Choosing the right ink for your screen-printing project directly affects the final appearance, durability, and feel of your finished apparel.

With the range of quality and types of ink used in Screen Printing, your t-shirt can be made from ordinary to extraordinary with just one screen print.

Would you prefer a bold logo that cracks after the first wash, or a soft, comfortable logo that feels like it’s part of your sweatshirt?  To ensure the best results, Screen Printing companies use their experience and knowledge of different fabric types, designs, and the final look of your piece to select the right ink for your project.

In this blog, screen printing ink types are explained, and as you learn about the types of screen printing ink, you’ll better appreciate how each affects the final presentation and quality of your designs.

What Is Screen Printing Ink?

Screen printing ink is an ink specifically formulated for applying to fabric using a stencil and a mesh screen. The stencil is used to transfer ink from the screen, which is poured through a tool called a squeegee.

Screen printing ink types explain how ink differs from other paints and how it is designed to withstand repeated washings. It must be able to stretch, wash, and wear well while maintaining its color and not flaking.

• Cotton is a good base fabric for ink that penetrates the fabric, while synthetic fabrics require an ink that bonds well.
• Vivid and colourful designs tend to show well with heavy ink. However, soft designs will require a special ink.
• Sometimes the design feels thick and raised, or soft and smooth against the fabric.
• Large production runs require inks that do not dry out fast and clog up the screens.

Plastisol Ink: The Industry Standard

Plastisol ink is the most popular choice for screen printing; it’s versatile, and it produces professional-grade results.

Plastisol ink is PVC-based, a thermoplastic that requires a curing temperature of approximately 320°F to fully set and bond to the fabric. Since this type of ink does not penetrate the fabric, you will get bright & bold designs that appear solid rather than bleed into the fabric.

Advantages of Plastisol Ink

• Bright colours are available and can be mixed like paint to create endless custom colour combinations.
• Superior opacity and can cover dark colours.
• Does not dry on screen during printing, staying workable for extended runs without clogging the mesh.
• They work well on all fabrics, including cottons, polyesters, and more.

• It offers pinpoint color accuracy that Pantone matches. 
• For bulk orders, it is durable and withstands 50+ washes without cracking.

Plastisol ink is a favorite among production professionals because it enables quick printing with minimal setup adjustments.

There are also disadvantages to using plastisol ink, such as the way the print might feel heavier or less breathable during the summer months than a printed shirt made with a water-based or other type of ink. Additionally, plastisol ink is not environmentally friendly, as it is made from petroleum-based products and emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during manufacturing.

Where is Plastisol Ink used? 

• Event t-shirts. 
• Corporate logo apparel. 
• Team jerseys with a large team name printed on them. 

Water-Based Ink: Soft and Eco-Friendly

Would you like to see printed materials that have the same touch and feel as the original fabric? Soft-touch water-based Ink is a good option because it is considered environmentally friendly. 

Water-based ink uses water as its primary carrier, combined with binders and colorants that allow it to penetrate fabric fibers rather than sitting on top of them. This type of ink literally penetrates the fabric’s fibers, without forming a thick coating on the printed area; instead, it is absorbed into the fabric.

Advantages of Water-Based Ink

• They give an ultra-soft feel when wearing. 
• They are breathable as the air passes through for comfort.
• They are eco-friendly, water-soluble, and biodegradable. 
• The matte finish gives the fabric an artistic look without shine. 
• They look great over time as they tend to fade and become soft, giving them a retro look.
• It can produce multi-colored prints without adding bulk.

Water-based ink requires expertise as it can dry on screens during printing, causing delays, and it has difficulty printing on dark-colored fabrics as it tends to lose intensity.

Use of Water-Based Ink

• Fashion companies focused on comfortable clothing.
• Brands focused on vintage aesthetics and eco-conscious clothing production.
• High-end retail clothing.

Specialty Inks: Unique Effects for Creative Designs

Are you looking for prints with an interesting surface or shine?  Specialty Inks are your solution for adding dimension and interest to simple designs.

Many Specialty Inks will include a hybrid additive that provides an added visual effect. In reality, most specialty inks are built on a plastisol base, with the added freedom to be much more creative while remaining durable.

Popular Specialty Inks

• Puff Ink: Creates a fluffy, three-dimensional appearance when heated, providing a raised image, such as a raised logo.
• Metallic Ink: Provides a shimmering gold and silver finish for elegant prints.
• Glow-in-the-Dark Ink: Absorbs light to glow in the dark; great for party prints.
• Glitter Ink: Provides sparkly embellishments to catch attention.
• Heavy Ink: Gives high-density, sculpted designs reminiscent of embroidery.

Where Specialty Inks Are Used

• Premium apparel lines.
• Fashion brands with flair.
• Promotional items.
• Event wear like festival tees.

How Professional Printers Choose the Right Ink

While someone without experience will typically choose a print at random, T-Shirt Engineers use a planned method to evaluate fabric, design, texture, and size.

• For soft, breathable prints on light-coloured cotton: water-based ink penetrates the fibre for a natural feel.
• For bold, opaque prints on any fabric including dark colours: plastisol provides superior coverage and durability.
• For environmentally conscious brands: water-based inks are the more sustainable choice.
• For raised or dimensional logos: puff ink creates a three-dimensional effect when heat is applied.
• For gradient or fade designs: softer water-based formulas blend more naturally.”

Why Customers Choose Our Services

At T-Shirt Engineers, our customers keep coming back because we combine our expertise with your vision. We’ve mastered all varieties of screen printing ink, from the vibrancy of Plastisol to the softness and unique characteristics of water-based inks. 

With over 45 years of experience bringing your vision to life, our craftsmanship produces high-quality products with vibrant prints that will last, feature incredible detail, and be durable.

With our variety of services, we have everything you need, including free design consultations, rush projects, and bulk-purchase discounts — all while maintaining the highest quality possible.

Get professional prints that work for your brand over the long term, plus advice on the latest trends like eco-friendly ink. Our experts create eye-catching, long-lasting designs on all fabrics.

Get Custom Screen Printing for Your Apparel 

Ready to turn your ideas into wearable victories? From custom tees for events to team tees for companies, and even uniforms that last, our screen printing process is all about ink-perfect results.

At T-shirt Engineers, we will select the ink type best suited to your chosen fabric to ensure the printed products are as durable and soft as possible.

Contact our team today and let us turn your concepts into the apparel people will love. 

FAQs

What kind of printing ink is best for a t-shirt?
Choosing the ideal ink depends on the finish you require: plastisol produces a classic imprint that is both bright & durable, while water-based ink is softer and breathable, allowing it to blend into the material’s fibers.

Is water-based ink really better than plastisol ink?
No ink is superior to the other; it depends on the materials being used. However, when printed on brighter colors, water-based inks will provide a softer feel and greater eco-responsibility.

How long will screen-printed inks be long-lasting on clothing?
High-quality screen print inks, when properly applied and cured, typically last 50+ washes before any noticeable fading or degradation, provided garments are washed inside out in cold water as recommended.

Which screen printing ink feels softest on apparel?
Water-based inks give the softest overall feel because they are absorbed into the fabric rather than applied directly to the garment’s surface, as with most plastisol inks.

Can screen printing inks be printed onto multiple types of fabrics?
Yes, screen printing inks can be applied to a wide range of fabrics including cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester blends. The right ink type — plastisol or water-based — is selected based on the fabric composition to ensure proper adhesion and durability.