Impressions - September 2019 - 27

P

lastisol inks have been a mainstay of the textile screenprinting industry for the past 40-plus years. Although new
technologies are popular in some applications such as highsolids acrylic (HSA), silicones, discharge and new water-based
inks, plastisols still are the go-to product for most of the imprinted
sportswear market.
The plastisol screen-printing inks manufactured today come from
a wide variety of performance factors. Each product line typically is
designed to address a specific screen-printing application, including:
*	 Soft-hand applications
*	 Athletic-printing applications
*	 High-elongation fabrics
*	 Photographic reproduction
*	 Nylon and synthetic applications
*	 Special effect applications
Unlike the ink lines from the past, most all plastisols today are
manufactured as ready-to-use products straight from the container.
Although this is the case, a wide range of product modifiers still are
available that enhance the ink's performance based on the finished
product's desired effects.
Here, let's look at the modifiers currently offered for plastisol screen
printing, as well as their benefits, drawbacks and any caution that
should be applied when using them.

Soft-Hand Extenders

One of the more popular additives on the market is soft-hand extenders. They originally were developed to minimize prints' athletic
feel. Prior to the onset of high-tension screen printing, many decorators used coarser mesh counts and excessive ink films, resulting in
the introduction of soft-hand extenders to help minimize that effect.
These extenders particularly are helpful when printing on lightThe most critical aspect
of using any plastisol
modif ier is to properly
measure the manufacturer's
recommended quantities.

colored garments. As soft-hand extenders are lower in viscosity, they
increase the ink film's flow and penetration into the fabric. Keeping in mind that you want the ink film on the fabric's surface and
not excessively driven into the garment, higher-tension screens also
contribute to this effect.
There is no actual limit to how much soft-hand extender can be
added to an opaque plastisol as long as you know the ink's overall
opacity will decrease as the extender-to-ink ratio increases.

Viscosity Reducers

The most common modifier used by many plastisol screen printers
is a viscosity reducer, which can be a great benefit when used properly.
There are two basic kinds of viscosity reducers used in plastisolprinting applications: straight plasticizer reducers and curable reducers.
The former can be beneficial when properly used and measured to
the manufacturer's recommendations.
The problem with straight plasticizer reducers was that many printers wouldn't properly measure the required amount, which often
resulted in an overly plasticized ink that wouldn't properly cure and
a finished print with poor washability characteristics.
This scenario led to the introduction of curable reducers in the
1980s. This kind of viscosity reducer is a liquid plasticizer with a balanced amount of resin that allows the reduced ink to properly cure.
This removed the threat of a resulting print with poor washability,
while also allowing screen printers to modify the ink to their liking.
Caution still must be taken, as adding an excessive amount of
curable reducer can result in poor opacity if the ink's viscosity is
excessively thin. As with any plastisol modifier, you should strictly
adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for proper mixing.

Flash Additives

This type of plastisol additive is intended to decrease the flash time
for standard plastisol inks. Flash additives are beneficial when printing on polyester or tri-blends, which are sensitive to heat and prone
to scorching. When printing on tri-blends, minimizing the fabric's
heat exposure will help minimize the scorching risk.
Polyester fabrics, on the other hand, don't tend to scorch as easily
as tri-blends, but the risk of sublimating the polyester dyes - which
only promotes the potential for dye sublimation or migration - must
be considered. Therefore, any heat reduction that can be introduced
to the process will benefit the finished product.
Flash additives can be added up to 10% by weight to a standard
plastisol depending on the manufacturer. Again, it always is important
to adhere to the manufacturer's mixing recommendations.

Foil-Release Additives

Any plastisol textile screen printer who has ventured into the
special-effects realm of foil applications has experienced working
with foil-release additives. As foil had an inherent ability to stick
to plastisol ink film's surface, the ink must be modified to reject the
foil's bonding characteristics. Foil applications can be tricky due to
several variables within the process, including:
*	 Plastisol brand
*	 Ink-film thickness on the fabric
*	 Foil brand
*	 Amount of foil-release additive in the ink
*	 Heat-transfer time, temperature and pressure
It's not unusual to spend time upfront conducting researchand-development tests to find the optimal combination of
parameters to produce consistent results. The best starting point is
SEPTEMBER 2019

P.27



Impressions - September 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - September 2019

