When it comes to custom T-shirt printing, the type of ink you use matters just as much as the design or fabric. The ink determines how the final print looks, feels, and lasts.
So what type of ink is used for screen printing on T-shirts?
The answer: it depends on your design goals, shirt color, fabric type, and print feel.
In this article, we’ll break down the most common inks used in T-shirt screen printing—and explain how Guoya Company helps you choose the best one for your needs.
1. Plastisol Ink – The Industry Standard
Plastisol ink is the most widely used ink in screen printing. It’s made of PVC particles suspended in a plasticizer and requires heat curing to set.
✅ Pros:
- Bright, opaque colors—especially on dark garments
- Long-lasting, durable prints
- Works great on 100% cotton T-shirts
⚠️ Considerations:
- Heavier feel on the fabric
- Not water-based, so not as eco-friendly
- Requires proper curing for flexibility
At Guoya, we use premium plastisol inks for bold, high-impact designs—especially for logos, graphics, and merch lines that demand long-term wear.
2. Water-Based Ink – Soft & Eco-Friendly
Water-based ink uses water as a solvent and soaks into the fibers of the fabric. The result is a soft, lightweight print that feels almost like part of the shirt.
✅ Pros:
- Super soft feel
- Excellent for light-colored cotton shirts
- More environmentally friendly than plastisol
⚠️ Considerations:
- May not appear as vibrant on dark shirts
- Requires very absorbent fabrics (like 100% cotton)
- Needs longer curing time and expert handling
Guoya offers water-based printing for brands focused on sustainability or looking for that “no feel” vintage effect.
3. Discharge Ink – For Soft Prints on Dark Shirts
Discharge ink is a type of water-based ink that removes the dye from dark shirts and replaces it with pigment, creating a soft print without heavy ink layers.
✅ Pros:
- Soft, breathable feel—similar to water-based
- Perfect for vintage or faded effects
- Great for large prints on dark cotton shirts
⚠️ Considerations:
- Only works on 100% cotton
- Can be tricky on bright-colored fabrics
- Requires high heat and experienced handling
We recommend discharge printing for fashion brands seeking a subtle, worn-in aesthetic—especially on dark or dyed shirts.
4. Specialty Inks – Metallic, Puff, Glow-in-the-Dark
For creative or high-impact designs, specialty inks like:
- Puff ink (adds a 3D texture)
- Metallic ink (adds shine)
- Glow-in-the-dark ink (adds novelty)
These are excellent for limited edition drops or standout pieces. Guoya can incorporate specialty inks upon request.
How to Choose the Right Ink for Your Project
| Ink Type | Best For | Feel on Shirt | Color Brightness | Durability | Eco-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plastisol | Bold logos, merch, retail | Medium-heavy | ✅ Very high | ✅ Excellent | ❌ No |
| Water-Based | Soft prints, eco brands | ✅ Very soft | ⚠️ Best on light shirts | ✅ Good | ✅ Yes |
| Discharge | Vintage look on dark shirts | ✅ Very soft | ✅ Bright on dark | ✅ Good | ✅ Yes |
| Specialty | Fashion, novelty drops | Varies | ✅ Unique effects | ✅ Good | ❌ Varies |
Still not sure? Guoya provides free design support to help you choose the best ink and print style for your vision.
Why Guoya Is Trusted for Professional Screen Printing
At Guoya Company, we don’t just print—we guide you from idea to final product.
We offer:
- 🖨️ Multiple ink options: plastisol, water-based, discharge, and specialty
- 👕 100% cotton T-shirts in 180–300gsm
- 🎨 26 shirt colors and full sizing from S to 6XL
- 🎁 Free samples & design assistance
- ⏱️ 3-day proofing and 5-day fast production
- 🔁 Reorders, customization, and packaging support
Whether you’re launching a fashion line, selling merch, or printing for an event, we help you get the print feel and look just right.
Summary
The type of ink you choose shapes the entire outcome of your printed T-shirt—from texture to durability to brand impact.
At Guoya, we combine premium materials, expert techniques, and flexible printing options to match your brand’s unique goals.
📩 Contact us to explore ink options, get samples, or start your next screen printing order.
