Screen Printing Ink FAQ
ARCH COLOURS — SCREEN PRINTING INK, MADE IN BRITAIN
Frequently Asked Questions About Screen Printing Inks
Whether you're printing your first tote bag at the kitchen table or running a busy print shop floor, choosing and using the right ink makes all the difference. This page brings together everything we're asked most often about water-based screen printing ink — from what it is and how it differs from plastisol, through to mesh counts, curing, washing, troubleshooting and storage.
Arch Colours makes premium water-based screen printing inks, made in Britain. Our inks are 100% solvent free, ready mixed and ready to print, with no binder required. They clean up with water, have a low odour, and come in 250g, 500g and 1kg pots — suited to fabric, paper or card, for beginners and professionals alike.
Each section below carries its own ink swatch, so you can find your way around the way you'd flip through a colour card.
General questions
What is water-based screen printing ink?
Water-based screen printing ink uses water as the primary carrier for pigment, rather than plastisol's PVC and plasticiser base or solvent-based systems built on volatile organic compounds. Because water evaporates rather than requiring a chemical cure, water-based inks tend to sit into the fabric rather than on top of it, giving a softer hand-feel print. Arch Colours' water-based inks are ready mixed and ready to use straight from the pot, with no binder needed. They're solvent free, low odour, and clean up with water — a popular choice for home studios, schools and professional workshops alike.
Why choose water-based instead of plastisol?
Plastisol sits on top of the fabric as a plastic layer and needs a heat gun or dryer to cure, and it doesn't clean up with water. Water-based ink soaks into the fibres, giving a softer, more breathable finish that many printers and customers prefer, particularly on fashion garments. It's also generally considered more environmentally friendly, since there's no PVC or plasticiser involved and clean-up doesn't require solvents.
Are Arch Colours inks ready to use?
Yes. Every Arch Colours ink is ready mixed and ready to print straight from the pot. There's no need to add binder, extender or activator before you start — simply stir well and print.
Do I need to add binder?
No. Binder is sometimes used with pigment-only systems to help colour adhere to fabric, but our inks are formulated as complete, ready-to-print systems with the binder ratio already built in.
Are the inks made in Britain?
Yes. We mix and produce our full range domestically, which means shorter supply chains, consistent batch quality, and fast UK dispatch.
Are they solvent free?
Yes, all Arch Colours inks are 100% solvent free — water-based formulations with no added solvents, contributing to their low odour and water-only clean-up.
Which size pot should I buy?
Available in 250g, 500g and 1kg pots. As a rough guide, 250g suits testing a new colour or a small run, 500g suits regular small-business printing, and 1kg suits larger production runs printing the same colour repeatedly.
How much ink do I need?
This depends on your design size, mesh count and print run, but as a rough guide a 250g pot comfortably covers around 20–40 small to medium prints on t-shirts. A short test run first will help you calculate usage before scaling up an order.
Choosing the right ink
What is the difference between Originals and Ultra Cover?
Originals is our core water-based range for light to mid-tone fabrics, where the ink blends naturally with the garment colour beneath. Ultra Cover is our high-opacity range, formulated for strong, solid coverage on dark and black garments. If you're printing on white or pale garments, Shop Originals; on black or navy, View our Ultra Cover inks instead.
Which ink works on dark garments?
Ultra Cover is the ink to reach for on dark garments, giving solid, vibrant coverage where a standard water-based ink would otherwise let the fabric colour bleed through. View our Ultra Cover inks
Which ink is best for black T-shirts?
For black t-shirts specifically, Ultra Cover is the right choice — built to sit solidly on top of dark fabric rather than blending into it, so your design stays bright rather than looking muddy or washed out.
When should I use Neon inks?
Originals Neon is designed for high-visibility, fluorescent-style colours for festival merchandise, sportswear, workwear, or any design that needs to really stand out. Neon pigments behave differently, so they're formulated as their own dedicated range.
When should I use Pastel inks?
Originals Pastel suits softer, muted colourways — think baby clothing and lifestyle branding. Lighter pigment concentration means pastel shades are formulated separately to keep the tone consistent and true.
Are metallic inks washable?
Yes, Ultra Metallic is designed to be washable in line with our standard care guidance, though some gentle dulling of shimmer over repeated washes is normal. Washing inside out on a cooler cycle helps preserve the metallic effect longer.
Can I mix colours?
Yes, you can mix Arch Colours inks to create custom shades. Mix small test batches first and record your ratios so you can repeat the exact shade on future orders.
Can I print onto recycled fabrics?
Yes, water-based inks generally perform well on recycled and organic fabrics thanks to good absorbency. As blends vary, we'd always recommend a test print first, particularly with unfamiliar synthetic content.
