Pvc/phthalate free ink

[TouchJourneyman]

Hello Jonathan,

I want to start by thanking you for all the videos that you make helping all those who want to learn screen printing. I am a newbie. I would like to get you thoughts on Pvc/phthalate free ink (Eco-Friendly ink).

1- Have you printed with them? If so did you like the result?
2- Is this ink really safer than Plastisol ink?
2- Can you recommend a brand that is affordable yet good quality?
3- Is Pvc/phthalate free ink different than water base ink?

Thanks.

[Catspit Productions]

You’re welcome. Make sure to take advantage of the website too. There’s a lot of great information about screen printing there.

As for your questions no I have never really printed with Pvc/phthalate inks as I do not print for youth or children’s wear. I have heard of studies where tests have been made with existing plastisol inks off the shelf of a print shop and they actually passed the tests used for the new standards. Ultimately you will have to do further research on this.

As I have never really worked with them on a commercial level I couldn’t recommend any particular brand or retailer. Pvc/phthalate is very different from water based ink. It’s a plastisol ink which needs to be cured at 330 degrees Fahrenheit.

http://www.catspitproductionsllc.com/intro-to-inks.html

The most ecofriendly inks will be true water based textile inks.

[TouchJourneyman]

Thanks for the reply Jonathan. Do water based ink printed shirts last a long time or not? Does that kind of ink need to be cured or not?

[Catspit Productions]

You’re welcome.

Yes, water based inks will last for quite a long time. Perhaps not as long as plastisol but either way I think we’re talking about the shirt wearing out before the print with each ink when properly applied.

Water based inks need to air dry first and then they need to be heat set. Normally water based inks may be heat set between 150 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. It will depend on the specific brand and the volume of ink you lay down.

[Leadfoot]

Hello Jonathan,

I want to start by thanking you for all the videos that you make helping all those who want to learn screen printing. I am a newbie. I would like to get you thoughts on Pvc/phthalate free ink (Eco-Friendly ink).

Hope you don't mind me jumping in as I almost exclusively use a line of inks that are Phthalate free. I did a lot of research when I first started and began with water based inks since I do this out of my house in the spare bedroom. I had been told that regular plastisol inks were not recommended in a not so well ventilated area. But then someone told me about the phthalate free inks. I found that a particular brand was carried locally by an artist supply store, Excalibur inks...WOW I have been amazed with them! Aside from the glow in the dark stuff, all of my work pictured in the Rhino Tech forum have been printed with the Excalibur line of Phathalate free inks. I am about to do my first few jobs with their line of athletic/100% polyester inks this weekend. Obviously you need to do your own research on what ink you like, etc, but my experience so far with Excalibur has been nothing short of AMAZING! Only a few online places carry the Excalibur inks, I am happy to pass additional information to you via messenger if you would like. Feel free to ask any additional questions.

[Catspit Productions]

Thanks Chrissi,

Yes, Excalibur inks are pretty decent but they can be difficult to get sometimes as you may have noticed. You really lucked out with a local art supply carrying them. Anyone who is interested can get them here if you are in the States and can't get them locally:

http://www.catspitproductionsllc.com/in ... plies.html

I appreciate your input! Thanks for posting.

[Leadfoot]

How did I miss that you have a sponsor that carries some of them? Now I have another outlet to purchase from, anything to support you and your sponsors Jonathan!

Yes I am very lucky that the art supply has them, they carry most of the 500 and 550 line, ColorPro and have begun carrying the 1550 SportPro. I will eventually get the ColorPro line to do color matching, they even have a free computer program they will send you to get the formulas. But I am not that big YET!

[Catspit Productions]

Yes, Excalibur inks are pretty decent but they can be difficult to get sometimes as you may have noticed. You really lucked out with a local art supply carrying them.

You didn't miss that as I recall. You asked me about it and I did tell you but you were able to find it locally to save shipping. I was surprised that you did but that's what I would do too. Buy as much as you can locally to save money on any shipping fees. Ink is heavy so being able to get it locally is great.

Let me know if I can help out with anything you need. Maybe when you get big enough I can assist you in your purchase of the color mixing system.

Thanks again for all your great posts

[Leadfoot]

That must have been a while ago because I don't remember but work has me fried these days. lol Thanks I will definitely get with you when I am ready to get a color mixing system. Just taking baby steps as hard as that can be sometimes!

[Catspit Productions]

LOL, I can totally relate.

It was some time ago I don't know why I recall that but you know how it is hehehe...