Print Options/Technology
TS Designs has been screenprinting since 1977, and we like to think we’ve gotten pretty good at it. Though our experience is great, we also continue to push the envelope to new, better, and more sustainable printing technologies.
TSD uses water-based technology in its printing and, through our patented REHANCE technology, can provide a bright, vibrant water-based print on a dyed t-shirt.
Below are some printing-related Q&A selections from our FAQ:
What is the difference between water-based and plastisol inks?
| Plastisol inks are the ink of choice for most conventional screenprinters. Plastisol contains PVC and pthalates, which are both harmful to the environment, and results in a plastic print that is not breathable.Our water-based inks soak into and become part of the cloth itself, similar to the way water-color paint soaks into paper. The result is a breathable, durable print that will not crack or wash away. Our water-based inks also have excellent color-fastness and washability, keeping their color wash after wash.
Water-based inks do not contain PVC or pthalates, which makes them superior in terms of environmental footprint. Water-based ink is transparent which means that a light water-based ink does not cover well on a dark shirt. This is why we created the REHANCE technology. |
What about soy/vegetable-based inks?
| Soy and other vegetable-based inks are most often used on paper for documents, business cards, etc. While these are a good alternative to man-made inks from an environmental standpoint, unfortunately they do not meet our quality standards for washability and color-fastness on cotton.Additionally, some vegetable-based inks that are made specifically for apparel printing contain heavy metals, which allow the ink to bond to the cotton fibers. Heavy metals are a chief environmental concern in the apparel industry. |
What is REHANCE?
| REHANCE is a water-based printing technology that alters the chemistry of a shirt so that it will not absorb garment-dye. Its purpose is to allow the printing of water-based inks on a dyed shirt while maintaining color contrast and vibrancy. Most apparel printers print a design on a dyed shirt. The REHANCE process requires that the shirts be printed, then dyed at high temperatures, meaning the shirts will always be preshrunk. |
Dye Options/Technology | Print Options/Technology | T-Shirt Styles
