How to Buy Plastisol: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Plastisol

Overview

Plastisol is a versatile and widely-used type of vinyl that is commonly used for printing t-shirts, mugs, and other items. It is popular because of its ability to produce vibrant colors and its durability. In this buying guide, we will provide an overview of Plastisol and its uses, explain the key features to look for when buying it, and discuss some of the top products available on the market. We hope that by the end of this guide, you will have a better understanding of Plastisol and be able to make an informed decision about which product is right for you.

Key features

  1. Quality - Consider the quality of the Plastisol before you purchase it. Ensure that the product is made with high-quality materials and will not easily tear or wear out with use.
  2. Cost - Compare the cost of the Plastisol to other products on the market. Consider whether you are getting good value for the money you are spending.
  3. Durability - Take a look at the Plastisol’s construction and check its durability. Make sure that it is designed to withstand the conditions it will experience.
  4. Safety - Make sure to read the label on the Plastisol and ensure that it is safe to use. Pay attention to any warnings or instructions listed, and follow them accordingly.
  5. Cleaning - Consider how easy it is to clean the Plastisol. Make sure that the product can be easily cleaned with water and mild soap.
  6. Compatibility - Ensure that the Plastisol is compatible with the items it will be used with. Check that it can be used with other materials or products easily.

See the most popular Plastisol on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability - Plastisol is designed to last for years with minimal upkeep, making it a great option for buyers looking for a long-term product.
  • Easy to Customize - Plastisol is highly customizable, meaning it can be tailored to meet the needs of buyers with specific requirements.
  • Cost Effective - Plastisol is typically less expensive than other types of plastic products, making it a great budget-friendly choice.
  • Versatile - Plastisol can be used for a variety of applications ranging from flooring to insulation, making it a great all-around product.
  • Low Maintenance - Plastisol requires little maintenance, making it a great choice for buyers who don’t want to spend time and money on upkeep.
  • Non-Toxic - Plastisol is non-toxic, making it a safe choice for buyers who are looking for an environmentally friendly product.

Cons

  • Viscosity: Plastisol can have a relatively high viscosity which makes application difficult and can result in a lower quality finish.
  • Low Durability: Plastisol is not very durable and often requires more frequent reapplication than other products.
  • Odor: Plastisol can have a strong chemical odor which can be unpleasant and hazardous to your health.
  • Limited Colors: Plastisol is not available in a wide range of colors, making it difficult to create custom designs.
  • Inflexibility: Plastisol cannot be used for flexing or stretching applications as it will crack or peel off.
  • High Setup Costs: Plastisol involves high setup costs due to the need for a special curing oven.
  • Environmental Impact: Plastisol can be harmful to the environment, as it is non-biodegradable and contains toxic chemicals.

Best alternatives

  1. Vinyl Ink – A water-based product that is often used for printing on garments.
  2. Flock Adhesive – A fabric adhesive often used for creating a 3D feel on a garment.
  3. Thermoflex Plus – A heat transfer vinyl that is designed for use on hard surfaces.
  4. Silicone Ink – A silicone-based product used to create prints on hard surfaces.
  5. Water-Based Ink – A water-based product used for printing on fabrics.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Screen Mesh - A screen mesh is a frame made of metal, wood, or plastic that is covered with nylon or polyester mesh. It is used to hold a layer of ink while printing Plastisol onto fabric.
  • Squeegee - A squeegee is a rubber-edged tool used to spread and smooth ink across a screen mesh during the Plastisol printing process.
  • Plastisol Ink - Plastisol ink is a type of plastic-based ink that is commonly used for printing designs onto fabric. It is available in a variety of colors and has a glossy finish.
  • Spatula - A spatula is a tool used to scrape the dried Plastisol ink from the screen mesh after printing.
  • Heat Gun - A heat gun is an electrical tool used to heat Plastisol ink, allowing it to bond to fabric more effectively.
  • Adhesive - Adhesives are used to secure the Plastisol ink to the fabric, ensuring that the ink does not flake off over time.

Common questions

  1. What is Plastisol?
    Plastisol is a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) suspension of plasticizers and other additives in a liquid form that is used to make PVC products such as screen-printed transfers, prints, and soft PVC products.
  2. What is the difference between Plastisol and other printing inks?
    Plastisol is a thicker ink that is used to create a soft, smooth finish. It is heat-set, meaning that it needs to be heated to a certain temperature in order for the ink to cure and become permanent. Other printing inks, such as water-based inks, are thinner and require less heat to cure.
  3. What are the benefits of using Plastisol?
    Plastisol is easy to use and provides a durable, permanent finish on products. It is also resistant to water and is available in a variety of colors.
  4. What are the drawbacks of using Plastisol?
    Plastisol can be difficult to work with as it requires specific temperatures and times in order to cure properly. Additionally, it is not as flexible as other inks and can crack when stretched or bent.
  5. How do you use Plastisol?
    Plastisol can be used for a variety of applications including screen-printing, transfers, and soft PVC products. It is best to use a specific type of printing press for Plastisol, as it requires higher temperatures and longer curing times.
  6. Where can you buy Plastisol?
    Plastisol can be purchased from a variety of online suppliers, as well as in store at select retailers.

Trivia

A funny fact about Plastisol is that it was first created as a wallpaper adhesive in the 1950s. It was then discovered to be a great material for use in the textile and garment industry. It is now a widely used material for screen-printing, making clothes and other products waterproof. Plastisol is also used to create unique textures and colors on fabric, and its highly flexible and durable properties make it ideal for a variety of products. According to the International Printing Museum, Plastisol is widely used in the textile printing industry for both digital printing and screen printing. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.