Plastisol Inks: The Classic Choice for Screen Printed Clothing in the UK
When you’re choosing screen printed clothing in the UK, one of the biggest decisions is whether to go for water-based inks or plastisol inks. At Vektor, we work with both, depending on the look, feel, and durability our clients need.
Plastisol inks have been a screen printing industry standard for decades - and for good reason. They’re vibrant, durable, and perfect for achieving bold designs on a wide range of garments.
What Are Plastisol Inks?
Plastisol inks are made from PVC particles suspended in a liquid plasticiser. Unlike water-based inks, they don’t soak into the fabric. Instead, they sit on top of the garment, creating a slightly raised, vivid print.
This makes plastisol one of the most versatile and reliable inks for custom printed clothing in the UK - from promotional T-shirts to hard-wearing workwear.
The Benefits of Plastisol Inks
Vibrant Colours
Plastisol inks are unmatched when it comes to achieving bright, bold designs that pop.
Great for Dark Garments
They offer excellent opacity, meaning your designs look just as sharp on black hoodies as they do on white tees.
Durability
Prints made with plastisol inks are extremely resistant to cracking and fading, making them ideal for screen printed workwear or long-lasting merch.
Versatility
From cotton to blends and even synthetics, plastisol works on a wide range of fabrics.
Things to Consider
While plastisol inks are reliable and durable, they don’t have the same soft, breathable finish as water-based inks. Because they sit on the fabric, the print can feel thicker and less flexible.
That’s why at Vektor, we’ll always weigh up the pros and cons of plastisol vs water-based inks with you before recommending the right option for your project.
Plastisol Inks vs Water-Based Inks
- Plastisol: Bold colours, long-lasting, best for dark garments, slightly heavier feel.
- Water-Based: Softer, breathable, eco-friendly, retail-quality finish.
Both have their place — and both are part of Vektor’s toolkit for screen printed clothing in the UK.
Why Choose Vektor for Plastisol Printing?
- We use professional-grade inks that guarantee durability.
- Our screens are tensioned between 20–30 newtons for crisp, detailed prints.
- We combine plastisol printing with speciality finishes (like metallics or glow effects) when needed.
- Every garment is checked to ensure it meets our retail-quality standard.
Whether you’re launching promotional T-shirts, festival merch, or robust workwear, plastisol inks are a tried-and-tested option.
Ready to Print?
Plastisol inks are a classic choice for screen printed clothing that UK brands rely on. With their bold colours and unbeatable durability, they’re ideal for garments that need to stand out and last.
At Vektor, we’ll help you decide between plastisol and water-based inks — or even combine both — to give your brand the perfect finish.