The Adventure Machine

Are you ready to take your screen printing game to the next level? If so, it’s time to ditch the oil-based ink and make the switch to water-based ink. Not only will you be saving the environment, but you’ll also be creating prints that are brighter, softer, and more vibrant than ever before.

Why water-based ink?

So why should you make the switch? Well, for starters, water-based ink is far more environmentally friendly than its oil-based counterpart. According to Jessica Fletcher with Planet9 Co., water-based ink contains fewer harmful chemicals and solvents, making it a much safer option for both the printer and the planet. Plus, water-based inks are easier to clean up and produce less waste, making them a more sustainable choice overall.

If you use oil based ink, you can leave the ink on the screen if you have a time pinch. The oil based ink will just sit there and wait for you to continue your project, or reclaim the screens. Water based ink is the opposite. You have to immediately without delay rinse the screen before the ink dries and potentially ruins your screen. This can be both good and not as good – depending on your schedule.

“To become a more environmentally conscience company and practice sustainability you have to re-think how you do things and acquire better habits that will achieve these goals.” Jessica Fletcher

Soft, Breathable, Long Lasting

But the benefits don’t stop there. Water-based inks also offer a softer feel and a more breathable print, making them ideal for printing on garments like t-shirts and hoodies. Water based dyes the garment as oil sits on top. Therefor, water based ink will last as long as the t-shirt does. Oil on the other hand can crack, peel off, and fade over time.

Quality Over Quantity

Fletcher explains, “Plastisol – oil based ink – was great starting out as the colors can really stand out on the fabric, being more opaque. You could do larger projects without removing the oil off the screen. But the life of the print is only about 4-5 years which may be longer than “fast fashion” but really we have to be in the mindset to change the way we do things and consume things. One way is to choose quality over quantity, but find new ways to wear the item or repurpose because it can last longer. I guess you have to just love the item for what it represents and the conscience decision to contribute to a more loving, caring world. Water based ink is to me a better investment in the future.”

So what are we waiting for? Make the switch to water-based ink and start creating or wearing prints that are as bold and adventurous as you are. The planet will thank you for it.

It’s a lifestyle.

The Adventure Machine

References/Further Study:

https://www.screenprinting.com/blogs/news/plastisol-vs-water-base-ink

https://screenprintingmag.com/what-is-the-best-ink-for-screen-printing/