I printed a shirt on a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend and the shirt looked ok after a wash. Then i printed on a 100% cotton shirt and it faded very much so. Has anyone else had this issue?
What is this about curing ink? Ive read that versatex needs a fxxer but i use the speedball fabric ink. i just hang them to dry. is it still necessary for me to cure the ink? (heat gun?)
I am planning to work on clothing design for a while and cannot have such significant fade. Plz advise. Thks
Speedball BLOWS. Toss it. Do yourself a favor and research proper plastisol. You are screenprinting, yes? You are in the wrong section with this post. But, yes, you need to cure your ink, the best solution being a conveyor dryer set to an exact temperature. Most plastisol cures at 320 - 350 degrees.
I heard the cleanup for plastisol is a process. Right now i just wash the ink off in a slop sink. can i do that for plastisol or there chemicals involved?
People use heat-guns but I wouldn't recommend it since you can get even coverage or *exactly* the temperature you need. Blow dryer doesn't get got enough.
If you don't cure it properly you risk it under or over curing, resulting in the print either washing out or cracking, or both. The cheaper median would be a flash dryer...
I printed a shirt on a 50/50 cotton/polyester blend and the shirt looked ok after a wash. Then i printed on a 100% cotton shirt and it faded very much so. Has anyone else had this issue?
What is this about curing ink? Ive read that versatex needs a fxxer but i use the speedball fabric ink. i just hang them to dry. is it still necessary for me to cure the ink? (heat gun?)
I am planning to work on clothing design for a while and cannot have such significant fade. Plz advise. Thks
-fELBSY
I have a flash brand new never used $650.00 Us plus $100.00 for shipping to the US. Pm me if your interested. Heres some details:
The 18x18" flash gives you a full larger curing capacity as well as a possible quicker flash time between colors. The 18x18" flash features a 1800 watt element which is one of the most aggressive elements on the market makes heating even. - 900-1800 watt heating elements
- Full 18" X 18" heat opening
- 24" X 19" overall measurement
- 360-degree level swivel head
- 90 degree up swivel head
- Adjustable height floor stand (from 30" to 40")
- Switch control 900W or 1800W
- Attachment 2 fans, increase 20% -30% efficiency
and very even heating.
- Voltage 120 - Standard voltage.- Amps 17
- Breaker Size 20 Amp
- 5 Year Limited Warranty
That sounds like what i need, except i am doing this in my basement in my spare time, and as such- have limited space and funds. im going to have to stick with speedball ink for now. Ill just have to really gob the ink on to counteract fading.
All i want to do is create tshirts for me and my friends as a hobby, not some big business. Is the only way to use plastisol inks and an expensive drying machine???
You can also cure plastisol in your kitchen oven. Most plastisol has to reach a temp of 320-350 to cure... I understand that about 45 seconds to 1 minute in an oven set at 450 will do the trick.
Curing is the big issue. Regardless of what type of ink you use, read up on the curing requirements and make sure it happens. People do this as a hobby all the time... but hobby or profession, quality matters.
You can also cure plastisol in your kitchen oven. Most plastisol has to reach a temp of 320-350 to cure... I understand that about 45 seconds to 1 minute in an oven set at 450 will do the trick.
Curing is the big issue. Regardless of what type of ink you use, read up on the curing requirements and make sure it happens. People do this as a hobby all the time... but hobby or profession, quality matters.
Good luck to you
I would be interested to see how many shirts you burn trying that out.
That sounds like what i need, except i am doing this in my basement in my spare time, and as such- have limited space and funds. im going to have to stick with speedball ink for now. Ill just have to really gob the ink on to counteract fading.
If you gob the ink on even thicker you will get ink that will not cure cause its too thick. It will be wet underneath.
Ink fade after wash 
