Things You Need to Know About Types of Screen Printing Ink

Screen printing ink is a specialized type of ink specifically designed for the screen printing (silk screen) industry. Therefore, it is produced in a variety of formulations to maximize efficiency during the printing process. If you’re exploring information about the different types of screen printing ink, let Tachi guide you through the details in the article below!

Overview of Screen Printing Ink Types

Screen printing inks typically produce more intense and vivid prints than conventional inkjet or offset inks. Made primarily from water-based or oil-based components, screen printing inks offer excellent clarity and boldness in print results. Below are the most commonly available types of screen printing inks on the market. Take a look to find the one that best suits your printing needs:

Water-Based Screen Printing Ink

Among the best-selling screen printing inks, water-based ink is undoubtedly a top choice. This type of ink is directly printed on cellulose-based materials such as cotton fabric, jute, bamboo, etc. It can also be printed on wood or cardboard when blended with colorants.

Water-based ink is known for its versatility in use.

After printing, water-based inks can dry naturally without requiring heat or UV curing, making them highly popular for their practical application and affordable cost.

Oil-Based Screen Printing Ink

This type of ink is primarily derived from petroleum products, which is why it often has a distinct oil scent when used. The intensity of the odor varies depending on the formulation, but most pre-mixed versions emit only a light scent. Oil-based screen printing ink also has strong ink adhesion properties.

Oil-based ink offers good adhesion on various surfaces.

Plastisol Screen Printing Ink

Plastisol is one of the most widely used screen printing inks today. As a lightweight oil-based ink, it delivers a smooth surface finish with better adhesion and gloss than water-based inks. However, after printing, products using Plastisol ink must be cured at 160°C for at least 10 seconds to ensure long-lasting quality and durability.

Plastisol screen printing ink ensures excellent adhesion.

Sublimation Screen Printing Ink

Sublimation ink is a water-based ink specially formulated for heat transfer printing. After printing, the ink must be transferred to another surface using heat at around 220°C. This process helps achieve precise, vibrant colors and long-lasting results.

Sublimation ink ensures accurate color rendering.

UV Screen Printing Ink

UV screen printing ink is an oil-based ink known for its excellent adhesion and high versatility. It can be printed on a wide range of materials. However, after printing, the item must be cured with ultraviolet (UV) light to set the ink and ensure long-lasting durability and vividness.

With its perfect transparency, UV ink provides a glossy finish, adds texture effects, and enhances the visual impact of the printed product. Today, UV screen printing ink is widely used in decorative arts, fine art printing, and more due to its superior performance.

UV screen printing ink creates a perfect glossy finish for art prints.

Which Type of Screen Printing Ink Is the Best?

Choosing the best ink from the above-mentioned types can be challenging, as each one has its own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re new to screen printing, consider starting with Plastisol ink, as it is one of the most commonly used options.

In the high-end screen printing sector, Plastisol is favored for its stable performance at room temperature and compatibility with various modern screen printers without clogging. However, to maximize color adhesion, it’s recommended to apply heat curing as part of the printing process.

Choose Ink Based on Your Needs

If you’re concerned about the health effects of oil-based inks, it’s best to consult with reputable suppliers who can help you find a product that truly suits your needs.

Conclusion

Through this article, we’ve explored the most popular types of screen printing inks currently available. If you’re looking to purchase one of these five ink types at an affordable price, contact Tachi for expert advice and fast delivery!

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