Frequently Asked Questions

Printing on dark substrates can be done in two ways: using water-based opaque inks, or using water-based inks for discharge printing.

Dimensional stability of the paper. Condition the paper in the oven to eliminate humidity, in the same conditions used to dry the colours. This step is essential before printing the first colour of the transfer.

Paper storage. The paper must be stored in a dry place, protected from humidity, during production intervals — for example printed paper kept in a plastic bag.

Paper bending with water-based inks. Steady the paper before printing, and use polyester substrates, which are more suitable for water-based inks.

Screen mesh tension. Use screens with a stretching tension between 18 and 22 N/cm.

Product pot life. After 6–8 hours the product loses its features and is no longer printable.

Working temperature too high. Reduce the power of the drying fans to the minimum once the machine is set.

Wrong curing. Check the curing conditions, which for a silicone ink must be 130 °C for 3 minutes.

Surface treatment. Make sure the substrate has not been treated with products that make it unsuitable for printing.

Wrong mixing ratio. Check the percentage of catalyst.

Oven temperature too low. Check the real oven working temperature, which should be around 150 °C.

Carpet speed too high. For ideal curing the printed product must stay in the oven for 2–3 minutes.

Over-thinning. Avoid adding too much thinner, which compromises ink stability.

Photoemulsion thickness. Adjust the thickness on the screen by changing the application process.

Light loss. Light loss from a white mesh causes resolution loss. Use a coloured mesh, yellow for example.

Printing parameters. Adjust off-contact, speed and printing pressure, and check screen tension.

Viscosity too high. Add reactive thinner to reduce viscosity and mix properly before use.

Squeegee edge. Make sure the edge is completely smooth and free of scratches. Otherwise dress the edge or change the squeegee.

Lumps or dry residue in the photoemulsion. Do not mix an old product with a new one. Filter the product beforehand if necessary.

Mesh not degreased. Clean the mesh accurately using Uniclear-105. Refer to the technical data sheet for operating instructions.

Oil or grease on the tools. Clean all working tools accurately before use.

Wrong ink selection. Select an opaque ink according to the effect required.

Wrong mesh count. Reduce the threads per centimetre according to the artwork, to increase the amount of ink deposited.

Adhesive too dry. The adhesive, like the other colours making up the transfer, must be dried but not cured. Check the drying conditions of the adhesive.

Unsuitable transfer conditions. Pressure, time and temperature are fundamental. If pressure cannot be increased, increase the transfer time.

Wrong detachment. Handle the garment carefully before detaching the transfer. If the transfer paper rises while moving the garment from the press, image outlines can remain detached.

Over-thinning. Avoid adding too much thinner, which compromises ink stability.

Operating parameters. Check off-contact, pressure, printing speed and squeegee tilt angle.

Adhesive use. The adhesive used to stick the mesh to the frame has not been prepared properly. Check the percentage of catalyst.

Drying time. Make sure the adhesive is completely dry before taking the screen off the tension system.

Aggressive products. Avoid extended contact between the screen and washing solvents.

Timing. Avoid preparing the screen for printing on the same day it has been stuck.

Frame cleaning. Clean the frame before tensioning the screen.

Photoemulsion not dry. Let the coated screen dry completely.

Screens not dry. Check the efficiency of air re-circulation in the drying oven.