What is the difference between traditional plastisol and water-based ink?

What is the difference between traditional plastisol and water-based ink?

The first and most notable difference between these two is the hand, or feel, of the ink. The printing process and chemistry of water-based is much different than plastisol. With any water-based or discharge water-based ink the pigment actually integrates or soaks into the fabric.

Plastisol ink pigment sits on top of the fabric. This is one of the main reasons water-based ink has such a soft feel and is becoming more and more desirable for printing onto fashion blanks.  If you are looking to create soft custom t shirts, water based ink will give you the softest tees possible.

PROS FOR WATER BASED INK

Softer Feel

Natural ingredients (for light garments)

Allows skin to breathe through print (less sweaty)

CONS FOR WATER BASED INK

Fabric limitations

Less color accuracy

Shelf Life

PROS PLASTICOL INK

Good coverage

Little to no ink waste

Very few fabric limitations

Additives can be used to offset thick feel

CONS FOR PLASTICOL INK

Thicker feel

Doesn’t let skin breathe through fabric

Less sustainable ingredients

We are here to help you decide what makes sense for your project.  As a general guideline, see if there’s one detail that you value more than everything else.  If you’re looking for the eco friendly screen printing option, than you won’t want to go with plastisol.  Printing on dark blended (not 100% cotton) fabric and need a super bright print?  Plastisol really is the only option, or a mix of both processes.  Looking to make super soft custom t shirts?  Then water based ink is the clear winner.

Great results truly can be produced with both ink types and the right approach in just about any case.

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