Choosing the right ink is one of the biggest decisions in screen printing — it affects your finish, durability, and cleanup. The two main options are water-based and plastisol. Here's how they compare.
Water-Based Ink
- Pros: soft, breathable finish that soaks into the fabric; eco-friendly; easy water cleanup; great for light fabrics.
- Cons: can dry in the screen if you're slow; needs proper curing; less opaque on dark fabrics.
- Best for: beginners, soft prints, and eco-conscious printing.
Plastisol Ink
- Pros: very vibrant and opaque (great on dark fabrics); sits on top of the fabric; durable; won't dry in the screen.
- Cons: thicker "plasticky" feel; needs heat curing at higher temperatures; cleanup requires special cleaners.
- Best for: bold T-shirt prints and dark garments.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Feel: water-based is soft; plastisol sits on top.
- Opacity: plastisol covers dark fabric better.
- Cleanup: water-based washes with water; plastisol needs solvents.
- Eco-friendliness: water-based is greener.
Curing Matters
Both inks must be properly heat-cured to last through washing. Follow the temperature and time on your ink — under-curing causes cracking and fading.
Which Should You Choose?
- Beginner or eco-minded? Water-based.
- Bold prints on dark tees? Plastisol.
Find both water-based and plastisol inks, clearly labelled, at nestoracitadel.shop — free delivery across India, with 7-day returns.