New to water based inks

Here you can discuss any issues related to working with water based screen printing inks. This would include curing, heat setting, mixing colors, additives, brands, usages and much more.

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Kristy1115
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Joined: Mon Feb 24, 2014 4:48 pm

New to water based inks

Post by Kristy1115 »

Hello, I am new to screen printing! I bought a four color press and water based inks. I have only printed a few times and have come across a bunch of issues. While printing dark colors on light shirts, the water based ink has bled through the inside of 50/50 blend shirts. Am I pushing too hard on the squeegee? Second, everyone suggests an Epson printer but I found my Canon works fine. Aside from the size of artwork, is there any rEason I should invest in an epson? Will the rip software work with a canon?
Thank you so much! I am having so much fun in this field:)
Kristy
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Catspit Productions
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Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2012 10:47 am
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Re: New to water based inks

Post by Catspit Productions »

Yes it may be that you are using too much pressure or it could be a combination of pressure and a mesh that is too open. I run most water based inks on a 160 or 200 mesh. But water based inks also tend to sink into the fabric much more than plastisol. So some degree of bleed through is not uncommon and shouldn’t be a problem unless you are talking about an excessive amount of ink. If there is no ink on your pallet area then simply reduce your squeegee pressure while retaining your coverage and you should be fine.

The reason many will suggest Epson is that they dominate the market for film positive output although they don’t seem to know this or recognize it... LOL.

As long as you don’t need halftones then you can use whatever inkjet printer you wish. If you want to use RIP software and produce halftones then an Epson printer is a good investment. But do check into what RIP software you want to buy before you buy a printer to be sure of compatibly.

For your researching and education you can look at my pricing for a printer, RIP and my water proof inkjet film which is very affordable.

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/inkjet-film/

I hope that helps out some. You're welcome and good luck!
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
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