Plastisol vs Water-Based Inks: Why Plastisol is Our Go-To at Get Bold Custom Clothing
Blog post by GetBold
Published at Tue May 21 2024
Published at Tue May 21 2024
Plastisol: The WYSIWYG Ink
Think of plastisol inks like acrylic paints. They're straightforward. What you see is what you get. This means when we take the ink and print it on your shirt, the final product closely resembles the mock-up you approved.
Water-Based Discharge: A Fickle Friend
Water-based discharge inks are more like a temperamental artist. They use a bleaching agent to remove the shirt's dye and then replace it with the ink colour. This chemical reaction can be finicky, depending on the fabric content and the original dye used in the shirt.
Here's why water-based discharge can be unpredictable:
- Fabric Matters: Not all fabrics react well to discharge. Polyester, for instance, is notoriously difficult to discharge consistently.
- Dye Variations: Different dye lots within the same colour can discharge differently, leading to inconsistencies in your shirt order.
- Colour Limitations: Certain colours, like royal blue, simply don't discharge well with water-based inks.
The Bottom Line: Predictability Matters
While the soft feel and vintage look of water-based discharge inks are undeniably cool, we prioritize consistency at GetBold. We want you to be confident that your custom shirts will look exactly as you envisioned them.
So, Do We Print Water-Based Inks?
Absolutely! We're happy to print with water-based discharge inks as long as you understand the potential for variations and are comfortable with a broader range of possible results. Just be sure to discuss the risks with our team beforehand.
Ready to GetBold?
Whether you choose plastisol or water-based inks, GetBold Screen Printing and Embroidery is here to help you create top-quality custom apparel. Contact us today to discuss your project and get a free quote!
