Experiment with Screen Printing Inks

Here's another quickie tip that was published in Printwear Magazine:In order to get the best overall look for your screen printed designs, it's important to experiment with different ink application techniques. Printing a thicker layer of ink may hold up better when cured, for example, but will resist stretch. Using too thin of a layer will stretch, but may not hold up to wear and tear. So experiment to find a happy medium.

There are also additives that can change the properties of the ink to make the cured print look more matte, for example (such as International Coatings' 222 Dulling/Suede Additive). Just beware that adding too much matte additive can weaken the ink film whereas too glossy of a finish can result in a sticky or tacky feel.

Kieth Stevens is the Western regional sales manager for International Coatings. He has been screen printing for over 36 years and teaching for more than 10 years and is a regular contributor to International Coatings’ blogs. For more ink tips and information, visit iccink.com.

International Coatings manufactures a complete line of phthalate-compliant screen printing inks, including a wide variety of whites, specialty inks, special effects inks, color matching systems, additives and reducers.  For more information on our products, please visit our website at www.iccink.com.