[alexanderwe4]

Hi there,
Recently we started screen printing with a kit off of amazon, we came to find out that the instructions weren't there, so we worked from scratch. We found out the ink is water based (the ink is not descriptive at all) and that when we only use transparent base, the ink has a very pigmented color, but is too thick to go through the screen, however when we mix the white and transparent (70%White 30%Transparent) It goes through the screen but has a very muted/pastel color.


(EDIT: We're using white and transparent ink from ASC365 as well as pigment that is not paste? it's basically water)

 

[Industryps]

Would need to know more info about what you are printing on, what color you're mixing, etc.., to better offer a suggestion. Transparent base when used in excess can cause dramatic color shifts; generally, you should only use 5%-10% base.

If the ink is thick, clumpy, gooey, it may be bad, or may just need to be thinned down a little bit with a bit of water (but not much). I believe the forum member @NoXid may be able to offer some help as well, he prints primarily with water-based inks on textiles.

 

[alexanderwe4]

We are printing on Gildan dryblend 8000, I guess we're just confused as to what to do with the ratio of white and transparent, because when we use more white, the color becomes pastel, and we can't figure out why, but adding more pigment doesnt create a notable change

 

[Industryps]

Waterbased ink may not be the best ink for a dry-blend shirt, but I've seen other users speak of having good results. Typically, plastisol ink is used on garments with high polyester content because waterbased ink has trouble bonding to synthetic fabrics.
As for hitting your color, you can't always use white to make it lighter as too much of it will just wash out the color like you are describing. This is especially true with mixing reds and greens in my experience.
If you are able to choose a PMS Color for the color you are mixing, you can then see the mixing ratio that will be a good guidline for making your selected color. The ratio should be a good starting point, but may need some adjustments to hit the exact match.

 

[NoXid]

As noted above, adding white will create a tint, or more pastel like version of the color.

Are you printing on dark garments or light? If dark, you need to underbase with white before printing the top color--as most inks other than white are not opaque.

Without decent instructions from the ink maker, it is hard to know exactly what you have and how best to use it. Mixing pigments and bases adds needless complexity and uncertainty, especially if just getting started with screen printing. I would get some decent pre-mixed ink, like Green Galaxy from Ryonet. Or if you want colors that do not need to be underbased on dark garments, there is Permaset Aqua SuperCover, which costs a good deal more.

 

[alexanderwe4]

We've been mixing pigment with base, which im assuming is incorrect, our "ink" is water, and not paste.

 

[NoXid]

We've been mixing pigment with base, which im assuming is incorrect, our "ink" is water, and not paste.

There is no ink system on the market I am aware of where they leave it to the end user to add water ... it's not a biscuit recipe

Most inks are composed of a combination of opaque base, transparent base, and pigment. Those bases already contain the correct percentage of water. (Though one does need to refresh ink with a bit of water after each use or it will gradually get too dry.)

 

[sben763]

(EDIT: We're using white and transparent ink from ASC365 as well as pigment that is not paste? it's basically water)

If you do a search here asc365, Miami screen print and they have a few other names you will find most if not all the stuff they sell is junk.

Using inks from reputable manufactures such as Permaset, Matsui, Union there are some others will likely cure all the issues when following their instructions.