Ink-Matching Tips

Dec 1, 2008

Ink-matching systems enable screen printers to perfectly match a client's PMS color requirements to plastisol ink.

Screen printers have two options when it comes to ink color-matching systems: pigment concentrates (PC) or finished inks. Using pigment concentrates, printers can measure concentrated pigments according to the ink manufacturer's formulation guide and mix them with a plastisol carrier base. A finished ink system already has the correct base-to-pigment ratio, so the inks come ready to print.

To set up an ink color mixing lab in your shop, you'll need the following equipment and supplies:
• Large work table
• Digital gram scale with tare weight function (It must have this function in order to set the scale to zero after adding each color additive.)
• Color-matching system
• Mixing containers
• Ink knives
• Shop rags
• Ink Mixer (optional)

If you're looking to mix a custom color, place a mixing container on the gram scale and set the tare weight to zero. Look up the ink formula in the color-matching guide, also known as a recipe book.

Using ink knives, add the exact amount of pigment as designated in the ink formula. It's a good idea to add each pigment on opposite sides of the mixing container. This allows mixers to easily add and subtract colors without contaminating other colors in the container.

Mix thoroughly with an ink knife. For larger quantities, use a turn-about electric mixer set to a low speed. Scrape the sides of the container to mix in all additives. Leaving even a tiny amount of pigment on the side can alter the color. — Information provided by James Ortolani, Hix Corp., Pittsburg, Kan.

Tech Tips: Fleece Printing
To successfully screen print on fleece fabrics, there are several variables to be aware of including fleece quality, separation type and whether your design is created using vector- or raster-based artwork. Depending on the type of artwork you use, the type of screen frame and tension also comes into consideration.
July 31, 2009