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Screen Printing Using Plastisol Inks

Plastisol Screen Printing

Wholesale Plastisol Screen Printing Services in Los Angeles

What is Plastisol Ink?

Exploring Plastisol Ink in Screen Printing

Plastisol is a type of ink that is most commonly used in t shirt printing because the colors are the most vibrant, looks and feels the most professional, and has a soft touch to the hand. This ink is known for its durability and versatility, with the ability to print on almost any fabric and offers an incredible life span of over 40+ washes. Available in over 3,000+ colors, this ink can be mixed and formulated into any Pantone color and is the preferred choice amongst brand owners.

  • Vibrant, opaque colors
  • 3,000+ colors available, can be mixed into any Pantone color
  • Can be printed on nearly any type of fabric
  • Soft to the touch

Plastisol Ink serves as the base for many other services.

Plastisol ink is not just for basic printing; it also supports innovative techniques like Puff Ink, which produces a raised texture, and simulated process printing that blends ink to achieve new colors. The ability to serve as a base for many other customization techniques is the reason why it is the most popular printing option for custom t shirts.

Screen Printing using plastisol inks
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Examples of Screen Printing

custom screen printed design on hoody
3D Screen Printing
A Simple Guide

Comparing Techniques: Plastisol Ink vs. Puff Ink Screen Printing

Plastisol ink serves as a foundation for various screen printing techniques, including puff print. The key distinction lies in their composition: puff ink incorporates a unique additive that expands when heated, creating a signature raised effect. If you're seeking further details, your account reps can help guide you.

Our Inks Don't Crack

How does Plastisol Screen Printing Work?

Plastisol ink remains on the surface of the fabric, unlike water-based inks that absorb into the material. Because of this, we're able to achieve vibrant, opaque prints that pop when printed on t shirts. Plastisol also facilitates the rapid layering of colors, each maintaining clarity and vibrancy. The ink is a thick, butter-like mixture of pigments and additives, ideal for effective screen printing. In contrast to the quick-drying, eco-friendly water-based inks that can clog screens and damage prints, plastisol ink retains its softness even after it's cured, ensuring a smoother printing process.

Screen Printing using plastisol inks
Custom Plastisol Printing
Our Inks Are Fade-Resistant

How is Plastisol Ink Dried?

After applying the ink, our printers cure and dry the plastisol to permanently bond the design to the garment. When exposed to temperatures above 320 degrees for 40 seconds, the ink's particles melt and fuse, transforming the ink into a buttery solid yet flexible print that permanently adheres to your garment.

Our Opinion

Is a Plastisol Transfer or Plastisol Printing Better?

The main difference between plastisol transfers and plastisol screen printing is in the application method. Plastisol screen printing involves applying the ink directly onto the garment. For plastisol transfers, however, the ink is first applied to a clear transfer paper which is then heat-pressed onto the garment. We find that plastisol transfers often lack sharpness in detail and do not feel as soft to the touch, which is why we do not offer them. We recommend plastisol transfers only when doing custom numbers on the back of sports jerseys as the application process is easier than printing directly onto the garment with ink.

Custom_Heat_Transfer_White_Baby_Bibs4
Expert Advice

Which Products Are Best For Plastisol Printing?

Plastisol ink is a popular choice because it is highly versatile and can be used with any apparel product and material. This makes it an excellent option for most of the products we provide. If you have any questions regarding a specific product, please feel free to contact one of our account representatives

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Plastisol Screen Printing

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any other thoughts or questions or haven’t found what you are looking for, feel free to connect with a rep.

What is plastisol ink?

Plastisol ink is the most durable and popular choice for custom-printed garments on the market.

At what temperature is plastisol dried?

In our process, each layer of ink on our custom screen-printed merchandise is flash-dried, reaching up to 320 degrees. After passing through the various screens, the garment is then placed on a 10-foot long heated conveyor belt three separate times.

What finishes are available for plastisol printing?

We offer two types of finishes for plastisol ink: matte and glossy. For those seeking a sparkly or shiny finish, we provide different services like shimmer ink or foil finish.

Are all plastisol inks the same?

No, they are not. Many plastisol inks are produced in China using environmentally unstable materials. We source our plastisol from trusted vendors in Italy, Japan, and the US to ensure quality.

Is there a color limit for plastisol printing?

Yes, we can provide prints with up to 8 colors. If you need more than 8 colors, we recommend exploring water-based transfer printing.

Can plastisol inks work on any fabric?

Yes, we test and adjust our ink formulas to ensure compatibility with any fabric.

Do plastisol inks fade or crack?

It is possible for plastisol inks to fade or crack if not printed or cured properly. We always adjust the formula to best suit your selected fabric to prevent these issues.

Can you screen print plastisol inks on dark fabric?

Yes, plastisol inks can be effectively screen printed on dark fabrics using either a regular plastisol base as a primary layer or a discharged waterbase for an extra smooth feel.

 
 
 
 
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We make merchandise for brands, businesses, and events.

  • 4778 W. Mission Blvd, Montclair CA 91762
  • Phone: (855) 942-7636
  • E-mail: info@garmentdecor.com

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  • Custom Printed T Shirts
  • Custom Embroidered Hats
  • Custom Sweatshirts & Hoodies
  • Hats & Beanies
  • Bags & Luggage
  • Mugs & Drinkware

Services

  • Screen Printing
  • Embroidery
  • Puff Printing
  • Digital Printing
  • Jumbo Screen Printing
  • Plastisol Screen Printing
  • Retail Finishing

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