95% Cotton/5% Spandex Tees-What Ink???

[Leadfoot]

So I have fallen in love with 95% Cotton/5% Spandex tees and have finally found a manufacturer that makes them that I can get, Badger Extreme Tees. Now, what plastisol ink to use? Can I get away with regular ink or do I need to add a stretch additive?

[Catspit Productions]

Yeah, I think that’s all I do. LOL.... I mean I don’t use any other additive and I use my stock plastisol inks. But I do add a stretch additive so the ink will be able to flex with the fabric.

But since it’s 95% cotton the bond should be fine. Just do some severe stretch tests to make sure things are flexible, cured and bonded.

[Leadfoot]

I should probably get some stretch additive to have on hand just in case. May try printing the 95/5 tee with regular and see what happens and go from there. Hate to waste a tee but maybe I will get lucky!

[Catspit Productions]

That's a good way to start, you may not need any additives so it's worth using a shirt to test. Plastisol inks do stretch to some extent when properly cured. Plus you could do multiple tests on one shirt if needed.

[Leadfoot]

Agreed...I have noticed the ink does have some stretch to it...one thing I am very precise about is curing. I will over cure slightly to make sure the temp has gotten through all the way...Only ink I have scorched so far is Excalibur 550 Bright Red, turned more crimson. lol But that was also on Gildan 50/50 Dry Blend tees where I was not watching as closely as I should have been, that red was not unforgiving at all! lol