Waterbased Ink Vs Plastisol Ink

Choosing the Right Screen Printing Ink for Your Project

So, you’re diving into the vibrant world of screen printing, or maybe looking to refine your technique. One of the first big decisions you’ll face is choosing the right ink. The two dominant players you’ll hear about constantly are Water-Based Ink and Plastisol Ink.

But what’s the difference? Which one is better? The honest answer is: it depends entirely on your project, your setup, and the results you want to achieve.

Here at Screen Print World, we stock a wide range of both types because we know printers need options. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and best uses for each to help you decide.

What is Water-Based Ink?

As the name suggests, water-based ink uses water as the main solvent to carry the pigment. This means it penetrates into the fabric fibres rather than sitting entirely on top.

Pros of Water-Based Ink:

• Super Soft Feel (“Hand”): Because it dyes the fibres, water-based ink leaves a very soft, often undetectable feel on the garment once cured, especially on light fabrics.
• Breathability: The ink becomes part of the fabric, allowing air to pass through – great for large prints on t-shirts.
• Eco-Friendlier Cleanup: Generally, screens and tools can be cleaned up using just water (though specific cleaners might be needed for stubborn or dried ink), reducing the need for harsh solvents.
• Excellent for Paper & Card: Often the preferred choice for printing on absorbent, non-textile surfaces.

Cons of Water-Based Ink:

• Can Dry in the Screen: Since the solvent is water, it can evaporate during printing sessions, potentially clogging your screen mesh if you’re not quick or if the environment is warm/dry. Using retarders can help manage this.
• Curing Can Be Tricky: It requires the water content to fully evaporate before the binders cure. This might need longer drying times or specific temperature/airflow conditions. Heat guns, tunnel dryers, or even air drying (for some types) work, but consistency is key.
• Less Opaque on Dark Garments: Standard water-based inks can look faded on dark fabrics. High-opacity (HO) water-based inks exist, as does ‘discharge’ ink (which bleaches the fabric dye before depositing colour), but these require more experience.

Common Uses for Water-Based Ink: Printing on light-coloured t-shirts, tote bags, tea towels, posters, paper goods, achieving vintage or soft-feel prints.

Ease of Use: Requires a bit more attention during printing to prevent drying in the screen. Cleanup is simpler in terms of chemicals (mainly water), but needs to be done promptly. Getting curing right takes practice.

What is Plastisol Ink?

Plastisol ink is essentially tiny PVC particles suspended in a liquid plasticizer. It doesn’t penetrate the fabric fibres; instead, it forms a mechanical bond, wrapping around the fibres as it cures, sitting on top of the material. It won’t air dry – it must be heated to a specific temperature (typically 150-170°C or 300-330°F) to cure properly.

Pros of Plastisol Ink:

• User-Friendly / Doesn’t Dry in Screen: This is a huge plus, especially for beginners. You can leave plastisol ink in a screen for extended periods without it drying or clogging the mesh.
• Vibrant & Opaque: Excellent opacity, providing bright, bold colours even on dark garments without needing special additives (though an underbase white is often used for maximum brightness).
• Durability: When cured correctly, plastisol forms a tough, durable layer that holds up well to washing.
• Easier Colour Matching: Colours tend to be consistent straight out of the tub and easier to mix using Pantone matching systems.

Cons of Plastisol Ink:

• Heavier Feel (“Hand”): Because it sits on top of the fabric, plastisol creates a noticeable, sometimes rubbery or plastic-like layer, especially with large prints.
• Less Breathable: The ink layer can block the fabric weave, making large prints feel warmer to wear.
• Requires High Heat to Cure: You absolutely need a reliable heat source (flash dryer, tunnel dryer, heat press) capable of reaching and holding the specific curing temperature. Insufficient curing leads to prints washing off.
• Requires Solvents for Cleanup: Water won’t touch plastisol. You’ll need specific screen washes or press washes (mineral spirits or eco-friendlier solvent alternatives) for cleanup.

Common Uses for Plastisol Ink: Standard t-shirt printing (especially designs on dark fabrics), hoodies, athletic wear, commercial printing requiring high volume and consistency.

Ease of Use: Generally considered more forgiving for beginners during the actual printing process due to its non-drying nature. Curing requires specific equipment and attention to temperature. Cleanup requires specific chemicals and proper disposal procedures.

Quick Comparison:

So, Which Ink Should You Choose?

• If you’re a beginner: Plastisol is often recommended because it’s more forgiving during the printing process itself (won’t dry in the screen). Just ensure you have a reliable way to cure it properly.
• If you want the softest possible feel: Water-based ink is the winner, especially on light garments.
• If you’re printing bold designs on dark shirts: Plastisol generally gives brighter, more opaque results with less fuss (unless you explore discharge/HO water-based).
• If environmental impact (especially cleanup) is a major concern: Water-based inks often have an edge due to water cleanup (though responsible disposal of ink solids is still important).
• If you’re printing on paper or card: Water-based is typically preferred.

Many professional print shops use both types of ink, choosing the best one for each specific job. Don’t be afraid to experiment as you gain experience!

Need more help deciding? Browse our extensive range of water-based inks and plastisol inks, or feel free to contact us! Our team here at Screen Print World is always happy to offer advice based on your specific screen printing goals. Happy printing!