INK TYPES & PROCESSES

Screen printing apparel involves the use of different ink types and printing processes. From vibrant water-based inks that create a soft feel to durable plastisol inks offering bold and long-lasting designs, there are quite a few options. Specialty inks like metallics, glitters, and glow-in-the-dark add an extra dimension to your prints. Whether you're looking for a vintage look, eco-friendly options, or a mix of textures, the variety of inks and processes we offer allows you to bring your unique vision to life!

TYPES OF INK

PLASTISOL INK

Plastisol is the most common ink used in the apparel printing industry and is the primary ink we use for screen printing. It cures as a layer on top of the garment and is smooth, vibrant, and has a medium-soft hand.
Available in custom Pantone® colors: If your artwork or logo has specific colors, we’ll mix a custom ink for you!
WATER-BASED INK
Water-based ink is another common ink used in the apparel printing industry. It wicks into the fabric and dyes the garment, rather than sitting on top as a layer, giving it as a very soft-hand.
- Available in limited colors
ALGAE INK

Algae Ink™ is a water-based ink that provides a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, PVC free, phthalate free solution for textile printing. It is similar to many traditional water-based inks, except that the pigment component is completely bio-based and renewable.
METALLIC SILVER & GOLD

Metallic inks are specialty plastisol inks that give produce a smooth, shiny print. Liquid Silver and Gold are the most common metallic inks used, but they’re also available in select colors.
PUFF ADDITIVE

Puff additive can be added to any plastisol ink to produce a thick, puffy print. This additive is great for certain details or if you just want your design to “pop” and have dimension!
GLOW-IN-THE-DARK

Glow ink is another type of plastisol that glows in the dark! It is a transparent ink that works best when printed over white and glows brightest after being exposed to UV light.

PRINTING PROCESSES

SPOT COLOR

Spot color printing is a traditional method of screen printing where each color in a design is printed separately in layers.

FOUR-COLOR PROCESS (CMYK)

Four-color process is a printing method used for full color printing, such as photos or artwork with 6+ colors. Each color channel (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black) is separated, made into halftone screens, and printed wet on wet so the ink mixes and creates a wide range of colors.

SIMULATED PROCESS

Simulated process is another printing method similar to four-color process. Halftones are printed wet on wet to create multiple colors, but the colors and number of screens differ depending on the design.