Thank you for providing those tips for using silicone ink! Silicone ink indeed offers various advantages and applications in printing, particularly for items like wristbands, phone cases, and oven mitts.
Mixing:
Mix the ink with a 3–5% catalyst before printing.
Use an unlined mixing cup on a scale for accuracy.
Thoroughly stir the inks after opening the containers.
Curing:
Most silicone inks require heat for curing.
Curing temperature depends on the type of silicone used:
Simple silicone rubber products: Cure at temperatures below 250°F.
Complex, high-density silicone substrates: Cure at temperatures of about 300–400°F.
For a golden silicone effect: Cure at 120°C for 6–10 seconds.
Screen Printing:
Use an anti-static bar to remove static electricity before screen printing.
Keep the fabric 100% wet before heat pressing.
The ink will be sticky when lifting up the screen, and heat pressing will make the fabric stand up.
Pad Printing:
Mix the ink with a specific percentage of hardener and solvent.
Fill the ink cup with the ink mixture.
Secure the ink cup onto the pad printer for printing.
Properties of Silicone Ink:
Opaque, glossy, flexible, and resistant to abrasion.
Ideal for various applications including screen printing or pad printing on silicone items like wristbands, phone cases, and oven mitts.
These tips provide a comprehensive guide for using silicone ink effectively in various printing applications.