What is the difference between traditional plastisol and water-based ink?

August 31,2023

In screen printing, the two most commonly used inks are water-based and traditional

plastisol. So which one is right for your garment?

This blog introduces their characteristics and advantages.

Water-based screen printing

It uses water-based ink to print the design directly on the fabric.

Characteristics

Natural and soft: water-based ink has a softer effect. The printed pattern blends with

the fabric without creating a noticeable texture on the fabric. This makes the

printed pattern look more natural, suitable for some designs that pursue simplicity

and comfort.

Breathable: Since it uses water-based ink, the pattern it forms on the fabric is very

thin and has good breathable. This makes T-shirts more suitable for summer or high

temperature environments.

Traditional plastisol screen printing

It uses traditional plastisol ink to print the pattern on the T-shirt through a printing press.

Characteristics

Vibrant and long-lasting colors: Due to the higher concentration of traditional

plastisol ink, the printed pattern can be better displayed and the color is more full.

Suitable for complex patterns: traditional plastisol screen printing can be suitable

for complex patterns and multi-color designs. It is better able to maintain detail and

color accuracy and is suitable for some designs that require highly accurate printing.

Durability: plastisol screen printing has stronger adhesion on T-shirts, so the

durability is relatively high. It can withstand multiple washings and wears, and the

patterns won't fade or fray easily.

Therefore, choosing water-based ink screen printing or traditional plastisol screen

printing depends on your needs and design style. If you are looking for a natural, soft,

breathable effect, and like a simple design, water-based ink screen printing is a good

choice. Traditional plastisol screen printing is a more suitable option if you want your

patterns to be vibrant in color and detail, and require greater durability.

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