Are you in the market for a new branded t-shirt? Are you currently exploring different screen print options and decoration methods for t-shirts for an upcoming event? The first thing you need to do is decide which ink you want to use.
The two most popular inks are plastisol and water-based ink. Both types of inks have advantages and disadvantages, so it's best to weigh the pros and cons before you make a decision.
In this article, we'll explore the differences between plastisol vs. water-based ink. Here's everything you need to know:
What is Water-Based Ink?
Water-based inks are made with water and are arguably the most popular and widely used in the t-shirt printing industry. If you go to the store and purchase a shirt with a silkscreen imprint, chances are it's water-based ink.
Water-based inks combine water with dye. When you're dying a shirt, the t-shirt you are silkscreening absorbs the dye. This means the dye doesn't sit on top of the fabric itself. There are three different types of water-based ink.
- Standard: Standard water-based inks used for white and light-colored t-shirts.
- High-solid acrylic inks: Ideal for vibrant colors
- Discharge inks: Ideal for dark-colored t-shirts
All three inks can be used for screen printing but aren't ideal for all fabrics or fabric colors. Depending on your project, a promotional product expert will decide which is the best option to use.
Pros and Cons of Water-Based Inks
Even though water-based inks are widely used, there are some pros and cons of this type of ink, including:
Pro: Less Cracking and Peeling
Since the fabric of the garment absorbs the ink, you don't have to worry about cracking or peeling. This can increase the longevity of your design and ensure your silkscreen imprint looks as good as new for years to come.
Pro: Eco-Friendly
Water-based inks are water-based and don't contain PVC or phthalates, which is better for the planet.
Pro: Different Brightness Levels
With water-based ink, you can decide the brightness level. This makes water-based inks a better option for vintage or distressed designs.
Pro: Soft to the Touch
Water-based inks are soft and breathable. You also can't feel the inked imprint when you touch the shirt's fabric, making it softer than plastisol designs. This provides shirts with a more high-end, professional finish, similar to shirts you'd buy at the store.
Con: Dries Quickly
Screenprinters need to work quickly with water-based inks. This is because the ink can dry out on the screen, leading to screen clogging or problems with the design.
Cons: Not Ideal for All Fabrics
Water-based inks are generally only recommended for t-shirts with natural fibers, not synthetic fibers.
What are Plastisol Based Inks?
Plastisol-based inks are made with plastic. It's an affordable option for silkscreen imprints that don't require water and cannot be air-dried. The easiest way to tell the difference between plastisol vs. water-based ink is to look at the texture. Plastisol imprints sit on top of the fabric. The ink is thicker and has a raised appearance on the fabric surface.
Pros and Cons of Plastisol Based Ink
When deciding between plastisol ink vs. water-based ink, here are some of the pros and cons you'll need to know about plastisol:
Pro: Affordable and Versatility
Plastisol is considered relatively affordable. It also works well with most fabrics, including cotton, polyester, and synthetic fibers.
Pro: Color Vibrancy and Accuracy
Plastisol is ideal for vibrant colors on dark fabrics. These links are also better for Pantone matching. So, if you need a shirt in a very specific color, this is a more suitable option.
Con: More Prone to Cracking
Plastisol-based ink imprints are more prone to cracking. Exposure to extreme weather conditions can cause the imprint to crack. This means the imprint doesn't typically last as long or look as great as water-based inks. Plastisol-based inks are also more prone to cracking during the curing process. If you order from a cheap supplier that doesn't have experience with this type of ink, you may find that the imprint peels or crackers sooner rather than later.
Con: Impacts Breathability
Since the ink is thicker and sits on top of the fabric, it can impact the breathability of the t-shirt. This is something to keep top of mind, especially if you're shopping for shirts for an outdoor event or special occasion.
What is the Main Difference Between Plastisol vs. Water-Based Ink?
The main differences between plastisol vs. water-based inks are the composition, application, and results. You'll find that the two inks vary in almost every aspect. When deciding between plastisol vs. water-based ink, it's always best to consider your desired outcome for the project. This way, you can make the best investment for your upcoming marketing project.
If you aren't sure which ink is best, ask a promotional product expert at Bagmasters. We'll help you decide which decoration method is ideal for your design and the t-shirt you choose.
How to Choose the Right Ink
Not sure which type of ink to choose for your next project? Here's what you'll need to consider:
- T-Shirt Color: Plastisol is better if you add a colorful design to a dark-colored t-shirt. While water-based inks are ideal for light-colored cotton or cotton poly blend t-shirts.
- Imprint Color: Plastiol is better for vibrant colors, while water-based ink is ideal for opaque designs.
- Desired Finish: Plastiol won't be as soft to the touch, which can impact the wearability of your t-shirt. However, this option is ideal if color accuracy is a priority for you.
- Speak with a Promo Expert: The team at Bagmasters is here to provide expert recommendations depending on your desired outcome.
Start Branding With Bagmasters
At Bagmasters, we offer a wide range of professional decoration methods. Whether you want silkscreen, sublimation, or a heat transfer for your next t-shirt design. We can also help with artwork creation, logo recreations, touch-ups, and more. Reach out to our team today to learn more about our decoration capabilities to get started.
