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Metallic Ink<br />
Similar to foil ink but a little more matted. An economical<br />
alternative to foil.<br />
High Density Ink<br />
High Density printing gives a three dimensional effect<br />
and allows you to add texture and depth to a print. This<br />
ink has a raised feel with crisp edges. Specialty screens<br />
and production skills are needed for this process.<br />
Gel Ink<br />
Gel prints are high gloss or “wet looking” prints that<br />
have a raised feel to them. Gel ink is clear plastisol and<br />
printed.<br />
Reflective Ink<br />
Reflective ink is a plastisol-based ink which has a reflection<br />
once a light source is shined on it.<br />
Glow-in-the-Dark Ink<br />
Translucent Ink that glows in the dark or under black<br />
light. It has a soft green hue in the light, but goes undetected<br />
until the lights go out.<br />
Eco-Friendly Inks<br />
Water-based, PVC-free, and formaldehyde-free inks<br />
that have a low impact on the environment.<br />
THREAD’S NOT DEAD • Jeff Finley<br />
Soft Hand Additive<br />
Soft hand plastisol inks are made through a process of<br />
mixing an additive to plastisol inks to reduce the coverage<br />
area. This is the closest option to a softer print<br />
other than water-based inks. (Note: With the ink being<br />
plastisol base, there is variation in touch depending<br />
on how crisp and detailed the artwork is as well as garment<br />
color).<br />
Puff Additive<br />
This is the least expensive way to generate a print that<br />
gives you the 3D raised feel and look. An additive is<br />
combined with plastisol inks to give it a soft puffy feel.<br />
Crackle Additive<br />
A special additive to inks that creates a washed aged<br />
look after drying. Slight tugging of the garment assists<br />
in the cracking process.<br />
Discharge<br />
Discharge printing is a technique of printing that removes<br />
the pigment of the garment to its natural color<br />
(off white). Discharge is a water based ink that it blends<br />
with the fabric fibers giving a no-hand feel after washing.<br />
It’s also “<strong>not</strong> eco-friendly” as LT from Jakprints reminds<br />
us. He says, “Some brands of discharge ink have<br />
formaldehyde in it to keep if from exploding.”<br />
If you’re looking for these specialty printing processes, a good place to start is<br />
www.jakprints.com, www.amb3r.com, or www.variantart.com<br />
Printing & Production 51
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