Impressions - September 2019
Contents
First Impressions
From the Show Director
Overheard
First Look
The Outlook for Outerwear
Fit Factors
In the Mix with Plastisols
Shop Talk
Embroidery Production
Screen Printing Production
Screen Printing Graphics & Design
Direct-To-Garment
Ad Index/Classifieds
On Design
Impressions - September 2019 - Intro
Impressions - September 2019 - CT1
Impressions - September 2019 - CT2
Impressions - September 2019 - Impressions - September 2019
Impressions - September 2019 - Cover2
Impressions - September 2019 - 1
Impressions - September 2019 - Contents
Impressions - September 2019 - 3
Impressions - September 2019 - 4
Impressions - September 2019 - 5
Impressions - September 2019 - First Impressions
Impressions - September 2019 - 7
Impressions - September 2019 - From the Show Director
Impressions - September 2019 - 9
Impressions - September 2019 - Overheard
Impressions - September 2019 - 11
Impressions - September 2019 - 12
Impressions - September 2019 - 13
Impressions - September 2019 - 13A
Impressions - September 2019 - 13B
Impressions - September 2019 - First Look
Impressions - September 2019 - 15
Impressions - September 2019 - 16
Impressions - September 2019 - 17
Impressions - September 2019 - The Outlook for Outerwear
Impressions - September 2019 - 19
Impressions - September 2019 - 20
Impressions - September 2019 - 21
Impressions - September 2019 - Fit Factors
Impressions - September 2019 - 23
Impressions - September 2019 - 24
Impressions - September 2019 - 25
Impressions - September 2019 - In the Mix with Plastisols
Impressions - September 2019 - 27
Impressions - September 2019 - 28
Impressions - September 2019 - 29
Impressions - September 2019 - Shop Talk
Impressions - September 2019 - 31
Impressions - September 2019 - Embroidery Production
Impressions - September 2019 - 33
Impressions - September 2019 - 34
Impressions - September 2019 - 35
Impressions - September 2019 - Screen Printing Production
Impressions - September 2019 - 37
Impressions - September 2019 - 38
Impressions - September 2019 - 39
Impressions - September 2019 - Screen Printing Graphics & Design
Impressions - September 2019 - 41
Impressions - September 2019 - 42
Impressions - September 2019 - 43
Impressions - September 2019 - Direct-To-Garment
Impressions - September 2019 - 45
Impressions - September 2019 - 46
Impressions - September 2019 - Ad Index/Classifieds
Impressions - September 2019 - On Design
Impressions - September 2019 - Cover3
Impressions - September 2019 - Cover4
Impressions - September 2019 - ISS1
Impressions - September 2019 - ISS2
Impressions - September 2019 - ISS3
Impressions - September 2019 - ISS4
Impressions - September 2019 - ISS5
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202404
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202403
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20240102
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202312
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20231011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20230809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20230506
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202304
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202303
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20230102
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202212
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20221011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20220809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20220506
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202204
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202203
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20220102
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202112
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20211011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/DigitalDecorator_2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20210809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/teamactivewear_2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202106
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202105
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/imp_0421_digital
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20210102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_fall2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nxtbook_bhtest/impwessons
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20201011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202009
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2020fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202008
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20200607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202005
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202003
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202002
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202001
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201912
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2019fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201908
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20190607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201905
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201904
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201903
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2019spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201902
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201901
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201812
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201810
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2018fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201808
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201806
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201805
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201804
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201803
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2018spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201802
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201801
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201712
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201710
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201709
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2017fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20170607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201705
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201704
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201703
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2017spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201702
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201701
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201612
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201610
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201609
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201608
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2016fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20160607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201605
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201604
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201603
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2016spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201602
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201601
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201510
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201509
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201508
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20150607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2015summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201504
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201503
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2015spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201502
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201501
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201410
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_2014fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201409
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201408
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2014fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2014summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20140607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_2014spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201404
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2014spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201402
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201401
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_sportsfanretailer_201312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20131011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201309
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201308
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2013fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20130607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201303
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2013spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201302
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201301
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201212
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20121011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2012fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20120809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20120607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201204
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2012spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201202
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201201
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20111011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20110809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2011fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20110607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201104
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2011spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201101
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_sourcebook2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20101112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20100910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2010fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20100708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2010winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201003
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201002
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_200909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_eco_2009fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2009fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_200910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20091112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_sourcebook_200906
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201001
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com