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AdriaticBlue · June 11th, 2007

About a week ago, I posted sample test prints done on bamboo fabric using Nazdar 9500 waterbased inks.

Today, I'm sharing a pics of test prints done, also on bamboo, by screenprinting company Newell Graphics. They used Matsui International waterbased inks for these tests. Note: The samples have not yet been washed.

I definitely liked what I saw from these results and some samples feature a vintage print style. Other samples show the ink soaking well into the fabric, thus having no hand. (Nice!) A few had a slight hand which was still fine and nowhere near the feel of plastisol. If they came out this nice on bamboo, there's no problem on cotton/cotton blend.

I know that some here like myself feel as though waterbased ink screenprinters are scarce. I've even taken the initiative recently to learn about digital printing options because I was beginning to believe that I just may not find a company truly dedicated to waterbased ink screenprinting and who want to work with a new, small business. Digital printing has it's place, is evolving and there are some options about it I actually like, but I'm not yet sold on it.

I haven't given up hope, so don't you if waterbased ink screenprinting is what you want. And I'm all sampled out now, time to see some samples from others here!!!

AB

Revival Ink · June 11th, 2007

Can I ask how much it cost per shirt to have shirts printed with this ink? I am actually a small printer that uses water based inks, and I am curious what others are charging...

AdriaticBlue · June 11th, 2007

Hi Revival!

I would suggest seeking out as many Matsui ink screenprinters you can find to get quotes.

From a few price lists I've received of companies who do both waterbased and plastisol-based printing, the only price difference I've seen was for using waterbased inks in itself vs. plastisol inks, not for using a Wilflex ink vs. a Union ink (as an example). But, some companies may price differently for one brand over another.

AB

dfalk · June 12th, 2007

Have you noticed any cracking of the opaque white ink? The blue on the olive turned out pretty well. Can I ask which Bamboo t's your using?

AdriaticBlue · June 12th, 2007

Hey there dfalk,

The color that looks like opaque white I was advised by the printer as being light blue. There has not been any cracking as of yet and I haven't washed them yet as well. I'm testing with fabric from both SpunBamboo and Bamboosa.

meehanb2 · April 30th, 2008

Have you heard of companies that use Matsui ink and do the screen printing. I am starting a women's clothing line using natural fiber textiles, one of which is Bamboo and would like to find a company that uses this ink.