TSB

screen printing => Ink and Chemicals => Topic started by: tse1990 on March 07, 2019, 12:17:52 PM

Title: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: tse1990 on March 07, 2019, 12:17:52 PM
It's probably been discussed at length on the board already, but how do you get glitter inks to last more than a few washes??

Answers relating to on-press solutions or customer care tips both welcome!


Thanks in advance!


Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: blue moon on March 07, 2019, 12:49:54 PM
have a third solution. . . order CAD Cut from Stahl's. It is the most glittery thing you've ever seen and will withstand washing. We stopped printing glitter once we found their product.

pierre
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: Homer on March 07, 2019, 12:55:58 PM
have a third solution. . . order CAD Cut from Stahl's. It is the most glittery thing you've ever seen and will withstand washing. We stopped printing glitter once we found their product.

pierre

...........and it works great for "Rip away Applique" for embroidery. we use tons of that stuff...
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: Frog on March 07, 2019, 01:29:06 PM
and, your shop will be cleaner avoiding "Glitter, the gift that keeps on giving"!
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: tse1990 on March 07, 2019, 01:48:05 PM
have a third solution. . . order CAD Cut from Stahl's. It is the most glittery thing you've ever seen and will withstand washing. We stopped printing glitter once we found their product.

pierre

Thanks for weighing in guys! So you cut, pick, and press for large orders too? I like the idea for 12-48 shirts but what about 1000?
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: 3Deep on March 07, 2019, 02:05:50 PM
We use stahls glitter vinyl also, but we still every now and then print glitter inks because it's in the design where a heat seal vinyl want work.  Sir Frog you are so right it stays with you like relatives ;D
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: Homer on March 07, 2019, 02:09:31 PM
have a third solution. . . order CAD Cut from Stahl's. It is the most glittery thing you've ever seen and will withstand washing. We stopped printing glitter once we found their product.

pierre

Thanks for weighing in guys! So you cut, pick, and press for large orders too? I like the idea for 12-48 shirts but what about 1000?

best printable glitter I have ever seen / used is from One Stroke.....24 mesh and good to go.
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: Frog on March 07, 2019, 02:11:32 PM
It's probably been discussed at length on the board already, but how do you get glitter inks to last more than a few washes??

Answers relating to on-press solutions or customer care tips both welcome!


Do you know if your customers are following the universal laundering advice for all decorated gaments and turning them inside-out, avoiding some of the naturally occurring abrasion? Especially important with this stuff!
In fact, you may want to do some tests yourself. Might even need to go to a gentle wash cycle.
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: mimosatexas on March 07, 2019, 02:14:15 PM
I second the one stroke suggestion.  Biggest thing with glitter is you have to cure longer than standard plastisol.  It seems to reflect a lot of the heat...
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: Frog on March 07, 2019, 02:32:46 PM
I second the one stroke suggestion.  Biggest thing with glitter is you have to cure longer than standard plastisol.  It seems to reflect a lot of the heat...

All metallics and shimmers, and other sparklies reflect some of the heat.
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: 3Deep on March 07, 2019, 03:01:51 PM
One Stroke has some great inks, but dang they are high...my invoice for a gal of ELT-S white  :o few more bucks I could have gotten a 5gal from another ink company.
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: DannyGruninger on March 07, 2019, 03:17:57 PM
have a third solution. . . order CAD Cut from Stahl's. It is the most glittery thing you've ever seen and will withstand washing. We stopped printing glitter once we found their product.

pierre


Did you ever test any water base metallics/glitters?


We have found them to be far better and better washing then plastisol stuff
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: numbercruncher on March 07, 2019, 04:12:31 PM
Does anyone still buy the glitter flakes (used to be available in sizes which dictated your mesh) and mix it into the ink ? Allowed you additional control
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: Northland on March 07, 2019, 05:22:38 PM
and, your shop will be cleaner avoiding "Glitter, the gift that keeps on giving"!
ahh...  glitter. My wife refers to it as:  "the herpes of the craft world"
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: tonypep on March 08, 2019, 04:53:07 AM
Not for everyone however WB glitters IMO are superior to their plastisol compadres. Virus, Union, Matsui, and others. Most offer a catalyst which can offer superior adhesion. Downside is shelf life with the ink when catalyzed. I have learned to avoid this component and maintain standards for garment manufacturers such as Zumba Fitness on performance fabrics. If needed, half of the recommended amount is usually acceptable (depending on the ink) Higher mesh is possible depending on partical size. Sixty mesh can quite often great detail without mesh patterns.

And yes, for the plastisol people there are glitter bases with which you can add flakes.
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: blue moon on March 08, 2019, 07:25:49 AM
have a third solution. . . order CAD Cut from Stahl's. It is the most glittery thing you've ever seen and will withstand washing. We stopped printing glitter once we found their product.

pierre


Did you ever test any water base metallics/glitters?


We have found them to be far better and better washing then plastisol stuff
Yes, we use the waterbased metallics, but have not tried the glitter. I should probably order some.
Pierre
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: tse1990 on March 08, 2019, 09:12:37 AM
Not for everyone however WB glitters IMO are superior to their plastisol compadres. Virus, Union, Matsui, and others. Most offer a catalyst which can offer superior adhesion. Downside is shelf life with the ink when catalyzed. I have learned to avoid this component and maintain standards for garment manufacturers such as Zumba Fitness on performance fabrics. If needed, half of the recommended amount is usually acceptable (depending on the ink) Higher mesh is possible depending on partical size. Sixty mesh can quite often great detail without mesh patterns.

And yes, for the plastisol people there are glitter bases with which you can add flakes.


We're using Epic - Liquid Silver. Haven't tried any water-based glitters or metallics. Do you print that over a discharge UB?

We get about 2-4 washes in before the print fades noticably. Hot water, high heat, etc just like a customer. I'll test one in cold water and delicate dry over the weekend.

I want to bring it up because I don't think anyone else has yet, has anyone printed a clear base over glitter ink? Does it help with longevity?

Thanks for all the replies helpful and hilarious!
Title: Re: Glitter Inks and Longevity
Post by: tonypep on March 08, 2019, 09:36:10 AM
BTW the Virus Hydra Glitter Base is a great product. Meadowbrook has been a go to for glitter products however I believe they may have gone to the vendor option.