Printing on fabric
Can I print onto cotton?
Yes — cotton is one of the best fabrics for water-based ink. Its natural absorbency lets the ink soak in and cure properly, giving that soft, breathable finish water-based ink is known for. Both Originals and Ultra Cover print well on cotton, depending on garment colour.
Can I print on tote bags?
Yes, particularly cotton canvas ones. The heavier weave holds detail well and the natural fibre absorbs ink cleanly. Use Originals for lighter bags or Ultra Cover for black or dark canvas.
Can I print on hoodies?
Yes, though the fabric is typically heavier with a brushed interior, so allow slightly longer curing time for heat to reach through the full ink deposit. Choose Ultra Cover for dark hoodies, Originals for lighter colours.
Can schools use these inks?
Yes — being water-based, solvent free and low odour makes our inks a practical choice for classrooms and workshops where ventilation may be limited and clean-up needs to be quick.
Are they suitable for home studios?
Yes, the low odour and water clean-up suit home studios, where strong solvent smells or complex clean-up simply aren't practical. Many of our customers print from home setups.
Printing on paper
Can I print onto paper?
Yes, depending on the ink range. Paper doesn't behave like fabric — it won't absorb ink the same way and can cockle if too much moisture is applied — so use a thinner ink deposit and test on your specific stock first.
Can I print onto card?
Yes, and card tends to hold detail well thanks to its stiffer, flatter surface compared with paper. As with paper, always run a test print first, since card weight and coating vary widely.
Heat fixing
How do I heat cure prints?
Once touch-dry, water-based print needs heat curing to become permanent and washable. A conveyor dryer or heat press applies consistent heat for a set dwell time. Always allow the ink to reach the correct internal temperature for long enough — surface heat alone isn't enough.
Can I use a household iron?
Yes, in a pinch, using a pressing cloth or baking paper between the iron and the print, keeping the iron moving continuously. Fine for one-off or hobby prints; for consistent professional results across multiple garments, a heat press or conveyor dryer is far more reliable.
Can I air dry prints?
Water-based ink will feel dry to the touch once the water content has evaporated, but touch-dry isn't cured. Air drying alone doesn't make the print permanent or washable — it still needs heat. Skipping this is the most common reason a water-based print fails in the wash.
What temperature should I cure at?
Exact temperatures and dwell times vary by equipment, fabric and ink deposit, so follow the guidance on your product page and always run a test cure and wash test before a full production run.
Washing & durability
How should I wash printed garments?
Once fully cured, water-based prints are designed to withstand normal washing. Washing inside out on a moderate temperature helps protect the print's finish and vibrancy over the garment's lifetime, particularly for detailed or metallic prints.
How do I improve wash resistance?
Proper heat curing is the single biggest factor — an undercured print is the most common cause of poor wash results. Using an appropriate mesh count and ink deposit for your fabric also helps prints last through repeated washes.
Mesh counts
What mesh count should I use?
Mesh count affects how much ink passes through and how much fine detail you can hold. Lower (coarser) mesh suits bold, high-opacity designs like Ultra Cover on dark garments; higher (finer) mesh suits detailed line work and halftones. Our product pages include guidance per ink range.
Which squeegee should I use?
A medium-hardness blade suits most general fabric printing with our ranges, balancing ink deposit and edge definition. Softer blades push more ink through for bold, opaque designs; firmer blades give cleaner definition for detailed work.
Cleaning
How do I stop ink drying in the screen?
Keep the ink moving with regular strokes during a print run, don't leave a loaded screen standing unused, and mist the underside lightly with water between prints. For longer breaks, reclaim the screen rather than risk the ink drying in permanently.
How do I clean screens afterwards?
Because Arch Colours inks are water-based, screens clean up with water rather than solvents. Rinse promptly after printing, before ink dries in the mesh, using a hose or pressure washer for the easiest reclaim.
Troubleshooting
Why isn't my print opaque?
Most likely you're using a standard ink range on a dark garment — switch to Ultra Cover. Insufficient ink deposit or a heavy-weave fabric that "eats" ink can also reduce opacity.
Why is my ink bleeding?
Usually too much ink deposited, a mesh that's too coarse for the detail, or a very absorbent, loosely woven fabric. Try a finer mesh, a firmer squeegee stroke, or a lighter ink deposit.
Why is my print cracking?
Cracking after washing is almost always a sign of an undercured print. Double-check curing time and temperature against your equipment's guidance, and always wash-test a sample before a full batch.
Sustainability
Are the inks eco friendly?
Arch Colours inks are 100% solvent free and water-based, removing the VOCs associated with solvent-based systems — a lower-impact choice for studios, schools and home setups, with water clean-up reducing chemical waste too.
