Proper ink preparation is essential for consistent, high-quality screen prints. Knowing how to prepare ink for screen printing, ensuring it flows smoothly, cures correctly, and delivers clean, professional results.
How to Prepare Ink for Screen Printing Press
- Mix thoroughly—Stir the ink well so the ink doesn’t settle and become compact. Mixing the ink “whips” it to a more fluid consistency to be used on press.
- Ensure Ink Is at Proper Printing Temperature - Ink should be at room temperature to flow properly on the press.
- If cold, bring to a warmer spot in the shop or place on the floor under the flash unit at a low temperature to avoid overheating
- Too cold temperatures can cause the ink to compact
- Check viscosity - Using a mixing stick, there should be a gentle pull or resistance, not too thick (which means under-mixed) or too runny (possibly over-thinned or overheated).
- Add a reducer for thick ink
- For water-based inks, add a thickener for overly thin ink or to slow the drying process
TIP: If it’s plastisol ink and hand-mixing, a good test is to scoop and let it slowly fall from the knife — it should stretch slightly before breaking, like warm honey but with more body. If the ink breaks off fast leaving a short trail hanging from the knife it's too stiff and needs more mixing. If the ink never breaks and streams down from the knife to the bucket the ink is too thin. Either it was over mixed or the ink does not have enough body. Seek a different brand or style.
- Run a test print and cure - Do a test print to ensure even coverage without flooding or blotchiness. Ink should release cleanly off the screen, and all edges should be crisp, with detail being preserved in the print. Cure the print fully to check for cracking or peeling by pulling and stretching the print area; if cracking and peeling occur, then the ink is not ready or the cure was done improperly.
Common Issues When Ink Isn't Ready
Using ink that is not prepared and ready for the press can result in poor ink flow and inconsistent prints.
- Uneven ink flow and patchy coverage
- Loss of fine detail or blurry edges
- Incomplete curing (cracking or peeling)
- Weak adhesion to fabric or substrate
- Screen or squeegee clogging at start or during production
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