specialty inks
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specialty inks *
We offer more than just standard ink. Elevate your project with our advanced screen printing techniques designed for high-performance athletics, luxury streetwear, and retail-ready brands.
Reflective ink screen printing is a specialty printing method that uses ink embedded with microscopic glass beads or prisms. In daylight, the ink looks like a flat or metallic gray, but when hit by a direct light source in the dark—such as headlights or a camera flash—it intensely reflects the light back to its source, creating a glowing effect.
Stretch ink screen printing involves using highly elastic, specialized ink or ink additives that flex and bend with the garment without cracking, peeling, or splitting. It is essential for printing on high-stretch fabrics like spandex, Lycra, athletic wear, and yoga pants.
Glow ink uses phosphorescent pigments that absorb light and emit a luminous glow in the dark. The ink appears mostly clear or subtly tinted in daylight but reveals a vibrant glow (usually green or blue) in the dark when "charged" by UV or visible light. durability.
Puff ink is a specialty technique that uses a heat-reactive additive mixed into standard screen printing ink. When the garment goes through a heat dryer, the ink expands upward and outward, creating a 3D, spongy texture that you can both see and feel.o perform.
Ink Types
The "No-Feel" & Vintage Collection
Water-Based & Discharge Inks: Ideal for 100% cotton, these inks dye the fabric itself rather than sitting on top, resulting in an ultra-soft, "breathable" vintage feel.
Soft-Hand Additives: We can thin down traditional inks to give your design a more flexible, lightweight texture.
High-Impact Visual Effects
Reflective & Glow-in-the-Dark: Maximize visibility with inks that react to light or shine in the dark.
Foil Application: For a true mirror-like metallic shine that standard ink can’t match.
Crystallina & Special Effects Clear: Add a shimmering "diamond" sparkle or a subtle gloss coat to specific parts of your design.
UV & Color-Changing: Inks that react to sunlight, changing colors right before your eyes.
Fluorescent (Neon): Electric, high-vibrancy colors that pop under backlights.
Texture & 3D Dimensions
3D Puff & High Density: Give your art literal depth with raised textures that stand off the garment.
Sponge & Gel Inks: Unique, tactile finishes ranging from soft, porous textures to high-gloss "wet look" gels.
Metallics: Rich gold and silver finishes with a sophisticated shimmer.
How We Price Specialty Services
Because specialty inks require unique chemistry, specialized curing, and additional setup time, the following apply:
Specialty Surcharge: Most premium inks (like Glow, Reflective, or Foil) involve a per-location premium.
Garment-Specific Handling: Orders involving non-100% cotton fabrics (blends, polyester, and fleece) require specialized additives and "Dymo" base layers to ensure print longevity, which are billed as an additional color or per-piece fee.
Tagging: Inside neck labels are priced as a separate print location.
Pro Tip: If you aren't sure which specialty ink is right for your fabric, just ask! Our team can recommend the perfect combination of ink and additives based on your garment choice.