Troubleshooting Permaset Supercover Inks: Preventing Ink Transfer and Staining Issues

Printing T-shirts with Permaset Supercover inks has been a smooth journey for many, but a recent customer complaint raises concerns about ink staining during washing. The issue appears to be related to the ink transferring and sticking to itself, causing color bleed. This tech overview delves into potential causes and offers solutions to prevent such problems in the future.

Print Process Overview: The initial print process involves a two-color design, white and blue, with curing done at 180°C for 40 seconds. The user mentions the use of a retarder (Glycerol) in Permaset inks, emphasizing the need for sufficient curing time due to the non-evaporative nature of the retarder.

Understanding the Issue: The customer reports that after washing at 30°C, the T-shirt's folded sections resulted in blue ink transferring onto the white areas. It's highlighted that even though the print may appear fine with the current curing parameters, issues arise when using a retarder. The suggestion is to adopt a "low and slow" curing approach for optimal results.

Optimal Curing Conditions: The conversation brings forth a recommendation to cure Permaset inks at 160°C for at least 3 minutes, challenging the conventional 180°C for 40 seconds approach. The reasoning lies in the need for the retarder (Glycerol) to cross-link and integrate fully into the ink, ensuring a robust and lasting print. The emphasis is on the importance of time in the curing process.

User Response and Concerns: A user expresses reservations about the suggested lower temperature and longer curing time, citing potential damage to the shirt. The counterargument suggests that the instructions are guidelines rather than strict rules, and the current process has not resulted in any reported issues. The absence of additional retarder in their process is noted.

Retarder and Curing Time Relation: A key point emerges that Permaset inks already contain a certain amount of retarder. The addition of extra retarder is acknowledged to extend curing time by 20%, prompting users to conduct their own tests. This highlights the need for a balanced approach to prevent over-retardation.

Alternative Curing Approaches: A user shares their successful curing process at 340°F for 60 seconds, challenging the convention and emphasizing the need for a single, uninterrupted pressing. The temperature of 180°C (356°F) is questioned as potentially on the high side, suggesting longer curing times and avoidance of temperatures exceeding 360°F. Precautions such as flashing on press before the heat press are also mentioned.

While users present differing opinions and approaches, the consensus revolves around the need for thorough curing to prevent ink transfer and staining issues. It is recommended to experiment and find the optimal balance between temperature, time, and retarder usage for Permaset Supercover inks. Users are encouraged to conduct their own tests based on the insights shared in this overview.

For more in-depth discussions and troubleshooting tips, visit our YouTube Channel: BCH Technologies or explore our Tech blog. If you're in Greensboro, North Carolina, drop by locally for hands-on assistance.