The Dazzling World of Glitter Plastisol Ink Screen Printing

The Sparkling World of Glitter Plastisol Ink

Glitter plastisol ink has become an increasingly popular choice for screen printers looking to add some sparkle and shine to their prints. This type of ink contains tiny particles of metallic glitter suspended in plastisol ink, creating a shimmering effect when printed on apparel and fabrics.

Plastisol ink itself is one of the most common inks used in screen printing. It is highly versatile, allowing screen printers to print on a wide variety of materials. The addition of glitter takes plastisol ink to a new level, ideal for concert tees, sports apparel, and any application where a touch of glitz and glam is desired.

The Composition and Creation of Glitter Plastisol Inks

Glitter plastisol ink starts off with the standard plastisol ink base. This ink base is composed of PVC resin suspended in plasticizer. The PVC resin provides durability and elasticity when cured, while the plasticizer gives the ink its thick, paste-like consistency optimal for screen printing.

Metallic glitter particles are then added to this plastisol base. The glitter is most commonly made from metals like aluminum, copper, and brass. It can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from fine micro-glitter to larger flakes. The glitter content in these specialty inks can range from 15% up to 25% by volume.

When combined with the ink base, the glitter is evenly dispersed throughout the mixture. This prevents the glitter from settling during printing. High glitter loads help produce prints with maximum sparkle and shine.

The glitter plastisol ink mixture also contains viscosity modifiers to optimize flow through the screen. Flow agents help the glitter lay flat on the fabric surface. Other additives like curing agents and stabilizers are also blended in.

Printing with Glitter Plastisol Inks

Glitter plastisol inks print very similarly to standard plastisol inks. However, there are some special considerations to keep in mind when printing with these sparkly inks.

Higher mesh counts between 160 and 230 threads per inch are recommended for printing glitter inks. The fine mesh prevents glitter particles from falling through the screen. Stencils with a thick emulsion coating also help block glitter from penetrating the screen.

Glitter ink requires a bit more pressure during the print stroke to transfer the glitter particles effectively. Slow print strokes are also beneficial to allow the glitter to embed in the fabric. Screens and squeegees should be kept very clean since any dried ink can dislodge the glitter.

Excess glitter that doesn't adhere during printing can lead to washout and loss of shine. Controlling squeeze pressure and using an adhesive spray pretreatment helps maximize glitter retention.

Glitter plastisol inks have a slightly thicker consistency than standard plastisols. The glitter content can clog finer details of the screen image. Screens with halftones or fine lines may require higher mesh counts or adjustments to the stencil.

Curing and Finishing Glitter Printed Goods

Just like traditional plastisol inks, glitter plastisols must go through a curing process to permanently bond them to the garment. Glitter inks require a slightly longer cure time at a bit lower temperature.

Curing instructions generally range from 270°F to 320°F for 60 to 90 seconds. Curing at too high of a temperature or for too long can burn or discolor the glitter particles and reduce their reflectivity.

The glitter ink prints emerge from the curing oven with a shiny, glass-like surface. For added vibrancy, prints can be taken through a cold peel process immediately after curing. This removes the top plastisol layer and exposes more of the glitter.

Washing and drying of glitter printed garments requires some extra care. The prints should be turned inside out before machine washing on a gentle cycle. Tumbling drying can damage the surface glitter, so air drying is recommended.

With proper curing and care, the glitter ink design will bond permanently to the fabric. The prints retain their sparkling appearance even after repeated washings.

Glitter Plastisol Ink Options

Glitter plastisol inks provide more design options than just a standard silver or gold glitter. Printers can select from a full spectrum of glitter colors and finishes.

Glitter Colors

Metallic glitters like silver, gold, copper and holographic are the most popular. But glitters also come in non-metallic colors like red, green, blue, pink, purple and more.

Multi-colored mixes with various particle shapes and sizes can create a unique textured effect. There are even color shifting inks where the glitter changes hues when viewed from different angles.

Glitter Shapes and Sizes

The shape and size of the glitter particles impact the visual look and feel of the print. Ultra-fine micro glitter provides uniform shine while larger hexagonal glitter offers a bolder, prismatic sparkle.

