[rklein]

we have a very small, very poorly ventilated area to print in. we have a 4 color screen press that, at this moment, no one knows how to use. so on top of teaching ourselves how to use it, can anyone recommend what types of inks are safe for us to use in a small space, as well as where is a good place to order them from?
we are planning on printing local artists work on various colored t-shirts, both light and dark.

thank you!
becky

 

[n.signia]

Plastisol or waterbase would work for you, just stay away from graphic inks and discharge inks. Ryonet is a great supplier.

 

[rklein]

we have read that plastisol is not ok if you do not have a well ventilated area. also, my boss at work screen prints and he told me that plastisol would not be ok because it would make the whole strip we are in smell bad, and we have a food establishment next door. we have read that you need respirators to use plastisol, and that extended exposure in small, poorly ventilated areas can possibly cause some severe medical issues. are there different types of plastisol?

 

[n.signia]

Plastisol is odorless. And the chemicals used to clean it are citrus smelling.

 

[rklein]

thank you for your input! i also called the company that we got our supplies from and they gave me the same advice, plus the msds sheets. we just want to make sure that everyone has a healthy experience with this.

 

[funkmaster]

Plastisol is odorless. And the chemicals used to clean it are citrus smelling.

It's ordorless until cured.

Your best non-toxic choice is waterbased inks. They can air dry and won't produce the odor and "smoke" that plastisol does when cured. Keep in mind you still need to cure waterbased ink in a conveyor dryer, heat press, or even household dryer (if applicable) so the ink doesn't washout.

Waterbased inks can present their own challenges that you should look into before using them, such as drying quickly in your screen.

 

[n.signia]

Plastisol is odorless before and after curing. If it smokes your doing something wrong. Get the ink to 320 degrees and it's cured, no smoke, or smell.

Waterbase might actually be a bad idea for you, as it is much more difficult to cure without the proper dryer. Do you have a decent conveyor?

 

[rklein]

we have a flash dryer and table top 4 color press. no conveyor

 

[n.signia]

I would definitely want to start out with plastisol considering your set up.

 

[funkmaster]

I agree, plastisol is easier to work with especially if you're just starting out, but considering your original post stating your concern for health and safety via proper ventilation, waterbased would be the way to go if that is a major concern. Go ahead and try both plastisol and waterbased in a poorly ventilated work space, over the course of your print run you will notice the difference in air quality, however slight. An odor is an odor no matter how slight or noticeable. The msds is no joke if you are actually health and safety conscious. As for smoke, yes, if you see it you need to make adjustments.

 

[funkmaster]

we have a flash dryer and table top 4 color press. no conveyor

That will work, you just need to make sure you don't burn your garment or neglect the amount of time it's under heat, no matter your ink choice. You just need to find the right balance so you don't under cure or over cure and burn your garment.