screenprint techniques, differences in the two inks (as well as differences within various plastisol forumulas) will become more understandable; where it's then easier to judge what is best for you and your customers.
You're correct that both Plastisol and WB Acrylics require approx. 320F for cure and crosslink to become durable for machine washing of prints.
A heat gun (paint removal) can do this, but insuring correct temp is tricky and difficult to control and repeat, but good enough for personal production needs.
Even your cooking oven can do it (with more dependable temp control), but production volume must be modest in these cases.
The transfer press (and release/transfer paper liner) would work if the screenprint can take the pressure; but some would say to just print transfers instead.
Stay on the lookout for a good deal on a Flash Cure Unit and a Temperature Measurment gun if you build up enough business to undertake ongoing manufacturing.
Thanks for your help. My wife is an artist, and she gave me some Versatex water-based ink to work with. I am anxious to try Plastisol soon, but based on your answer I think I'm safe with this type of ink for the small 50 shirt order I'm processing.
100 mesh screen/inks and heat setting 
