[MacSF]

Hi,

I'm screen printing with plastisol inks and am getting a rough texture to the finished surface. I might want this for certain future designs, but not for this one. Also, my final screen (of two) is sticking a lot (second image attached), and affecting the print. Don't know if the two problems are related.

My Process:
• American Apparel 2001 shirt
• Singles pass of Chino White through 158 mesh screen; flash cured
• Double pass of IC plastisol with +8% Chino Clear (to soften) through 158 mesh screen; flash cured

I've tried changing the screen height on the color screen, a bit, without any luck. Maybe I need to do it more.

Can anybody tell me what's causing the rough, fuzzy texture and stickiness?

 

[CVL Ink]

Several things can contribute to the rough texture that you mentioned.
-The chino additive softens but also gives a sort of suede texture - consider taking that our of the mix, especially if you're going for a smooth glossy finish.
- if the ink is very thick you should try printing through a lower mesh - thick ink + high mesh = rough print
- i've found that a slower squeegee stroke often results in a smoother print than to a fast stroke. Similarly increasing squeegee pressure can get print to come out smoother
-if you have a heat press try pressing the cured print @350 for 10 seconds, that'll smooth out anything

As far as stickiness goes,
-the first color might be under flashed, it should not be tacky to the touch before it hits the second screen - try flashing longer
-some colors are stickier than others, try reversing the print order
- if the print is too hot when it hits the second screen it is more likely to stick - point a fan in your cool down head right after the flash to cool the print off
- last resort spray silicone spray (from any automotive store or your supplies vendor) lightly on the back of the second screen

hope that helps!

 

[alan802]

If it takes two strokes to get the ink compeletely through the screen then do it. If absoluty any ink is left in the image then you will have a fuzzy print.

 

[MacSF]

Dan,

Thank you so much for all these hints. I removed the chino and it did the trick. I also tried the slower squeegee stroke and cooling the underbase and liked the results I got. I appreciate your help!