How To Cure Plastisol Screen Printing Ink? A Complete Guide

Most silkscreen/screen printers face one common problem while creating garments through screen-printing: Why is my plastisol ink coming off? The most common cause of this problem is not curing the ink properly.

At the bare minimum a temperature of 320º F is required for at least a minute to cure the plastisol ink properly. With this the molecules get enough time to fuse with the fabric properly, decreasing the chances of plastisol ink coming off.

However, various variables, like air temperature and humidity, can cause trouble while curing ink. So, make sure to begin curing plastisol ink process, in a safe and controlled environment.

The Curing Basics

When you begin the curing process, you will come across various processes, and each one is a bit different. Here you will find information on different processes that screen printers can use to cure plastisol ink:

• Curing With a Flash Drive
  To begin curing with a flash dryer, it’s better to take the flash up to a perfect temperature. It takes around 10-15 minutes to reach an appropriate level of heat and ensure the platens are warm. Usually, the platen is around 2-3 inches above the flash unit. So, make sure to keep the ink part of the garment closer to the flash, as it will fasten the curing process. Be careful, as keeping the garment too close can scorch the garment. Test a few times until you find the best height for curing the ink.
• Curing Via Heat Gun
  When looking for how to cure plastisol ink methods a heat gun is considered a less ideal option. They are great for smaller prints and can do wonders in curing them evenly. When the design is bigger, it can get difficult to maintain the proper consistency all across the garment. As there is no understanding of the actual temperature that a heat gun emits, bubbles can come up in sections that are too hot.
• Using a Heat Press
  If you look closely a heat press machine is similar to a conveyor dryer that does not have a belt. As it provides a more consistent source of heating the inks cure better. Keep a look at the readout for any temperature fluctuation to avoid any kind of risk while operating the machine.

When using plastisol ink make sure to read out the instructions and set the press for around 20-30 minutes before starting the process. Place a heat resistant non-stick sheet on the area that you want to cure and give light to medium pressure. Press it around 20-30 seconds and then double check by performing the wash test.

What is the Best Way to Determine the Temperature of Plastisol Ink?

There are two options that will help you in determining the correct plastisol ink cure temp:

Heat Gun (Mini IR Thermometer)
It has a laser pointer that helps target the specific area where the curing process is taking place.

Thermolabels
A thermolabel is devised to react when the temperature reaches its appropriate level. As the section reaches the right level the printed area can turn from white to black to clearly show the effects.

How To Test Whether Your Ink is Cured?

Now that you have familiarized yourself with top methods on how to cure screen printing ink, performing a few simple tests to check whether your ink is cured becomes necessary:

Stretch Test

Here’s how to cure screen printing ink works:

• Choose an Area: Select a section of the print with a solid ink layer.
• Stretch the Fabric: Gently stretch the fabric in multiple directions.
• Observe the Ink: A properly cured ink will stretch with the fabric without cracking or breaking. If you notice the ink cracking or peeling, it indicates insufficient curing.

Wash Test

Follow these steps for a wash test:

• Wash the Printed Item: Place the printed garment in a washing machine and wash it at the recommended temperature. Use a typical detergent.
• Inspect After Washing: Once the item is washed and dried, check the print for any signs of fading, cracking, or peeling.
• Repeat if Necessary: For added confidence, run multiple washes and evaluate if the print remains intact and vibrant.

Conclusion

By acing how to cure plastisol ink you can ensure to get best results without worrying about it wearing off. The above stated methods can help you get the best of results and create fashionable garments. Going heat press is something they should definitely check out for a well-established screen printer. At the beginning, it might seem a bit difficult, but with time, you can get a grasp of it.

FAQs

How long does plastisol take to cure?
Plastisol ink takes around 30–60 seconds to cure when heated. The recommended temperature for curing plastisol ink is 320°F (160°C).

How to cure plastisol ink without a flash dryer?
You can perform curing plastisol ink using a heat press, oven, or heat gun and ensure that the ink reaches and holds its curing temperature for the necessary time. Use a thermometer to monitor the heat evenly.

Can you overcure plastisol ink?
Yes, overcuring plastisol ink may make it brittle, crack, or discolor, making the print not only less durable but also low-quality.

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