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Sticky Ink, too cold?

7.7K views 8 replies 7 participants last post by  jswhipple  
#1 ·
using Kolor Matrix inks that get more tacky as print run goes on, most notable with white on black, but similar with colored ink on white.

I print in my basement (60 degrees, but environment warms up a bit when IR flash unit is on), thinking maybe it's too cold. Ink is stored upstairs and worked on screen before printing to get it more buttery.

Print runs are between 24 and 72 and are single color.

Thanks for your input!
 
#4 ·
I work in colder temps than that & the only effect it has on my inks is they are hard to push through the screen for the first couple of prints, depending on the color.
Are you using spray adhesive to hold your shirts down?
Some other possible issues...off contact needs to be adjusted, screen not stretched tight enough, not clearing the image area of ink before lifting screen.
 
#6 ·
It's been super cold this winter in my studio, my solution to super thick white has been to put a thick flood on the screen, and leave that screen above the flash for a minute, then when you go to print its like butter.

Sometimes i have to do it every 6-8 prints. I've also started doing it when i print sweaters at it leaves them with such a smooth print.

Don't worry about the ink curing in the screen, you'd need to leave it there for a long time for enough rising heat to cure the ink that way.
 
#8 ·
I don't hesitate to add a little reducer to opaque inks in the winter time. Contrary to popular belief, a small amount of reducer will not noticeably affect the opacity of the prints. It will be far easier to print, especially as the flash warms up the pallets and softens up the ink. The feel of the prints will be softer and smoother too.