What is the difference between water-based and plasticised (“plastisol”) inks?
Plastisol ink is the most commonly used for commercial garment decoration. Colours are intense and opaque on dark materials when undercoated. The texture is plasticised, or slightly rubbery to touch. Prints can be made softer or heavier by adjusting additives. Indirect heat is required to cure the print (approx. 150°C). Plastisol prints must not be ironed over, nor placed in a hot tumble dryer. Water-based ink is traditional and environmental, as the name suggests. Water-based inks penetrate the fabric more than plastisol. The prints look more “organic”, and feel softer. Water-based inks work best for printing darker ink colours onto lighter coloured materials, over larger areas, and wherever texture is important. Prints are heat-cured to become permanent and extremely durable. They age gracefully with the fabric. What special effects are available? • Flocking involves printing a glue onto the fabric, then applying mirror-finish foil, or texture • Glitter/Shimmer creates a sparkle effe
