How to Choose the Right Silicone Ink for Textile Screen Printing？

Silicone ink is widely used in textile screen printing to create different printing effects, surface finishes and functional designs.

However, choosing the right silicone ink is not simply about selecting a color. The printing effect, fabric type, screen mesh and production process all need to be considered.

In this article, we will introduce several common types of silicone ink and explain how to select the right product for your textile printing applications.

1. Choose Silicone Ink Based on the Desired Printing Effect

Different silicone inks are designed to achieve different printing effects. Here are four basic types commonly used in textile screen printing.

Round Edge Silicone – CYS-1126

Round Edge Silicone is used for printing designs that require a rounded edge effect. It is suitable for textile applications where a smooth, rounded print profile is desired.

Sharp Edge Silicone – CYS-1230H

Sharp Edge Silicone is designed for printing with a more defined edge profile. It is suitable for patterns and logos that require clear outlines and precise details.

Glossy Silicone – CYS-1528-1

For designs that require a glossy surface, Glossy Silicone can be used to create a bright, shiny finish.

Matte Silicone – YM-2#

Matte Silicone is suitable for applications requiring a non-glossy surface. It provides a matte finish for textile printing designs.

Selecting the correct silicone ink depends on the visual effect and performance requirements of the final product.

2. Select the Appropriate Screen Mesh

Screen mesh selection is another important factor in silicone printing.

As a general reference:

• 120–150 mesh is commonly used for standard silicone printing.
• 150–180 mesh can be considered for finer patterns and more detailed designs.

The final mesh selection should be adjusted according to the printing design, fabric and required silicone coating thickness.

3. Pay Attention to Color Mixing and Printing Techniques

Silicone color paste is generally added to achieve the desired printing color.

A typical starting reference is 3%–10% silicone color paste, depending on the required color and printing application.

Printing techniques also influence the final surface appearance.

For example:

• Matte printing: A firmer squeegee pass is commonly used.
• Glossy printing: A lighter squeegee pass is commonly used.

Actual printing conditions should be adjusted through testing to achieve the desired result.

4. Test the Silicone Ink on Your Actual Fabric

Different fabrics may have different surface characteristics, elasticity and adhesion requirements.

Before mass production, we recommend conducting printing trials using the actual fabric.

Important factors to evaluate include:

• Adhesion between silicone and fabric.
• Printing edge definition.
• Surface gloss and appearance.
• Flexibility and hand feel.
• Abrasion and washing performance, according to the product requirements.

Testing helps identify the most suitable silicone ink and printing conditions for your production line.

5. Looking for a Reliable Silicone Ink Manufacturer?

Dongguan Chengyin Silicone Tech Co., Ltd. specializes in liquid silicone solutions for textile printing, apparel bonding, silicone leather and medical applications.

For textile screen printing, we provide different silicone ink solutions, including:

• Round Edge Silicone
• Sharp Edge Silicone
• Glossy Silicone
• Matte Silicone
• Embossing Silicone
• Special-effect Silicone

We also support customized formulations and technical assistance to help customers achieve their desired printing effects.

Contact us to discuss your silicone printing requirements.

Website: www.cysiltech.com

WhatsApp: +86 135 3832 6617

Email: info@cysiltech.com