T-Shirt Forums banner
Cancel

Best Ink Brands...? Water Based vs. Plastisol..?

1504 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  meguva, 
M
Hello!
I'm pretty new to screen printing-

What brand inks does everyone use?

Water Based?

Plastisol?
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
C
im new too bud, but the one thing forum junkies hate is someone who wont take the time to use a search function

different inks are used for different purposes.. figure out what purpose you need and match the ink to it

water based is harder to handle and print apparently but cheaper cost
plastic is easier but more expensive
Reply
Save
Like
sben763
I use plastisol. Brand to me isn't that importat as much as how the ink is prepared for printing such as mixing ink temp additives ect. I do stick to the major brands, Union, international coatings, one stroke. Plastisol has a feel, easier to work with doesn't dry in the screen and I like the look better.

Water based ink a few air dry but most require special dryers with jet air. You have to print continuously then clean up right away. Higher mesh is generally needed most is Acually pretty nasty stuff. Don't let the term water based fool you. Has almost no feel

Cost is almost the same for the ink but due to higher mesh more heat and clean up chemicals is generally higher cost.

Yes it's always good to use the search but don't hesitate to ask a question
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
M
sben763 said:
I use plastisol. Brand to me isn't that importat as much as how the ink is prepared for printing such as mixing ink temp additives ect. I do stick to the major brands, Union, international coatings, one stroke. Plastisol has a feel, easier to work with doesn't dry in the screen and I like the look better.

Water based ink a few air dry but most require special dryers with jet air. You have to print continuously then clean up right away. Higher mesh is generally needed most is Acually pretty nasty stuff. Don't let the term water based fool you. Has almost no feel

Cost is almost the same for the ink but due to higher mesh more heat and clean up chemicals is generally higher cost.

Yes it's always good to use the search but don't hesitate to ask a question
Click to expand...

Thanks- that was helpful!
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 4 of 4 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
T-Shirt Forums
A forum community dedicated to T-shirt merchants, professionals and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about graphics, commerce, dyes, prints, collections, guides, displays, styles, scales, equipment, accessories, reviews, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Screen Printing General T-Shirt Selling Discussion Graphics and Design Help Member Introductions Heat Press and Heat Transfers
Top