Printing with Stretch Additive

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

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Dip.Schlitz
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Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by Dip.Schlitz »

I've got a 2 color job going on Lycra. According to Union, you can print stretch directly over top of an image instead of mixing 25% for each color. Anyone use this method ? If so, how'd it turn out?
drew
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Re: Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by drew »

I haven't tried that but it doesn't sound like it should work, to me. The bottom layers of ink will need to stretch and i don't see how having a layer of stretch on top of the print would help the ink underneath at all. I may be missing something but I would mix it in with ink to be on the safe side. If you do try the layer on top, please let us know how it turns out ;)
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Re: Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by ApeShirt »

I'm with Drew on this. That doesn't make sense to me either. Plus, 25% seems like a too high percentage to mix. I've used stretch additive and add around 10%. I would think 25% would tint the color too much.
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by Catspit Productions »

I think what their counting on is the stretch additive bonding to the plastisol ink in such a way that it will cause the plastisol layer to stretch with it.

But I agree with drew and ApeShirt.

Mixing in a low percentage will give the stretchy quality without affecting color much, especially if it is a curable type base additive. I have one that is almost tan looking but mixes well. I think overprinting anything could affect the color of the ink and perhaps the appearance of the finish unless it is totally clear and plastisol like... you know?

When cured properly plastisol inks will stretch a good amount with the fabric too. So a little stretch additive should go a long way unless you are talking about an extreme situation.
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Dip.Schlitz
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Re: Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by Dip.Schlitz »

http://www.unionink.com/unionink/produc ... /unst.html
^This is where I got the info. I was intrigued by the idea of not having to mix. I agree it seems counter intuitive to print over top. I'll update my progress.
The prints are going on wrestling singlets, so a lot more stretching than a ladies shirt. Well, depends on the lady :lol:
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Re: Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by Catspit Productions »

Yup, that is always a good idea to look at the instructions for any given product. While I still feel 25% is a bit much I would recommend following their instructions if you are using all of their products together. You could always do a test print with a 25% and a 15% mixture ratio and see if you can tell the difference.

It does mention printing over top of existing prints but it does also say “Unistretch is available pre-mixed in white or in a clear that can be added to any Union plastisol color or overprinted on top of flashed colors to achieve these similar results.” So the “similar results” part tells me they really want to you to mix it in I believe for BEST results. That’s how I would read that.
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Dip.Schlitz
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Re: Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by Dip.Schlitz »

I had a supply rep stop by the shop and give me a tutorial on the stretch additive. Before, when a job would call for stretch I would just "add some stretch". I never knew there was a recommended % to use. I asked him if 25% was necessary, and about the over printing. He said you could go less than 25% in each color with the over print method. He recommends using 25% in all colors, at all times. Maybe just to sell me more stretch, but i'd rather error on the side of caution than have cracked garments come back. He said as long as I am setting up a third screen I might as well do an underbase of straight stretch. The only drawback is a longer flash time because the stuff is pure plastisol. Even with the underbase you want to add 25%. So moral of the story is follow brand specifications to the letter.
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Re: Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by Catspit Productions »

LOL.... It’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. But depending on what you’re printing stretch bases may or may not even be necessary. It all depends on how much your Lycra or Lycra blend stretches.

I didn’t mean to tell you not to follow the instructions. Just giving you my thoughts based on what I have printed in the past and I never did stretch over prints or complicated ratios or procedures. I never had any problems. I have always mixed in a little stretch base to a color, cured it, stretch tested it, and washed it to see what happens. I think testing is always best on fabrics that are like this or even simply new to you.

So no matter what you do make sure to stretch test it and wash test it for good measure.
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Dip.Schlitz
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Re: Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by Dip.Schlitz »

Just sharing my experience on the matter; starting with my own ignorance, the learning curve, and my results. The scientific method of screen printing so to speak.
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Re: Printing with Stretch Additive

Post by Catspit Productions »

I appreciate that, thank you. And I agree. Screen printing is first an equation. A formula or a technical process if you will but secondly it’s an art, a craft and a skill that allows for the same thing to be done well many different ways.

There isn’t necessarily a wrong or right way in my experience. What you find does not work for you, does for someone else. Sometimes I see things that really shouldn’t work at all but someone is doing it successfully so you always have to allow for that dynamic characteristic of the screen printing process.

Plus it makes it more fun.
Jonathan Monaco
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