Color matching with waterbased systems is not as exact as with plastisol inks. There may be a reasonable variation in color due to a number of factors including garment dye dischargability, base color of the natural fiber, tightness of the fabric weave and amount of ink deposited.
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I was just wondering, when you say “amount of ink deposited” is there a change in brightness with higher ink deposit such as there would be with plastisol inks on an underbase? Also, is there a way to increase a garment’s “dischargability”?
Thank you
Amanda, there is a slight change in brightness when you put down more ink, but this is not as pronounced as it is with plastisol ink. If you put down too much standard waterbase ink, then you end up with a “pigment-heavy” print that will crack similar to an under-cured plastisol print. There are a new generation of opaque waterbased inks coming onto the market that act much more like plastisol ink and completely mask the garment color when you print a thick deposit. We are looking forward to testing these when they work out all of the kinks . . .
As far as i know, there is no way to change a garment’s dischargeability after it has been made. The dyes used on the fabric are the #1 factor. If you find that a garment is not discharging as expected, then you can try to run it through the conveyor dryer a few times, or store it in a humidity controlled environment. Often garments do not discharge all of the way since there is still some moisture left in the fabric, and discharge needs all of that moisture cooked out to fully do its magic.
Dear Sir/ Madam,
Hello! We are interested in the water based printing on 100% Cotton T-shirt. Kindly advise the max. color in using water based printing.
Besides, pls. advise if it is preferable to have discharge printing i/o water based printing for T-shirt with black color blackground.
Hope to hear from you soon & thanks a lot!
B.regards,
Amy
Peacock Merchandising Products Ltd.
Amy, we can print up to 10 colors waterbase on your shirts. Discharge printing is preferable on dark shirts in order to get a bright vibrant print.