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Article 1: Screen Printing Plastisol Additives

In this article we will discuss why these are the 4 most popular screen printing plastisol additives in most screen printing shops. These additives can be mixed into existing pigmented plastisol inks to yield different effects without changing the color of the plastisol inks. Most of these additives will cure in the same way that the plastisol ink cures; giving you a different garment effect, without changing your screen printing job. International Coatings 220 Puff Additive will created a lifted "puffed" up effect for your screen print. This transparent additive allows for the pigment of your ink to show through while getting the desired effect. 220 Puff Additive is a more cost effective option as opposed to buying puff inks in different pigments. jean-applique Adjusting your mesh count or curing with a higher temperature can also change the look of this additive. Allowing for screen printers to get creative with their designs. International Coatings 222 Dulling/Suede Additive a small amount of this additive (around 2% by weight of the plastisol ink) will create a matte finish to your screen printed ink. When you add more of this additive (around 10-15% by weight) then you will get a suede/velvet/soft leather feel to your ink. Mesh count and curing time will be the same with this additive for your screen print job.
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1199 Stretch Ink Additive is another great product from International Coatings. Add this into any regular plastisol ink to allow for some elasticity and elongation. This is a very popular additive for the large athletic garment market. Lycra and Spandex are a few of the fabrics that work well with this additive. Click on the link here to read more about screen printing on athletic wear. International Coatings 3804 Low-Cure Additive will reduce the overall curing time of the screen printed garment. This additive is perfect for screen printers printing on heat sensitive materials that require a lower curing temperature, such as athletic fabrics and synthetic fabrics. For an example of this click here to read about "How To Screen Print Recyclable Poly Bags". Most of these additives can be found here. Try using these screen printing additives to keep your creative juices flowing. th-1
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