| Water-based acrylic | Cotton, cotton blends, and some paper or board applications | Forms a film that holds pigments to the substrate; supports color development, wash resistance, and print durability. | Generally offers good pigment binding and a soft-to-medium hand, depending on the formulation and print deposit. | May require a crosslinker for demanding durability. Thorough drying is important, and performance can vary with fabric preparation and ink additives. | Often cured in the approximate range of 150–170°C; time and temperature depend on the ink system, fabric, and equipment. |
| Water-based polyurethane (PU) | Stretch fabrics, polyester blends, and performance textiles | Provides pigment adhesion while helping the printed film flex with the fabric. | Typically offers good flexibility, abrasion resistance, and a smooth film; some grades are designed for improved stretch recovery. | Choose a grade compatible with the substrate and required stretch. Excessive film thickness can affect garment feel and flexibility. | Follow the formulation supplier’s specified drying and curing schedule; heat requirements vary by product and substrate. |
| Silicone | Stretch garments, elastane blends, and selected technical textiles | Binds pigments or provides a printed layer with high elasticity and resistance to repeated stretching. | Can provide a soft, flexible, durable film with strong stretch performance when correctly formulated and cured. | Requires careful control of mixing, screen setup, and curing. Use only with compatible substrates and ink components. | Cure schedules are formulation-specific; many systems use elevated heat, so verify the stated temperature and dwell time before production. |
| Plastisol PVC-based binder system | Commonly used on cotton and cotton-rich apparel fabrics | Encapsulates pigment in a deposited ink film and supports opacity, color strength, and wash durability. | Can produce bright, opaque prints with a relatively substantial hand; flexibility depends on the formulation and deposit. | The ink must reach its specified fusion temperature throughout the printed layer. Monitor film thickness and substrate heat tolerance. | Many systems fuse at approximately 160–170°C, but the product specification should determine the actual cure target. |
| Discharge-compatible binder system | Suitable dyed cotton fabrics, subject to dye compatibility | Helps form the print film while a compatible discharge process removes or changes the ground dye beneath the design. | Can create a soft-hand result because the fabric color is altered in the printed area rather than simply covered with a thick layer. | Results depend on the fabric dye, discharge chemistry, and process conditions. Test each fabric lot for shade and fastness. | Use the specified process conditions for the complete ink system; validate the finished print for cure and wash performance. |
| General-purpose textile binder | Selected natural and synthetic textiles, depending on grade | Acts as the film-forming component that anchors pigments and other functional additives to the textile. | Performance may be adjusted for softness, adhesion, opacity, flexibility, or durability through formulation. | “General-purpose” does not mean universal. Confirm compatibility with the substrate, pigment, additives, and end-use requirements. | Use the technical specification for the particular formulation; confirm complete curing with production testing. |
| Note: Temperature ranges and performance descriptions are typical industry guidance, not universal specifications. Actual results depend on binder chemistry, pigment loading, print thickness, substrate, equipment, and the manufacturer’s technical data. Verify adhesion, flexibility, wash fastness, and cure before production. |