Plastisol is a printing medium that uses resin or polymer to bind pigment. Plastisol ink is the standard for silk screening because it offers unlimited color options and since its resins can create thick, wear-resistant prints.
- Rapid Cure Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing
- Ecotex Primary Plastisol Ink Kit 6 Ink Bottles
- Ecotex White Plastisol Ink Phthalate Formula
- TRIANGLE Screen Printing Plastisol Inks Black
- Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set
For this article, we’ll assume that the term “plastisol” means 100% solids (no added thinner). Solvent-based inks are not considered plastisols unless they meet the criteria above. In other words, if you add Xylene or Toluene to your ink then it’s no longer a plastisol.
- How to Choose the best Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing?
- How to Handle White Plastisol Inks in Cooler Temperatures?
- How to Remove plastisol ink from shirt?
- How to Clean plastisol ink off screen?
Different inks have different purposes. For example, some are made to be used on dark garments while others work best on light-colored fabrics.
We’ll review the best plastisol inks for each purpose.
TOP Rated plastisol ink screenprint – Reviews
| Image | Product | Rated |
|---|---|---|
The Best Plastisol Ink for Silk Printing  | Rapid Cure Plastisol Ink
| Check Price |
The Best Plastisol Ink Kit for Screen Printing  | Ecotex Primary Plastisol Ink Kit
| Check Price |
The Best White Plastisol Ink  | Ecotex White Plastisol Ink
| Check Price |
Read More:
The Best Plastisol Ink for Silk Printing
Rapid Cure Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing Review
Rapid cure plastisol inks cure as low as 270°F compared to the average plastisol ink that cures at 320°F. This rapid-cure ink will yield a bold, vibrant, and highly opaque color with a body to make it easy to work with on the press.
It also contains low bleed which allows you to print on many different types of cotton and polyester blends! The inks are non-phthalate and CPSIA compliant.
Top benefits of Rapid Cure Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing
- Rapid cure plastisol inks, curing at 270°F compared to 320°F.
- Non-phthalate, CPSIA compliant.
- Made in the USA!
Rapid Cure Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing Low Temperature Curing Ink by Screen Print Direct is a great option if you are looking to save time.
Flash and Curing Guidelines
- Cure at 132° C/270° F
- Flash at 82-104° C/180-200°F
If you want to make sure the ink is fully cured, wash your shirt 5-10 times. If it is under-cured, the ink will show problems after only 1-3 washes.
A quick way to test if it is fully cured is by doing a stretch test. Stretch the shirt and see if it cracks or moves back where you stretched it. If this happens then the ink isn’t fully cured and needs more time to dry before use.
Clean Up
Ecotex Plastisol Press Wash/Ink Degradant
- Clean excess plastisol ink on the press, ideal for use between color changes.
Ecotex Plastisol Screen Wash/ Ink Degradant
- Clean remaining plastisol ink residue from the screen in the sink or washout booth.
Pro Tips
Store plastisol inks at room temperature. Prolonged exposure to temperatures above 90º F (32º C) can prematurely cure ink while still in the container.
We highly recommend printing with an under-base white when printing on dark garments.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Low temperature curing ink.
- Prints well.
Cons
- The ink is not pigmented.
Conclusion
Rapid Cure Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing Low Temperature Curing Ink by Screen Print Direct is a good ink.
It’s easy to use, prints well, and has little-to-no bleeding from dark garments. The only downside is that the ink doesn’t have pigmentation which makes it difficult to cover darker colors with white or light colors.
If you’re looking for an all-around excellent product this may not be what you’re looking for but if you want a low-temperature curing screen printing medium at a great price then go ahead and give this one a try!
The Best Plastisol Ink Kit for Screen Printing
Ecotex Primary Plastisol Ink Kit 6 – 8oz Ink Bottles Review
Made in the USA, this ink kit is a toner-based plastisol that prints well on cotton and poly blends. It’s easy to work with and has good bleed resistance and fast flash. Developing color quickly on press and not drying out quickly on screen so you can get more of your presses done without it burning up too soon!
Top benefits of Ecotex Primary Plastisol Ink Kit
- Comes in a variety of 6 colors.
- Develops quickly on press and doesn’t dry out quickly on screen so you can get more of your presses done without it burning up too soon!
- Ecotex Primary Plastisol Ink Kit for Screen Printing Low Temp Cure 6 – 8oz Ink Bottles is a toner-based plastisol that prints well on cotton and poly blends.
Pros
- Full range of colors.
- Inexpensive.
- Lasts a long time.
Cons
- The colors are too dark.
Conclusion
Ecotex Primary Plastisol Ink Kit for Screen Printing Low Temp Cure 6 – 8oz Ink Bottles may be a great option if you are looking to print on fabric or paper.
The colors are varied, inexpensive, and last long. Some downfalls that should be considered before a purchase is the dark color of each ink and potential difficulties printing with these inks at lower temperatures (<100°).
