General Information

Crystalina Plastisol is a special effects plastisol ink designed to give prints a multi-color pearlescent appearance. Crystalina Plastisol may be printed directly on light colored garments or over an underbase on dark garments. Crystalina Plastisol may be overprinted on base colors in order to give those colors a pearlescent–like appearance. For more dramatic special effects, Crystalina Plastisol may be printed on top of a flashed puff or high density print.

Crystalina Plastisol may also be used as a cold peel transfer. Consult your transfer paper supplier for proper paper recommendations.

Opacity

Although Crystalina Plastisol offers no hiding properties it does exhibit an interesting tone on tone effect when printed onto dark garments.

Mesh

For best results print Crystalina Plastisol through mesh sizes 30-40 (12-16 metric) monofilament polyester meshes.

Stencils

Use any direct emulsion or capillary film compatible with plastisol inks.

Additives

Crystalina Plastisol is supplied ready to print. Since plastisol inks may “body up” and settle as they sit in the container you should always stir the ink well to determine the actual printing viscosity before adding any reducer. Never add mineral spirits to any plastisol ink. Reducer/Detackifier may be added if a thinner consistency is required.

Curing Instructions

Plastisol inks will not air dry. They must be heat cured. These inks will fully cure and withstand repeated washings when the entire ink deposit reaches 300° F (149° C). Curing can be accomplished with the use of a conveyer dryer, flash curing unit, or simple infrared heater.

Because of the reflective nature of the metallic particles used in Crystalina Plastisol , they may require a higher dryer temperature or longer curing time than most plastisol inks to cure.

Proper curing is extremely important. Poor washability of the print can generally be traced back to improper curing! It is important to understand how to set your dryer and check the temperature you are achieving at the ink film. For more information on plastisol inks and curing and drying techniques refer to Union Ink's plastisol general information sheet in their Textile Screen Printing Inks and Supply Catalog.

Wash-Up

Mineral Spirits or any screen wash designed for plastisol inks.

Washability

Excellent. Do not dry clean. Do not iron printed areas.

Storage

Store plastisols at room temperature. Prolonged exposure to high temperature can make the ink start to gel.

Caution

Always test this product for curing, adhesion, crocking, opacity, washability and other specific requirements before using in production.