Screen printing is a common printing method used to create designs on clothing, billboards, and logos on packaging. Ink is one of the most critical materials used. Different inks can produce varying effects in color, gloss, and durability.
Classifications of Screen Printing Inks
Depending on the ink's formulation and application method, screen printing inks can be categorized into the following.
1. Solvent-Based Ink
Uses a solvent as its primary ingredient. It dries quickly and has strong adhesion, making it suitable for printing on surfaces of plastic, metal, and glass.
Advantages: Vibrant colors and good abrasion resistance.
Disadvantages: Strong odor, requiring ventilation.
Fluorescent Applications: Solvent-based fluorescent inks are used on billboards and display boards, maintaining their brightness even under strong light.
2. Water-Based Ink
Using water as its primary solvent, it is more environmentally friendly and has a low odor. It is commonly used on absorbent materials such as paper and cotton.
Advantages: Environmentally friendly, safe, and easy to clean.
Disadvantages: Not suitable for printing on plastic or metal surfaces.
Fluorescent Applications: Used on products such as T-shirts, stationery, and eco-friendly packaging, it produces bright and soft colors.
3. UV-Cure Ink
This type of ink dries instantly under ultraviolet light and quickly sets to the surface.
Advantages: Fast drying and saturated colors.
Disadvantages: Requires specialized UV curing equipment.
Fluorescent Applications: UV fluorescent inks are used in anti-counterfeiting printing, decorative cards, and other fields, emitting a noticeable glow under UV light.
4. Plastisol Ink
This ink is most commonly used in textile printing, particularly T-shirt printing.
Advantages: Vibrant colors, strong adhesion, and a soft feel.
Disadvantages: Requires heat curing and is not breathable.
Fluorescent Applications: Fluorescent Plastisol inks are a common color choice for trendy apparel, with colors like fluorescent green, orange, and pink making clothing designs more eye-catching.
A typical fluorescent screen printing ink contains fluorescent pigments, binders, solvents, and additives. The binder ensures adhesion to the substrate, while the pigment determines the color intensity. Since fluorescent pigments are larger in particle size, proper dispersion is key to achieving smooth, even prints.
For best results, fluorescent inks should be printed on light-colored substrates. Using a white base layer can make fluorescent colors pop even more. Avoid overcuring, as excessive heat can dull the brightness of the ink.
Fluorescent Pigments in Printing
Fluorescent pigments can be 30% to 50% brighter than ordinary pigments, making them particularly visible in sunlight or UV light. Their high-gloss effect instantly draws attention, making them ideal for high-visibility prints such as advertising, packaging, and signage. Fluorescent pigments can be used in screen printing, gravure printing, and flexographic printing if the appropriate carrier is selected. By mixing with different transparent resins or ink binders, a variety of fluorescent hues can be created, such as glitter, orange-red, lemon yellow, and yellow-green.
While fluorescent pigments offer vibrant colors, they also present some technical considerations that require attention during printing.
1. Poor Light fastness
Fluorescent pigments tend to fade in sunlight, especially after prolonged outdoor exposure. This is because the fluorescent molecules gradually decompose under UV light.
Solutions:
Select fluorescent pigments with a high lightfastness rating (such as daylight-resistant grades).
Add a UV-protective coating to the printed surface.
Use them for indoor or short-term displays only.
2. High Dispersion Requirements
Fluorescent pigment particles are large. If not dispersed properly, uneven printing colors or screen blocking can occur.
Solution:
Use an appropriate dispersant or resin system.
Stir thoroughly and use grinding equipment if necessary.
3. High-Temperature Processing Inappropriate
Fluorescent pigments are prone to discoloration or loss of fluorescence at high temperatures, making them unsuitable for certain high-temperature curing inks.
Solution:
Choose heat-resistant fluorescent pigments (e.g., those resistant to temperatures up to 200°C).
Control the drying temperature within an appropriate range.
4. Color Matching Difficulty
The luminescence mechanism of fluorescent pigments causes colors to appear differently under various lighting conditions, making it challenging to match them to a standard color chart accurately.
Solution:
Confirm the color under actual lighting.
Use a professional colorimeter for auxiliary testing.
The Environmental Advantages of Water-Based Fluorescent Ink
In the printing industry, more and more manufacturers are turning to water-based fluorescent inks. Unlike traditional solvent-based inks, water-based inks use water as their primary solvent and contain virtually no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This means less irritating odors during the printing process and less air pollution. These inks are safer for printers and more environmentally friendly. In the past, some pigments or additives may have contained trace amounts of formaldehyde or heavy metals, but these substances are now strictly regulated. Modern fluorescent inks often utilize non-toxic resin systems and high-purity fluorescent pigments. These inks not only maintain vibrant colors but also meet safety-critical applications such as children's toys, food packaging, and apparel printing. This provides greater assurance of printed products and aligns with global sustainability trends.
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Where can you buy Fluorescent pigments in bulk?
Fluorescent pigments emit bright, visible light under ultraviolet or other light sources and are widely used in various applications, including fluorescent coatings, stationery, textiles, plastics, advertising signage, and electronic displays. As a professional Daylight fluorescent pigment ingredients. supplier and manufacturer, Wanlong Chemical Co., LTD. has nearly 10 years of experience in supplying and exporting fluorescent pigment ingredients from China. You can confidently purchase fluorescent powder from Wanlong Chemical Co., LTD. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us and we will get back to you within 1 business day.
If you have needs please contact us.
Established in 1989, Wanlong Chemical Co., LTD. has been focusing on polymer synthesis and fine chemical intermediates research and development and production for nearly 40 years, and has developed three business systems - polymer materials, organic dyes and chemical intermediates, including Fluorescent pigment powder. We offer wholesale prices for bulk purchases, even for small quantities, and offer a free sample to potential customers. If you have needs please contact us.
Post time: 2025-10-11 15:50:18