If your need is lighter prints then this will not work well for you but otherwise, this product seems like a good investment!
The Best White Plastisol Ink
Ecotex White Plastisol Ink Phthalate Formula Review
Best Brightest Stand Alone White! Ready and easy to use. Great ink for beginner and seasoned printers. Choose from our 30+ colors.
Top benefits of Ecotex White Plastisol Ink
- Non Phthalate Formula.
- Ecofriendly Formula.
- USA Made.
Ecotex White Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing Non-Phthalate Formula is ecofriendly because it uses a non-phthalate formula. This is good for the environment and also good for you. The ink won’t leach harmful chemicals into your skin or lungs, which means you can print in peace without worrying about health hazards.
Printing Tips:
- When you print single colors on dark clothes, they show best over a white under base. If you are printing direct over dark cotton, use a lower mesh count screen.
- Flash and Curing Guidelines: Manual – Flash at 105°C/220°F – 7 – 12 seconds and cure at 160°C /320°F
- Shelf Life and Storage: Exposure to temperatures above 90º F (32º C) can cause the ink to start to cure while it’s still in the container.
Pros
- Easy to Mix.
- Low Odor.
- High Quality.
- Very Durable Prints.
Cons
- Drying time can vary depending on temperature and humidity.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for high-quality ink that will produce durable prints, Ecotex White Plastisol Ink is an excellent choice. The ink dries quickly and has a low odor, but it does need to be mixed before use if left sitting too long.
This plastisol screen printing ink comes with easy instructions on how to mix the product by hand or machine so less time can be wasted waiting around for your screens to dry out before applying more of this awesome white base!
The Best Black Plastisol Ink
TRIANGLE Screen Printing Plastisol Inks Batman Black Review
TRIANGLE Screen Printing Plastisol Inks are high-quality screen printing inks for multiple surfaces. This 1-qt. can of ink is perfect for larger projects or production jobs that require extended periods to complete the design on the screens.
Top benefits of TRIANGLE Screen Printing Plastisol Inks Black
- The color of this ink may differ from what you see through your monitor due to differences in computer monitors and calibration settings.
- TRIANGLE Screen Printing Plastisol Inks Batman Black comes in a plastic container with a lid and a separate metal ball to mix the pigment and resin.
- The best way to apply this ink is via screen printing. Remove the top of the can and pour half of an ounce into another container for later use, as this amount will print about fifty T-shirts or five hundred hats.
- Snip off one corner of your screen so that you can disperse the ink onto your garment evenly without spilling it everywhere either on yourself or your workspace. For optimal results, clean screens immediately after use.
Pros
- The ink dries quickly on screen printing garments.
- The colors are vivid.
- It is durable for washing and perspiration.
- Environmentally friendly.
- Soft, flexible prints which do not crack or peel over time.
Cons
- It is not a color that can easily be covered up.
Conclusion
The colors are vivid, durable against washing and perspiration, environmentally friendly, soft to the touch with flexible prints which do not crack or peel over time. This product could potentially replace your current printer inks if you’re looking for an easy swap!
Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set
Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set Review
This 6-color set of Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set includes 1 jar of black, red, blue, white, green, and yellow screen printing ink. These inks are ideal for use on cotton, polyester, blends linen, etc.
The color is vibrant and comes with a soft hand once the heat is set. Additionally, these inks are permanent on fabric if the regimen was done correctly.
Top benefits of Speedball Fabric Screen Printing Ink Starter Set
- Black ink is ideal for those who want a bolder, sharper type of print.
- White ink works best on dark fabrics and provides high contrast between the colors.
- Red and blue inks are perfect for tie dye because they mix well with other colors and produce pleasant results.
These inks are ideal for use on cotton, polyester, etc., as well as paper or cardboard (not for nylon). Inks can be screen printed or painted with a brush and cleaned up easily with water. Wash fast when properly heat-set.
Non- flammable no solvents and no offensive smell. AP certified; conforms to ASTM D4236 standards for safety standards. Made in the USA.
Pros
- It has a good price.
- The ink will last for a long time with a little practice.
- Professional results with minimal effort.
- Comes in many colors and the variety is great.
- Prints on both cotton and polyester materials.
- It is easy to use.
- You can mix colors for your desired project.
Cons
- There are problems in shipping, the paints come open.
Conclusion
Speedball fabric screen printing ink starter set is perfect for beginners or experienced painters. The kit includes everything you need to get started, including 6 bottles of quality inks and a wide variety of colors. This product would be ideal for anyone who wants professional results with minimal effort on both cotton and polyester materials.
How to Choose the best Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing?
When choosing the best Plastisol Ink for your specific needs, there are three main things to consider. These are color, opacity, and adhesion.
