PRT-1052
Water-based Mixed Rubber
Water-based mixed rubber printing combines water-based ink with a water-based rubber base. The mix gives more opacity and colour strength than a standard water-based print, with a softer, thinner hand than a full rubber print.
VISUAL EFFECTS
Matte, opaque print that sits lightly on the fabric surface
HAND-FEEL
Soft and smooth, slightly rubbery
BENEFITS
The print covers well on mid-tone and dark fabrics while staying softer and thinner than a full rubber print. Water replaces strong solvents as the ink base.
LIMITATIONS
The ink dries faster on the screen than plastisol, so long runs need the screen kept wet and cleaned regularly. The ratio of water-based ink to rubber base changes opacity and hand-feel, so it is fixed on the strike-off before bulk.
PROCESS
[01] Screen Preparation
Coat the screen with a water-resistant emulsion, then expose and develop it for a clean, precise stencil.
[02] Ink Mixing
Mix the water-based ink with the rubber base in the ratio set for the fabric colour and the opacity required.
[03] Printing
Print the ink onto the garment on a screen printing press, keeping pressure and coverage consistent.
[04] Curing
Cure the print with a heat press or conveyor dryer so the water evaporates and the rubber binder bonds to the fabric.
TO CONSIDER
Mixing Ratio
Agree the ratio of water-based ink to rubber base on the strike-off and keep it the same in bulk, since it controls opacity and hand-feel.
Fabric Colour
On dark fabrics, check whether the mix covers on its own or needs an underbase.
Curing Parameters
Set curing temperature and duration so the print dries fully and passes wash testing.