USES: For use on cotton, blends, and fleece of any color. For satisfactory results with this ink the screen printer must use them in combination with a correctly prepared screen and a carefully adjusted printing technique.
FINISH: Low Gloss
OPACITY: Very opaque.
DRYING TIME: These inks will fully cure and withstand repeated washings when the entire ink deposit reaches 320° F (160° C). Proper curing is extremely important. As these inks are typically printed in very thick deposits; extra care in needed to insure total cure. Poor washability of the print can generally be traced back to under-curing!
SCREEN FABRIC: Use 60 thread per inch (24 threads per centimeter) monofiliment polyester mesh. For best results the mesh should be tensioned to at least 24 newtons per centimeter.
SCREEN COATING, FILM, BLOCKOUT: To achieve the desired three-dimensional effect this ink must be printed through direct capillary stencils that are at least 400 microns thick. Stencils of 400-700 microns are recommended.
MODIFIERS: The use of additives or reducers is not generally recommended with this ink. Occasionally, in order to obtain a sharper print, a very small amount (1-2%) of Viscosity Reducer (PLUS-9000) may be added.
PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS: Use a sharp 75-80 durometer squeegee. The squeegee angle and pressure must be adjusted so the ink prints a clean, sharp image but is not pushed into the fabric being printed on. Use a slow speed both on the flood and print strokes. The off-contact distance should be as small as possible. Adjust the speed and angle of screen lift so that the screen peels away from the print immediately behind the squeegee on the print stroke. Correct adjustment of this variable is crucial for producing a crisp sharp print with a minimum of ink retained on the mesh. We recommend that these inks be printed last in the color sequence. If this is not possible they should be flash-cured before the next color is printed to maintain the three-dimensional effect.
WASHUP: T-125 or biodegradable washup SYS-2500, SYS-2550 or SYS-2520 screen wash gel.
ALWAYS TEST PRINT BEFORE PRODUCTION!