Environmentally Conscious Silk Screening!
The Benefits of Using Water-Based Inks
To the end consumer, not only is using water-based inks worth more, but it is of great benefit to the environment. This silk-screening process is accomplished by using 100% biodegradable pigment combined with water. This creates an ecologically conscious water-based ink. And the benefits of this environmentally friendly process do not stop there. It also creates a lighter, more breathable product that is still affordable. Items that have used this application don’t compare to the thick toxic inks (Plastisol) that have been used in today’s traditional silk-screening. Water-based inks are much gentler on the fabric and the environment and water-based products can carry a hangtag bearing the word “Eco-friendly”. The final garment becomes a product that is not only healthy for our planet but will leave the consumer feeling great about their purchase.
The Discharge Printing Process
This screen-printing process works especially well for printing on dark fabrics and is also water-based. The same techniques and equipment are used but instead of normal ink, discharge inks are used. Discharge inks remove the dye of the shirt instead of putting color on top of the shirt. The result is an extremely soft, high-quality print that shows the weave of the shirt and is also eco-friendly. Most high-end shirts use this printing process. The only time you will slightly feel the ink on a garment using this process is before its initial washing. After that, the garment has no leftover ink on the top of the garment. It breathes, is light, and has no feel of the screen print to the touch. In contrast, lacquer-based inks (Plastisol) do not breathe. They are rough to the touch and can leave you feeling as though you are wearing a sweaty tarp – especially using larger screen print areas. Which would you rather wear?