Water Based Ink Screen Printed Transfers Possible?

31128 Views 77 Replies 28 Participants Last post by jipsee, Mar 13, 2016

Rodney

Discussion Starter · Aug 18, 2006

With all the talk about plastisol transfers, I was wondering if it would be possible to screen print on the same "release" transfer paper, but instead of using plastisol inks, you could use water based inks?

That way they could be heat pressed onto the garment and have the supersoft, no hand feel of a water based ink screen print?

Is that just crazy talk, or would that be possible?

1 - 20 of 78 Posts

Solmu

· #2 · Aug 19, 2006

Rodney said:
Is that just crazy talk, or would that be possible?

I wondered the same thing for a while, but came to the conclusion it wouldn't be possible (note that I haven't tried it, so feel free to jump in here if I'm wrong anyone).

My thinking was that plastisol is PVC based, so you can essentially congeal the ink onto the paper, then transfer it/cure it onto the shirt. Waterbased inks air dry, so they'd print and dry out on the paper. If you heated the paper for a transfer, they'd just dry out/cure. I couldn't see how you could get them to transfer from paper.

Jasonda

· #3 · Sep 14, 2006

I just found this article:

http://stitches.com/mag/apparel_environmentfriendly/

Apparently, it is possible!

Solmu

· #4 · Sep 14, 2006

Excellent, thanks for the link.

Sometimes it's good to be wrong, though at least I was right insofar as you need an additive to do it

Well, I'll stick it on the big ol' to-do list...

monkeylantern

· #5 · Sep 14, 2006

Interesting indeed!

Jasonda

· #6 · Sep 14, 2006

Actually, before I found that link I thought it was impossible too.

Let us know if you ever try it out.

Rodney

Discussion Starter · #7 · Sep 14, 2006

Woo Hoo, nice find Jasonda! Thanks for digging up this thread and posting!

T-BOT

· #8 · Sep 14, 2006

good article.
it is possible, to be honest though, its not as easy as it sounds.
most screen printers will tell you it's more trouble than its worth.

to bad though. The day will come when the Dry is not super-quick.... i found.
Still working on it.

fizz

· #9 · Sep 14, 2006

Hi There
It is possible and is happening right now.
I sell the inks in England for a belgium company http://www.unico.be/
I have printed transfers to go on to cotton and also on to lycra. The ink stretches better than any plastisol and will return to original shape.
We also sell a hardener that allows the print to be industrial washed, great for work wear.
I have seen it fused at 130 degrees onto subli dyed garments with no bleed through.
It is the best advance i have seen in the last few years
sorry for the sales pitch but i love this range of inks.
Phil

Rodney

Discussion Starter · #10 · Sep 14, 2006

Thanks for the further information, Phil.

Does the water based ink transfer have any special handling issues (because the water based ink would dry/cure faster on the carrier paper)?

MotoskinGraphix

· #11 · Sep 14, 2006

That is pretty spectacular and about the coolest thing I have heard in transfer capability. The only thing to do now is find a resource and try some samples.

Rodney

Discussion Starter · #12 · Sep 14, 2006

The only thing to do now is find a resource and try some samples.

For sure. I hope a company pops up that provides this type of transfer printing. I'd like to see a few samples.

Maybe Fizz knows printer in the US that are doing this method?

T-BOT

· #13 · Sep 14, 2006

Rodney said:
Maybe Fizz knows printer in the US that are doing this method?

FIZZ, im curious too.

...all the top notch transfer makers I know say the same thing.
They dont turn out well and it's a pain.

..... but that will change im sure.

may be a printer will figure it out how to make them well with minimal pain. ... i hope.

I think Hix makes them or know who does. Try them Rodney.

fizz

· #14 · Sep 14, 2006

Hi all.
I have done tests at target transfers, one of the best in the U.K.
We had no issues and they were very impressed with the results, you could even iron the transfer after fusing.
if anyone in the u.k. wants to look at the system let me know.
I will ask Unico if they have a U.S. distributer who I can put everyone else on to.
The only problem I can see with the system is it will cockle low wieght transfer paper (t75) and will dry in the screen in hot shop conditions if left.
But if you are happy printing solvent based inks or water based inks, rather than just plastisols, then it wont be a problem.
I have some printed samples I am willing to mail people who are not in the u.k. if they want to pm your address.
You just need to fuse them at 130 - 180 medium pressure.
As i said before, it's they best thing I've seen for a few years and I've sold for Rutland, wilflex and union for a few years now and have seen some good inks!
Phil

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T-BOT

· #15 · Sep 14, 2006

whommmm exactly in the UK is making these transfers ?

and what companies/brands have they been made for ?

...please Fizz, share it with us here. I really gotta know.

Fizz, dont get me wrong, i like the Inks...

fizz

· #16 · Sep 14, 2006

Hey Lucy
As i said i have demonstrated the products at target transfers, www.targettransfers.com
as for brands ect, i dont know.
i know the inks are used in Italy, Germany and across europe.
i have only just got hold of them in the U.K. and I am convinced they are the way forwards.
i can e-mail you they product guides if you want.
regards
Phil

T-BOT

· #17 · Sep 14, 2006

thanks Phil.

i think if anyone is doing it here in America would be the people at HIX/affiliates.

as for Target, i always thought they were Stahls/Tansfer Express.

I do hope this process does get developed further.

since anything to do with helping the Enviroment is in everyone's best interest.

Cheers.

fizz

· #18 · Sep 14, 2006

Hi Lucy
Target are part of the Stahls group.
And yes you are right this technology is alt better for the printer and enviroment.
We are looking at it replacing all solvent based workwear inks as it is that good.
Also looking at it for cad cut printed sheets as it cuts very well.
A few issues to iron out with adhesives and the cutter but we are nearly there.
Regards
Phil

ieaturheart

· #19 · Apr 24, 2007

would anyone mind explaining what exactly is going on. im kinda new and was just searching around for water-based inks. im pretty sure i want to use water based inks but dont really know what kind to use or where to get them from. i heard a few companies but can anyone say hey since you are knew go with such and such it works perfect in my opinion. idk i guess im just looking for a water-based ink any suggestions. thanks

-austin

Rodney

Discussion Starter · #20 · Apr 24, 2007

ieaturheart said:
would anyone mind explaining what exactly is going on. im kinda new and was just searching around for water-based inks. im pretty sure i want to use water based inks but dont really know what kind to use or where to get them from. i heard a few companies but can anyone say hey since you are knew go with such and such it works perfect in my opinion. idk i guess im just looking for a water-based ink any suggestions. thanks

-austin

Hi Austin, this thread is about water based ink heat transfers. If you keep searching through threads, you'll find many links to brands of ink for screen printing directly to garments with water based ink. Like this one: http://www.t-shirtforums.com/screen-printing/t17609.html

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