Glow-in-the-dark ink has garnered a lot of attention in recent years, particularly in the world of screen printing. But what makes glow-in-the-dark inks stand out, and how exactly does glow-in-the-dark ink work with screen printing? Learn about the science behind glow-in-the-dark inks and how you can use them for your next screen printing project.
The Magic of Phosphorescence
To understand how glow-in-the-dark ink works, you must first familiarize yourself with its key ingredient—phosphorescent pigments. These pigments absorb and store light energy, then release it slowly in a controlled manner. When exposed to a light source, the pigments absorb the energy, causing them to become charged. Once the light is removed, the pigments release the stored energy as visible light, resulting in a mesmerizing glow.
The Screen Printing Process With Glow-in-the-Dark Inks
How does glow-in-the-dark ink work with screen printing? Screen printing with glow-in-the-dark inks isn’t much different than using regular screen printing inks. Here’s a simplified step-by-step overview of the process.
Design Creation
Begin by creating a design suited for glow-in-the-dark printing. It’s crucial to consider which elements of the design should glow and ensure that the artwork highlights these features.
Screen Preparation
To prepare the screens, coat them with a light-sensitive emulsion and expose them to UV light for curing. This process creates a stencil of the design on the screen, allowing the ink to pass through specific areas.
Ink Application
Next, apply glow-in-the-dark ink to the screen. Unlike regular inks, glow-in-the-dark options must be applied in slightly thicker layers to achieve a bright and long-lasting glow.
Printing and Curing
Using a squeegee, press the ink through the screen onto the garment. Once the printing process is complete, place the garment in a conveyor dryer to properly cure the ink.
Advantages of Using Glow-in-the-Dark Ink for Screen Printing
Glow-in-the-dark screen printing opens up a world of possibilities for businesses and individuals looking for unique and eye-catching apparel. Here are some of the advantages of using glow-in-the-dark inks:
Visibility
Glow-in-the-dark apparel draws attention in low-light conditions. This makes these garments perfect for night events, concerts, or promoting brand awareness in diverse environments.
Cost-Effective
Glow-in-the-dark screen printing is more cost-effective than other types of customization for apparel. This form of printing is easy to set up and has a lower cost per item compared to embroidery or laser etching.
Variety
Glow-in-the-dark inks are available in a wide variety of colors to match any palette. Combined with screen printing’s versatility, it is easy to create custom designs that truly stand out.
Now that you know the secrets behind the glow and the advantages of using glow-in-the-dark inks in screen printing, why not bring your designs to life with this fun and innovative technique? At Extreme Screen Prints, we specialize in glow-in-the-dark screen printing services that will set your apparel apart from the rest. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project and see how we can make your garments shine like never before.
