Printing stone effects with silicone ink is becoming increasingly popular in the fashion and apparel industry. Silicone ink is highly versatile and can be used to create a wide range of designs on various substrates such as cotton, polyester, and other synthetic fabrics.
To achieve a realistic and durable stone effect, a combination of silicone ink and special effect additives is required. The ink system should be formulated for good adhesion and elasticity to ensure that the print stays intact after washing and wearing.
The process of printing stone effects with silicone ink begins with creating a digital artwork of the desired design. The artwork is then printed onto a transfer paper using a special inkjet printer that is equipped with silicone-based inks. Next, the transfer paper is placed onto the fabric and heat-pressed at high temperatures to transfer the design onto the material. The result is a vivid and realistic stone effect that is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
Puff silicone ink is another popular type of silicone ink that is commonly used in the fashion industry. This type of ink contains special additives that allow the print to rise and become three-dimensional when heat is applied. This effect is highly desirable for creating textured and tactile designs on fabrics.
When it comes to polyester, the use of puff silicone ink can be a bit tricky. This is because polyester is a synthetic fabric that tends to resist heat. Therefore, the ink may not adhere to the fabric as well as it would on natural materials such as cotton. However, with proper curing and testing, it is possible to achieve good adhesion and durability on polyester with puff silicone ink.
There are also glossy silicone inks that have high abrasion-resistance. These types of inks are specially formulated to create a glossy and reflective finish that is highly resistant to fading, cracking, and rubbing off. They are ideal for creating designs that require a high degree of durability and glossiness, such as branding and logos.
Silicone ink is a highly versatile printing medium that offers a wide range of benefits for the fashion and apparel industry. Some of the main advantages of silicone ink include:
1. Excellent adhesion to various substrates, including natural and synthetic fabrics.
2. High durability and resistance to cracking, fading, and rubbing off.
3. The ability to create realistic special effects such as stone, texture, and 3D designs.
4. Low curing temperatures,best curing temperature is 120℃,surface dry only need 12 seconds, which are gentle on the fabric and allow for faster production times.
5. An eco-friendly and non-toxic composition, meet OEKO TEX,ZDHC LEVEL 3.0,which makes it safer for both the environment and workers.
6.Excellent anti-slip.
7.During screen printing,no bubbles.It's good flowability.
Overall, silicone ink is a highly valuable and sought-after printing medium in the fashion and apparel industry. By using this technology, manufacturers can create high-quality and durable designs that are sure to impress their customers and stand up to the rigors of daily wear and tear. Whether it's stone effects, 3D designs, or glossy finishes, the possibilities with silicone ink are virtually endless.
