Test Fabric for Dye Migration

Here's a helpful printing tip from Ed Branigan, recently published in Impressions Magazine: When printing on polyester fabrics (other than white fabrics), there is the possibility of “dye migration” or “bleeding” occurring. This happens when the dye of the fabric seeps into the ink and discolors it. For example, when printing a white ink onto red polyester fabric, the white ink can turn pink due to the red dye seeping into the ink. Here’s a quick tip on how to test the fabric to see if there is the potential of the dye bleeding into the ink: Lightly rub the fabric 10 to 20 times with another piece of fabric that is slightly dampened with water.  If a lot of color comes off, the fabric is most likely going to have dye migration issues. Ed Branigan is the print applications manager at International Coatings and has extensive experience in screen printing inks and technology. For more information, visit iccink.com and read the company’s blog at internationalcoatingsblog.com. For more on International Coatings’ bleed-blocking products, check out our White Plastisol page at https://iccink.com/screenprint/whiteplastisols.htm.  Also check out our new 7113 Performance Pro White, specifically formulated for polyester performance fabrics that require lower curing temperatures. 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.     International Coatings:     The Intelligent Choice