Upgrade Your Brand Merch with Specialty Inks and Puff Screen Printing
Thanks to specialty inks and unique printing methods, your creative options are endless. From reflective to metallic, and even glow-in-the-dark specialty inks, there are a bunch of inks out there that can help make any of your brand apparel stand out.
Let’s explore.
How can I use specialty inks for my brand merchandise?
If you want to elevate your product or branded apparel and enhance the creativity that goes into your project, think beyond the flat print. Today’s advanced screen-printing methods give brands the opportunity to explore a multitude of design options to create a high quality piece.
Specialty inks are a great way to try out not just new inks, but new materials for your branded apparel or clothing too. When you screen print even the smallest of specialty ink details on your merchandise, it can make a big difference in your product’s perceived value.
What kind of specialty inks are there?
3D Puff inks
Take your clothes to a new dimension with puff screen printing. 3D puff inks look exactly how they sound: slightly raised, or ‘puffed up’ and 3-dimensional with a clear and opaque appearance and super-soft feel. The prints last fairly long and can be done on polyester, cotton, or a blend of both.
3M Reflective ink
Reflective ink is what you see on safety or roadside workers: usually super bright and shiny. Since these kinds of prints need more delicate washing, printing on absorbable fabric, like cotton or polyester, will help you get the most out of the screen-printed reflective ink.
Metallic ink
Metallic inks are trending, and not just for apparel! This ink printing option is perfect either for subtle highlights on a print, or for bold and shiny graphics. Use this option for cards, game boards, booklets, notepads, folders, etc., for a uniquely metallic look on your branded merchandise.
Glow-in-the-dark ink
What better way to make your merch pop than with glow-in-the-dark ink printing? The best way to get the most out of your neon glow is to print on dark-colored apparel or products. Glow-in-the-dark ink will pop the most on black t-shirts but can also be a unique way to make your book covers or packaging stand out.
Gel ink
Gel inks have a soft, shiny finish that is rounded at the edge of the prints once cured. They are most often used to create watery effects on a print. The curing method for gel ink printing is quicker than average, so it is one of the most cost- and time-effective screen-printing options to choose from.
High Density ink
Like puff ink, high density ink creates a raised, 3D textures on a print. The main difference is that high density ink feels more like a very coarse plastisol, rather than the soft, squishy feel of puff ink.
How can I get started?
If you want to upgrade your branded merchandise, let us help you get started with screen printing! We specialize in 3D puff inks, 3M reflective inks, metallic and glow-in-the-dark inks, and so much more to suit any of your screen printing needs. If you have any custom requests, don’t hesitate to ask us here!