Are they vegan?
Our inks do not contain animal-derived ingredients in the standard formulation. For a specific dietary or ethical certification requirement, get in touch and we'll confirm details for your chosen range.
Ordering
How long does opened ink last?
Once opened, use within a reasonable timeframe and store properly between uses. A change in consistency, an off smell, or separation that won't remix are signs the ink has gone past its best.
How should I store ink?
Store in a cool, dry place, tightly sealed between uses. Avoid leaving lids off for extended periods, and give the ink a thorough stir before each use — some settling is normal.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, alongside UK customers, we ship internationally. Delivery times and costs vary by destination — check the checkout page for options to your location.
Do you offer trade or wholesale pricing?
If you're a print shop or business ordering regularly and in larger volumes, get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.
Beginners
Can beginners use these inks?
Yes — water-based ink is often a great starting point precisely because it's forgiving to clean up and doesn't need solvent handling or heavy ventilation. Being ready mixed removes another fiddly step for anyone new to screen printing.
What's the simplest first project for a beginner?
A single-colour design on a plain cotton t-shirt or tote bag — it lets you focus on screen, squeegee technique and curing without the complexity of registering multiple colours.
Do I need special equipment to get started?
At minimum: a screen with your design exposed, a squeegee, a flat surface or press, and a way to heat cure (a press, dryer, or a careful household iron for hobby projects). You don't need an industrial setup to get good results.
More questions we're often asked
Can I use these inks on polyester or performance fabric?
Polyester and performance blends are less absorbent and can be prone to dye migration, where the garment's own dye bleeds into the print under heat. Always test print and cure first, and consider a lower cure temperature where migration is a known risk.
Does the ink smell strong when printing?
No — the low odour is one of the main reasons printers choose water-based ink over solvent-based systems, suiting home studios, schools and workshops without heavy-duty extraction.
Can I thin the ink if it feels too thick?
Yes, a small amount of water can loosen its consistency. Add gradually and mix thoroughly — it's much easier to thin further than to thicken back up.
What's the shelf life of an unopened pot?
An unopened, properly sealed pot has a good shelf life when stored correctly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or temperature extremes.
Can I print multiple colours in one design?
Yes — you'll need a separate screen per colour and accurate registration between them, but nothing about our formulation limits you to single-colour designs.
Do I need to pre-treat fabric before printing?
No pre-treatment is required — our inks are formulated to be used directly on clean, dry fabric straight from the pot.
Will the print feel heavy or plasticky?
No — because water-based ink cures into the fabric rather than sitting on top as a plastic layer, the finished print has a soft hand-feel that moves with the fabric.
Can I print white ink on dark fabric with Ultra Cover?
Yes — white is one of the most commonly used Ultra Cover colours, since achieving strong, opaque white on dark fabric is one of the harder tasks in water-based printing, and Ultra Cover is formulated for exactly that.
How do I match a specific brand colour (e.g. Pantone)?
Colour matching to a reference like Pantone typically involves custom mixing from a base palette. Get in touch with our team, who can advise on the closest match and mixing approach.
Can I use these inks with a manual press versus an automatic press?
Yes, our inks work with both. The formulation itself doesn't require a specific press type — your mesh, squeegee and curing setup matter more than whether the press is manual or automated.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No — 250g pots suit smaller runs or trying a new colour, while 500g and 1kg suit larger, ongoing production needs.
What happens if my order arrives faulty or damaged?
Contact our team as soon as possible with your order details and we'll sort it out for you.
Can I return unopened ink if I ordered the wrong colour?
Generally unopened, unused stock in its original condition can be considered for return — get in touch with your order number for next steps. See our full returns policy for terms.
Can I get a sample before committing to a full pot?
Our 250g pots are the most cost-effective way to trial a new colour or range before committing to a larger 500g or 1kg size.
Why has my ink separated slightly in the pot?
Some settling is normal for a pigment-based, water-carried ink, especially after storage. A thorough stir before use restores the correct consistency — this isn't a sign the ink has gone off unless there's an off smell or a texture that won't remix.
Can I print onto denim?
Yes, though denim's tighter, heavier weave may need a slightly bolder mesh and firmer squeegee stroke to get a good ink deposit compared with lighter cotton. Test print first.
Does temperature or humidity in my workspace affect the ink?
Yes — warm, dry conditions speed up how quickly ink can dry in the screen, while cold conditions can make ink feel stiffer off the pot. Keep your workspace reasonably temperate and adjust your printing pace accordingly on warm days.
Explore our ink ranges
Now you know your mesh counts from your curing temperatures, it's time to pick your ink.