Monarch Stark Black LB – Easy Printing Plastisol Ink

Screen Printing Instructions for Monarch Stark Black Plastisol Ink on 100% Cotton and 50/50 Blends:

Preparation:

1. Ensure that the fabric is clean and free from any contaminants or residues that may affect the print quality. Pre-treat the fabric if necessary, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Screen Preparation: 2. Use an emulsion specifically designed for plastisol inks when coating your screens. For printing on 100% cotton and 50/50 blends, choose a mesh count suitable for the desired level of detail and ink deposit. A mesh count between 86 to 156 mc is generally recommended.

Ink Mixing: 3. Monarch Stark Black Plastisol Ink comes ready to use straight from the container. Thoroughly stir the ink before use to ensure consistent color and texture.

Printing: 4. Set up the screen on your printing press and position it correctly over the garment. Flood the screen with ink and ensure full coverage of the design area.

5. Use a smooth and even print stroke to achieve even ink distribution on the fabric. For best results, consider using a single print stroke for one-stroke coverage.

Curing: 6. Monarch Stark Black Ink cures at 320 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). Maintain the garment inside the conveyor dryer for a full minute and a half (90 seconds) to ensure proper curing.

7. Always perform a stretch test on a test garment after curing. This step is crucial to ensure that the ink is fully cured all the way through. Stretch the printed area gently to check for any signs of cracking or poor adhesion. If the ink passes the stretch test, it is fully cured and ready for production.

Cooling and Handling: 8. After curing, allow the garment to cool down before stacking or handling to prevent unwanted impressions or damage to the print.

Quality Control: 9. Perform regular quality control checks throughout the printing process to ensure consistent results. Monitor ink viscosity, mesh tension, and printing parameters to maintain the desired print quality.

Clean Up: 10. Clean screens and equipment thoroughly after printing to prolong their longevity and maintain print quality for future runs.

Testing: 11. Before starting mass production, always perform a wash test on a sample garment to ensure the ink adheres properly and retains its color after washing. This will help identify any potential issues and ensure the best possible print quality.

Storage Instructions:

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of Stark Black LB Plastisol Ink, it is essential to follow proper storage guidelines:

1. Room Temperature Storage: Store the ink containers in a cool and dry environment at room temperature. Avoid exposing the ink to extreme temperatures, such as freezing or high heat, as this can negatively impact the ink’s consistency and printing properties.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the ink away from direct sunlight or strong UV light sources. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause the ink to gel in the container and lead to undesirable changes in consistency.
3. Avoid Warm Temperatures: Monarch Stark Black LB Plastisol Ink is a low-cure ink, and exposure to warmer temperatures can cause gelling, making it challenging to print or even ruin the product. Prevent storing the ink in areas prone to excessive heat.
4. Proper Sealing: Always ensure that the ink containers are tightly sealed after each use. This prevents air and contaminants from entering the containers, maintaining the ink’s quality and preventing premature drying or thickening.
5. Regular Inspection: Periodically check the ink containers for any signs of spoilage, contamination, or change in consistency. If any abnormalities are detected, refrain from using the ink and contact the manufacturer or supplier for assistance.

By following these storage instructions, you can prolong the shelf life of Monarch Stark Black LB Plastisol Ink and maintain its smooth texture and printing properties, ensuring exceptional results for your screen printing projects. Remember, proper ink storage is essential for achieving consistent and high-quality prints.

Note: Always follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate protective gear when working with plastisol ink and using conveyor dryers. Proper ventilation in the printing area is essential to minimize exposure to fumes.

By following these directions, using the right emulsion and mesh count, utilizing the Monarch Color Mixing System for custom Pantone colors, and implementing careful cooling and stacking practices, you can achieve exceptional results when printing with Monarch Stark Black LB Plastisol Ink on polyester. Happy printing!