August 31, 2022
The type of ink you choose will have an impact on the feel and quality of the print. Read on to learn how these two inks differ. Then, when contacting printing professionals, you'll know the right solution for your project.
If you're planning on having wearable items professionally printed for your Tulsa business, knowing the difference between plastisol ink and water based ink helps you choose the right medium for your printing project. The type of ink you choose will have an impact on the feel and quality of the print.
Read on to learn how these two inks differ. Then, when contacting printing professionals, you'll know the right solution for your project.
Plastisol ink is very similar to liquid plastic. It has a thick feel after it's cured by heat. This ink has a matte finish and can come in bright colors, but it tends to fade after frequent washings. Ink with a water base, on the other hand, can dry out quickly. It's much thinner once cured and has a softer feel to it. Also called a high-solid ink, it's environmentally friendly and holds up after many runs through a washing machine, but it won't be as bright as Plastisol.
Plastisol is easy to use, and mistakes can be covered by running it through another pass. The ink can be exposed to the air for hours and not dry out. Printing with inks that have a water base, however, is much more difficult. The ink starts drying as soon as it's exposed to air.
While both types of ink use the same printing equipment, the temperatures at which they are cured, or set, differ. Plastisol ink will cure at any temperature that's between 260-320 degrees Fahrenheit. The water-based type, on the other hand, must be evaporated first and then cured at a temperature of 320 degrees Fahrenheit.
The two inks are also different in how they look. For bright colors, go with plastisol. For a higher quality product, water-based is the best choice. Either way, make sure you have a professional printer for your project.