Screen printing, one of the most versatile and widely used printing methods, allows for a myriad of inks to be used based on the desired outcome. Each ink type comes with its own set of characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. In this article, we delve into three major ink types used in screen printing: Plastisol, Waterbased, and Discharge.

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1. Plastisol

Plastisol ink, the standard go-to for many in the industry, is known for sitting atop the fabric as opposed to integrating with it.

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Look

- Matte Finish on light-coloured garments.

- Slightly Satin Finish on dark-coloured garments.

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Feel

- Soft on light-coloured garments.

- Smooth on dark-coloured garments.

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Pros

- Produces vibrant and accurate colours.

- Renders sharp details.

- Versatile: Suitable for a vast array of garments and hues.

- Highly Durable: Known for excellent washability.

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Cons

- The print finish can appear slightly satin. However, this can be a pro based on individual preference.

- The ink tends to sit “on” the fabric, which, depending on the look one desires, could be a downside or an advantage.

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2. Water-based

Water-based ink integrates seamlessly with the fabric, often recommended for lighter coloured shirts, giving the feel of the ink being one with the cloth.

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Look

- Matte Finish: Truly feels like a part of the fabric.

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Feel

- Supremely Soft: As delicate as the very fabric it's printed on.

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Pros

- Integrated Feel: The print feels like it's a part of the fabric, offering an unmatched hand feel.

- Breathability: Perfect for hot days as it doesn't weigh down the fabric.

- High Detail: Ideal for intricate designs.

- Organic Nature: Environmentally conscious.

- Durability: Long-lasting prints.

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Cons

- Restricted to light-coloured garments.

- Colour matching can be slightly off.

- Produces less vibrant colours.

- May incur additional costs compared to other inks.

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3. Discharge

Discharge ink, another variant of the water-based ink, is specifically designed for darker garments. It offers a plush finish but comes with its distinct set of pros and cons.

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Look

- Matte Finish: Blends seamlessly with the fabric.

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Feel

- Incredibly Soft: Feels just like the shirt fabric it's on.

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Pros

- Offers a soft hand feel akin to the fabric.

- Breathable and light, making it comfortable for the wearer.

- Retains high details.

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Cons

- Contains formaldehyde: Though it evaporates during the curing process, remnants might persist, making it unsuitable for children's or baby wear.

- Skin Sensitivity: Advised to wash before wearing if you have delicate skin.

- Tends to fade quicker compared to other inks, which might be a plus if you're going for a vintage style.

- Best suited for 100% cotton garments.

- Limited in terms of product and garment colour options.

- Can sometimes be off in colour matching and produce less vibrant hues.

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In Conclusion

Choosing the right ink for screen printing is pivotal to achieving the desired outcome. While Plastisol is the industry favorite for its versatility, both Water-based and Discharge inks offer unique finishes and feels that might be just what you're looking for. It's always recommended to discuss with a professional printer to ensure the best results for your specific needs.

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