Many sportswear companies are now specifying PVC free and phthalate free prints on their garments. Many European companies are moving away from “plastisol” prints containing PVC and phthalates.
Why is this being calling this Evolution and not PVC free plastisol ink?
Because it is a revolutionary product. Evolution PVC Free Ink is not to be confused with plastisol because technically plastisol is a mixture of PVC resin and phthalate plasticizer. Evolution PVC Free Inks contain neither of the ingredients which make up plastisol.
Will it dry in the screen and choke the printing area like other “PVC Free” inks?
NO! Evolution PVC Free Textile Ink will behave like a normal plastisol ink. Evolution PVC Free Textile Ink must be heat cured like plastisol and will not air dry.
What if I have to reduce Evolution Textile Inks? Can I use a normal plastisol reducer or solvent? How about water?
Only use 4503 Series Evolution Reducer. Do not reduce with plastisol reducer as it probably contains phthalates and you will risk contamination, so you will no longer be phthalate free. Do not use solvents! This is not a water base type ink so do not add water.
Does Evolution PVC Free Textile Ink print the same as plastisol?
There is no difference because Evolution prints exactly like plastisol. Most people will not know the difference between regular plastisol ink and Evolution ink.
I am currently using plastisol. Can I switch to Evolution easily?
Yes, you can, but it is important to point out that you can easily get contamination from using the same tools, such as flood bars, squeegees, spatulas, screens, etc. It is highly recommended to get a replacement set of everything you need and only use these for Evolution. Also check with your emulsion supplier to make sure that the photo emulsion is phthalate free because stencils can contamination if they contain PVC. We recommend ImageMate® DZ 307 and PC 701 which are both phthalate free.
If I mix some Evolution into plastisol ink, can I use it up?
Yes you can, but be aware that your plastisol ink mixture is no longer PVC/Phthalate free. Most plastisols contain PVC and will contaminate Evolution if mixed.
Can I add pigment toners to Evolution ink?
Yes and No. Yes you can safely use pigment concentrates which do not contain phthalates or PVC. It is NOT recommended to use other brands as most plastisol pigments contain phthalates or PVC or both!
Can I make cold peel transfers with Evolution?
Yes, Evolution Inks can be printed onto release paper such as T-75 and T105. After printing and gelling the design, the entire print must be backed with 4841 Printable Adhesive.
Will heat transfers be possible with Evolution?
Yes, there is a heat transfer ink system available for hot peel and cold peel transfers. For more information about the Evolution® Heat Transfer System, please click here.