Color
Some colors are unique to certain brands of ink. Each brand is known for its own special hues which work better than others on certain fabrics or at different printing temperatures. Red tends to bleed more than other colors so it is not necessary to use red plastisol ink unless you plan on printing it on 100% cotton fabric that will be washed after production. Colors like yellow or orange can be used on anything without staining Heat-set the heat-resistant inks before you wash them so they do not fade when washing your custom t-shirts Specific colors may be more expensive than others – they also might be in high demand.
Opacity
Thick, opaque plastisol ink is ideal for printing on dark fabrics because it hides the fabric beneath it. Thinner paints are used to print lighter colors onto dark-colored shirts or to get a smooth, blended effect when mixing paint Colors that lack opaqueness will appear transparent and show off the color of your shirt underneath. Make sure you know what sort of opacity level you want before you purchase Ink with a low viscosity tends to be thinner and can take longer to dry while thicker inks tend to dry almost instantly.
Adhesion
Plastisol ink sticks pretty well on its own but if you need something extra strong, you can use a heat press to apply it. It works best if you let the ink sit for 10 minutes and then iron it onto the material you’re printing on. If your prints are coming out spotty or faded, not sticking to the fabric well, and wearing off quickly after washing, it could be because your ink is not adhering to your shirt
When testing plastisol, print one color at a time because even though they dry almost instantly, colors may smear if they touch each other before they set completely. Ask someone you know who already uses Plastisol Ink (preferably with their own personal equipment) for their recommendation. They will know what works best with what machines and fabrics and can help guide you in your purchasing decision.
How to Handle White Plastisol Inks in Cooler Temperatures?
Plastisol Ink that has not yet been heat-set may appear light or even washed out when printing in cooler temperatures. Producing crisp, colorful prints can be challenging under these conditions but there are ways to enhance the opacity of the ink and make sure it sticks better to fabrics.
Heat-setting Plastisol Ink for Screen Printing
A heat press is typically used to imprint designs onto t-shirts with plastisol paint but you can also use it to heat set your paints before they dry on printed material. Heat setting will make colors less transparent and help them stick better to fabrics (especially thin ones) Your shirts will come out looking more professional if you apply high-temperature settings – do not go below 300 degrees Fahrenheit or else the ink may not properly bond and will come off in the washer.
Using a heat press to set your colors is recommended for 100% polyester and cotton materials but can be used on more than just T-shirts. Items such as mugs, towels, mousepads, hats, and caps are just some of the many things that can benefit from plastisol inks when you use a heat press to dry them more quickly. When deciding on whether or not to add an extra layer of protection against smearing with a heat press while printing on dark fabrics consider how durable you want your final product to be and if it will be handled often. Some artists enjoy designs that fade after excessive while others would rather their prints.
How to Remove plastisol ink from shirt?
There is a variety of ways to remove plastisol ink from fabric. You can use pre-wash sprays, special pens made for screen printing, rubbing alcohol, or acetone (not nails varnish remover).
If you want to go the safest route possible (and save time), buy one of the many effective specialty sprays designed specifically to take plastisol ink off fabrics. If you choose this option, however, make sure you know exactly what type of material your shirt is made out of because certain products may not be suitable for all types of clothing. For instance, solvents like nail varnish removers contain chemicals that could damage some fabrics so do not use them on materials such as silk or leather.
Other methods of ink removal include using any type of rubbing alcohol to take plastisol paint off. Alcohol is more effective in dark colors because the pigment tends to soak into lighter fabrics better.
Remove plastisol ink by dabbing it with a special pen that you can find online or in stores. It’s called a ‘Blockout Eraser’ and most artists recommend finding one around the same size as your screens so it’s easier to use. If you are planning on printing with different color combinations often, consider buying multiple pens because they become dirty rather quickly with repeated use..
Lastly, acetone works very well for removing dye-sublimation ink from clothes too! Just know that if you’re working with silk fabric, acetone could damage it so test a small section first just to be sure.
Don’t use your nails varnish remover on silk! Acetone works better, as does the ‘blackout eraser’ you can buy from any good printer.
How to Clean plastisol ink off screen?
Once the ink has dried it can be a bit of a pain to remove from screens so don’t worry if you get some on your mesh. You can use any type of rubbing alcohol or acetone (not for leather) to clean off excess paint and get rid of the odor left behind by new paints.
Stains on your mesh will not affect how well it coats with paint but they do look unprofessional and may increase drying time. To avoid staining the fabric, simply clean the screens properly after each use instead of waiting until they’re dirty. If you already notice some stains on your screens, there are special products on the market that dissolve them away without harming the mesh – simply follow the instructions and you should be good to go.
Can plastisol ink freeze?
Yes, plastisol inks can freeze. It will break down the pigments in your ink.
How to cure plastisol ink?
Allow prints to air dry prior to applying heat, use a hairdryer on low heat setting if you can’t leave them alone at least 12 hours, and use good ventilation while heating up without being so close that it gets in your face when using an electric heat press with a heated top plate.