Graphic Screen Printing Emulsions
Modern graphic screen printing equipment can reproduce nearly any image on a wide range of substrates, but challenges remain. Choosing the right emulsion is essential for success. This guide breaks down common graphic ink types and offers our top picks for each ink.
Which Emulsion Should I Choose?
Modern graphic screen printing equipment can print nearly any image on most any substrate, but it comes with challenges. Choosing the right emulsion is key to success. This guide covers different graphic types to help you navigate common challenges and overcome them step by step.
Contact Chromaline’s experienced Technical Specialists to help you find the optimum stencil system for your unique or challenging graphic application. With years of product research and development, Chromaline has assembled a comprehensive product range for graphics, with solutions that will fit your graphic screen printing needs.
Water-Based Inks
In packaging, posters, and promotional items, water-based inks provide vibrant colors and matte or semi-gloss finishes. These inks are popular for their environmental benefits, lower VOC emissions, and ease of cleanup compared to solvent-based inks.
TOP PICKS: UDC-ACE Dual-Cure Emulsion | Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure Capillary Film
Solvent Inks
Solvent-based inks produce vibrant, glossy colors and can withstand frequent handling, making them popular in industries that prioritize longevity and quality in print. These inks offer excellent adhesion, durability, and resistance to water, chemicals, and UV light, making them ideal for products exposed to harsh environments, such as automotive parts, outdoor signage, and packaging
TOP PICKS: UDC-2 Dual-Cure Emulsion | Razor® Photopolymer* Capillary Film
Metallic Solvent Inks
These inks contain metallic particles, such as aluminum or bronze, to create a reflective or metallic sheen that enhances product appeal on materials like glass, metal, plastic, and ceramics. They are commonly used for applications in packaging, beverage bottles, automotive components, and electronics, where the metallic effect can convey a premium or decorative look.
TOP PICKS: UDC-ACE Dual-Cure* Emulsion | Magna/Cure® Dual-cure Capillary Film
UV Inks
UV inks provide excellent resistance to fading, scratching, and chemicals, making them suitable for packaging, electronics, drinkware, and automotive parts. Additionally, their rapid curing process reduces drying time, allowing for efficient production with minimal environmental impact due to low VOC emissions.
TOP PICKS: UDC-2 Dual-Cure Emulsion | Razor® Photopolymer* Capillary Film
Metallic UV Inks
Metallic UV inks provide durable, scratch-resistant prints with a metallic sheen, commonly used in packaging, automotive parts, cosmetics, and promotional items. These inks cure quickly under UV light, making them ideal for high-speed printing on non-porous surfaces such as glass, plastic, metal, and ceramics.
TOP PICKS: UDC-ACE Dual-Cure* Emulsion | Magna/Cure® Dual-Cure Capillary Film
What To Expect From Chromaline Emulsions
Excellent Build-up
The ability to achieve a thicker stencil with fewer passes, reducing labor and material costs while ensuring a consistent coating
Wide Exposure Latitude
Predictable, repeatable imaging that offer forgiving exposure times, making it easier to dial in the perfect image with both LED and traditional exposure units
Fast Drying and Exposure
Ability to dry quickly and expose rapidly, reducing the time spent in the screen-making process and minimizing downtime
Easy Reclaim
Easy, stain-free reclaim for quick turns and to extend the life of your screens by reducing the need for harsh reclaiming and dehazing chemicals
Excellent Price-Performance Ratio
Delivers professional results at a cost-effective price, designed to meet the demands of this highly competitive industry
Product Support
A knowledgeable support team for troubleshooting assistance, product recommendations, or advice on optimizing your screen-making process