Glitter also comes in elongated diamond shapes as well as flakes and specialty shapes like stars and hearts. The glitter particle size is measured in microns. Common sizes range from 45 microns up to 700+ microns.

Matte and Gloss Finishes

Most glitter plastisol ink has a high-gloss, light-reflective finish. A matte glitter effect can be achieved by adding matting powder to the ink or applying a matte clear coat over the cured print.

Gloss and matte glitters provide very different visual styles. Gloss gives off a wet-look shine while matte has a subdued sparkle.

Creative Uses for Glitter Plastisol Ink

Screen printers have found many creative applications for glitter plastisol inks beyond just basic t-shirt designs. The sparkly prints have captivated consumers across industries.

Concert T-Shirts and Merchandise

Nothing shines brighter under stage lights than glitter printed tees and garments. Glitter ink designs provide the perfect eye-catching merch for performers and bands.

Sports Uniforms and Activewear

Glitter ink adds spirit and flair to cheer, dance, and gymnastics uniforms. It also gives a flashy look to sports jerseys, workout gear, and athletic apparel of all kinds.

Fashion and Accessories

Runway designers and fashion labels frequently incorporate glitter details for dramatic effect. Glitter plastisol prints can elevate basic garments into glamorous showstoppers.

Holiday Apparel and Gifts

Few things embody the festive sparkle of the holidays like glitter ink prints. Fun glitter designs are ideal for making seasonal gifts, party shirts, and custom holiday gear.

Screen printers also use glitter inks on promotional products, awards, invitations, signage, and much more. The shimmering prints never go out of style.

Achieving Safe and Sustainable Glitter Printing

Despite its allure, some traditional glitter has posed environmental and health hazards. Modern water-based and eco-friendly glitters provide a safer, more sustainable printing option.

Potential Health Concerns

Older glitter formulas contained tiny flakes of aluminum as the sparkling particles. Inhaling aluminum dust during printing may present health risks if proper ventilation isn't used.

Lead, bismuth, and other heavy metals were also previously used to produce glitter. Contact or absorption of these metals can be toxic. Today, strict manufacturing standards ensure glitter ink safety.

Environmental Impact

Traditional plastic glitter is non-biodegradable and often contains petroleum-derived materials. These tiny plastics can accumulate in ecosystems and waterways if not disposed of properly.

Some areas have even enacted glitter bans because of the environmental damage caused by standard glitter particles washing down drains.

Eco and Water-Based Glitter Inks

Printers now have access to safer bio-glitters made from plant cellulose or seaweed extracts. These natural glitters offer good printability while being plastic-free and compostable.

Water-based glitters made with non-toxic minerals or epoxy resins also provide an environmentally responsible alternative. They eliminate plastisol chemical exposure during printing.

Responsibly sourced, low impact glitter inks allow printers to sparkle sustainably. Careful handling and waste procedures also minimize glitter's effects.

The Dazzling World of Glitter Printing

Glitter plastisol inks open up an exciting range of shimmering print effects for creative screen printers. When paired with thoughtful design, the statement-making sparkle captivates audiences and takes prints to the next level.

With increased access to eco-friendly glitter options, printers can safely tap into glitter's magic while minimizing hazards to people and the environment. As glitter printing continues to evolve, one thing is clear – the future looks bright and shiny indeed.

FAQs

What fabrics can I use glitter plastisol ink on?

Glitter plastisol ink adheres well to cotton, polyester, rayon, and blended fabrics. It can also print onto leather, vinyl, and other coated surfaces.

How do I prevent glitter from falling out of the ink?

Use a higher mesh screen between 160-230 threads per inch. Ensure the emulsion is thick enough to block glitter particles. Go slowly on print strokes and use optimal pressure to embed glitter into the fabric.

Is glitter plastisol ink washable?

Yes, when properly cured the glitter ink becomes permanently bonded to the fabric. Turn prints inside out, wash on gentle cycle, and air dry to preserve the glitter.

What special equipment do I need for glitter printing?

You'll need a higher mesh count screen with a thick stencil. Slow-speed printing helps transfer more glitter. An adhesive pretreatment will maximize glitter retention.

How can I achieve a matte glitter effect?

Add matting powder to the glitter ink or print a matte clear coat over the cured glitter ink print to dull the shine.