It’s almost Halloween season which means glow-in-the-dark t-shirts! We want to help you choose the best glow in the dark inks for blank apparel!
Summary:
– Glow inks contain phosphorescent pigments that emit light after charging.
– Screen printing with thicker ink deposits enhances glow intensity.
– Cotton and cotton blend fabrics support optimal adhesion and visibility.
When it comes to creating glow-in-the-dark apparel, you’ll want to use specialized glow-in-the-dark (GID) inks or pigments that are designed to provide a long-lasting, vibrant glow effect. Here are some of the best glow in the dark inks for blank apparel.
Plastisol Glow-In-The-Dark Inks: Plastisol inks are a popular choice for screen printing on apparel, and they are available in glow-in-the-dark variations. These inks are easy to work with and can produce a bright, long-lasting glow effect when charged with light. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for curing temperature and time. For more info on plastisol printing check out our BulkApparelpro printing tips. Want tips for curing plastisol inks?
Water-Based Glow-In-The-Dark Inks: Water-based glow-in-the-dark inks are another option for screen printing. They tend to have a softer hand feel compared to plastisol inks, making them suitable for lightweight apparel. Like plastisol, these inks require proper curing to ensure durability.
Phosphorescent Pigments: Phosphorescent pigments can be mixed with clear or white discharge inks to create a custom glow-in-the-dark screen printing ink. This allows for more flexibility in terms of color and design. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of the glow will depend on the concentration of phosphorescent pigment used.
Direct-to-Garment (DTG) Printing: Some DTG printers offer the capability to print with glow-in-the-dark ink directly onto apparel. DTG is a good option for full-color designs, but it may require multiple passes to achieve a strong glow effect.
Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV): Glow-in-the-dark heat transfer vinyl can be used to create custom designs on apparel. It’s a suitable option for small-scale or DIY projects. Simply cut your design using a vinyl cutter, weed the excess material, and heat press it onto the garment.
Fabric Paints and Sprays: For DIY or craft projects, you can use glow-in-the-dark fabric paints or sprays. These are typically applied by hand and may not provide the same level of durability as screen printing or DTG printing.
Pre-Made Glow-in-the-Dark Garments: If you prefer not to work with specialized inks, you can purchase pre-made glow-in-the-dark garments that are already printed with glow-in-the-dark designs. This is a convenient option for personal use or resale.
When working with glow-in-the-dark inks or pigments, it’s essential to consider the following:
Charging: Glow-in-the-dark materials need to be charged by exposing them to light before they will glow. The amount of time required for charging and the duration of the glow can vary based on the specific product.
Washability: Check the manufacturer’s guidelines for washing and care instructions. Some glow-in-the-dark materials may lose their effectiveness over time with repeated washings.
Safety: Ensure that the glow-in-the-dark products you use are safe and non-toxic. Read product labels and follow safety recommendations.
Ultimately, the choice of glow-in-the-dark ink or pigment will depend on your specific project and printing method. Always test the materials and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Which shouldn’t be a problem when using these best glow in the dark inks for blank apparel.
Glow in the dark inks are specialty printing inks that absorb light and emit a visible glow in low light conditions. These inks are commonly used inscreen printing.
Do glow in the dark inks work on all fabric types?
Glow in the dark inks work best oncotton andcotton rich blends. Dark garments may require a white underbase to increase glow visibility and color accuracy
Are glow in the dark inks safe for clothing?
Glow in the dark inks designed for apparel are generally formulated to meet textile safety standards. Proper curing and handling ensure durability and skin safety.
How long does the glow effect last?
The glow effect lasts for a limited time after charging, typically ranging from minutes to a few hours depending on pigment quality, ink thickness, and light exposure.
Can you combine glow in the dark ink with other inks?
Glow in the dark ink can be combined with plastisol or water based inks to create layered or accent designs. Proper registration and curing are required.
