wtf is the deal with these neon authentic pigments?

varsityink · April 1st, 2013, 09:16 PM

These damn things are driving me crazy. I just went and checked on my guys printing and damn near an entire order of customer provided neon tanks are all scorched. We even had the dryer turned down and they were hitting 325-330, but what the hell are we supposed to do with these things? They even scorch under the flash and its a 4 color job! I can't believe they sell this junk. Its a catch 22. run them through at 320 degrees ( i believe that's what the manufacturer specified) or have uncured ink?

Binkspot · April 2nd, 2013, 04:39 AM

1. Quicker flash. We are only trying to gel the ink on press not cure it which can lead to other problems. Just enough flash to accomplish the desired results. There may be other issues you are trying to fix with the flash like reg or art work.
2. Assuming you have an electric dryer raise the heating element, lower the actual dryer temp and slow the belt down to create a longer dwell time in the dryer at 320. Sometimes the heating element is just too close for some fabrics.
3. Try washing a shirt, sometimes the the scorching is superficial and comes out after a simple washing. If it is not a large area sometimes you can spray a little peroxide on the scorch mark and even go as far as setting it out in the sun and sometimes it will take it out.
4. On occasion we will run temperamental garments with a low cure poly ink if there may be a chance of curing issues.

Beta of luck

Nemodogdad · April 2nd, 2013, 02:08 PM

Real Quick,

I'm not a printer. I'm an embroiderer and knitter, but I did study Dyeing & Finishing at Philly Textile. Most Neon colors are made with either Acrylic yarn or use Fiber Reactive Dyestuffs. FRD are often very temperamental, but they should have been prewashed by the manufacturer. You may have some luck by trying to wash them as suggested in the prior post. Where you may have real trouble is if your inks are reacting to the dyestuffs. I suggest you call the manufacturer and ask the content and dye methods, and ask for help.