Lancer Group’s STI7500 Silicone Direct Print Series is a silicone rubber ink available in 37 standard colours, a high-gloss Black and 8 fluorescent colours for printing high-stretch decorations on 100% polyester performance fabrics. While STI7500 colours easily print on white or light-coloured garments, if printing dark colours, it is recommended that the colour be underbased with STI7581 White. When printing dark colours, sub-dyed fabrics and other fabrics known for dye migration, it may be necessary to not only underbase the colour with white but also back the STI7581 White with STI7911 Defender Black Dye Blocker. Multiple coatings of direct emulsion or capillary films that produce thicker stencils may also be necessary to achieve desired effect. Note: This ink must be catalyzed prior to printing.

COMPONENTS
STI7500 Transparent RFU Colours
STI7581 White
STI7504 Transparent Mixing Base
STI7550 Opaque Mixing Base & Opaque RFU Colours
STI7700 Clear Mixing Base
STI7820 Puff Base
STI7835 High-Density Base
STI7701 Overprint Clear
STI7702 Crystal Gloss
STI7838 High-Density Clear
STI7711 Defender Black
STI7150 Catalyst
STI7151 Gel Catalyst
STI7160 Liquid Catalyst
STI7161 Gel Catallyst
STI7502 Reducer
EVPC Evolution Pigment Concentrates
RFU Colours. All shades represented on the Lancer Group Colour Guide in the NX6550 Series will be available.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Mixing Catalyst—Prior to printing mix catalyst into ink using the following proportions:
STI7150 and STI7151-4-6% by weight mixed into STI7581 White and RFU colours.. 7-10% by weight mixed into STI7711 Defender Black, STI7838, STI7700, STI7702 STI7835 or any high-density colour.
STI7160 and STI7161-2-3% by weight mixed into STI7581 White and RFU colours. 3 ½ -5% by weight mixed into STI7711 Defender Black, STI7838, STI7700, STI7702 STI7835 or any high-density colour.

CAUTION–It is recommended that only the amount of ink that can be printed in a four to six hour period be mixed at any one time. Higher amounts of catalyst will diminish the pot life of ink faster.

Printing Recommendations—For the most durable prints a thicker ink deposit is recommended. See “Stencils” section for making stencils that produce thicker ink deposits.

Mixing Pigments and Bases—Evolution Pigment Concentrates are highly concentrated and require less pigment than competitive ink brands to create the same colours. 10-15% pigment load into appropriate base is recommended. CAUTION: Pigment loads higher than 15% can cause crocking and curing issues.

Mesh—White and Mixed Colours—83-125/inch (32T-48T cm). High Density Clear—83-/inch-125/inch (43T-48T cm). STI Silicone Inks may be printed through higher mesh counts but finished prints may not exhibit the same opacity and stretch that are produced with thicker ink deposits made with coarser meshes.

Squeegee—70 durometer or 70/90/70 triple durometer squeegees are recommended It is recommended if end result is for print to be PVC-free that squeegees dedicated to produce prints with the Evolution NX System or STI Heat Transfer System be used. Using squeegees that have been previously used with regular plastisol inks could contaminate the finished print and be rejected by the customer.

Stencils—Any direct emulsion or capillary film compatible with traditional plastisol textile inks. If using direct emulsion coat your screen normally and check the stencil thickness on the print side of the screen. If necessary, face coat the print side of the screen until the necessary stencil thickness is achieved. Capillary films in the 150-200 micron range may also be used to achieve a thick stencil thickness.

Modification—3%-4% STI7502 Reducer can be used when necessary.

Gel Temperature—Inks will gel or flash cure when they reach temperatures between 220°-240° F (105°-117° C) for four to six seconds depending upon the flash cure unit as well as the time and temperature at which the flash cure unit has been set. To speed up gelling, pallets may be preheated to temperatures between 120°-140° F (55°-60° C) immediately before beginning full production. Imprints may show full cure characteristics after flashing. However, it is highly recommended to run imprints through a conveyor dryer at the cure temperatures to achieve maximum adhesion.

Curing—Inks will fully cure after reaching temperatures between 250°-290° F (125°-147° C) for 1 ½ to 2 minutes inside the curing oven. For delicate fabrics prone to dye migration, shrinkage or fiber damage, cure prints at the lower temperature and higher dwell time.

Ink Cleanup—Enviro Series TR Blend or Mineral Spirits.

Storage—All components should be stored in sealed containers at temperatures less than 30°C/84°F. Extended storage in warmer conditions can cause components to thicken and become difficult to print. STI Silicone inks have a pot life of 12 months after the date of manufacture by Lancer Group. Particular attention should be given to the “Use By” date printed on the container.

TRIAL KIT
STI7504 Mixing Base 1 Qt.
STI7550 Opaque Mixing Base 1 Qt.
STI7581 White 1 Qt.
STI7700 Clear Base (500ml)
STI7838 High-Density Clear 1-Pt (500ml)
STI7502 Reducer 1-8oz/250ml
STI7150 Catalyst 1-8oz/250ml
Pigment Concentrates Blue, Red and Yellow 8 oz. (250 ml) each.

CAUTION
Always test finished prints for color accuracy, curing, adhesion, opacity, crocking, stretch and desired look prior to beginning full production runs. Lancer Group International cannot guarantee the results or back claims that this ink will test PVC-free or phthalate-free if any pigment or additive other than an Evolution Pigment Concentrate or STI component that has been manufactured by Lancer Group International is used in this ink. Contamination can also occur from mixing tools, mixing buckets, spatulas, squeegees, or flood bars that have had prior contact with inks containing PVC’s or phthalates and these tools must be thoroughly cleaned before using with the STI Silicone Ink System.