Curious how to screen print more sustainably? Living Ink’s Screen ALGAE INK™ is a professional-grade, algae-based black ink designed for eco-conscious screen printing. Whether you're switching from plastisol or diving into water-based printing for the first time, this guide walks you through how to get clean, consistent results using this carbon-negative ink.
1. SCREEN SETUP & MESH SELECTION
Screen ALGAE INK™ is water-based, so it pairs best with a water-resistant emulsion like Baselayr Complete. Choose your mesh count based on detail and ink deposit:
- 156/158 mesh: Balanced detail and flow
- Lower mesh: Ideal for towels or heavy cotton
- Higher mesh (180+): Use for high-detail artwork
Make sure screens are dry and fully exposed. Post-exposing can improve stencil durability for long runs.
2. MIXING & MODULATION
Before you print, modulate your ink. This means fully mixing the base and pigment to ensure consistency across prints.
Use a spatula or ink mixer and stir until the ink is smooth and uniform. This prevents pigment separation and guarantees an even, rich black on press.
3. PRINTING & SQUEEGEE SETUP
Manual presses: Use a 70 durometer squeegee for balanced control and ink deposit.
Automatics: Try a 60/90/60 triple durometer blade to lay down slightly more ink while maintaining crisp edges.
Screen ALGAE INK™ clears the screen easily, often with a single stroke. If you're looking for a more opaque print, add a second stroke before flashing.
Bonus: You can run Screen ALGAE INK™ alongside other water-based ink systems like discharge or high solids water-based. It plays well with others.
4. FLASHING & CURING
Like other water-based inks, Living Ink requires a longer dwell time than plastisol. Here’s the breakdown:
- Flash temp: Comparable to standard water-based systems
- Cure temp: 330°F (165°C)
- Dwell time: 90–180 seconds depending on dryer efficiency
The goal is to fully evaporate the water from the ink base. Always test for cure with a wash test before full production. Using a quartz flash dryer or a conveyor dryer with forced air is recommended for water-based inks.
5. EASY CLEANUP
Screen ALGAE INK™ cleans up easily with just water or mild detergent. No harsh solvents needed. Your cleanup options include:
- Plain water rinse
- Mild detergent solution
- A water-based screen cleaner like Aqua Wash
This makes reclaim safer, faster, and better for your team and the planet.
RELATED: Printing Greener: Introducing Living Ink's Screen ALGAE INK™ Line
PRO TIPS FOR SCREEN ALGAE INK™
- Use a humidifier in dry climates to prevent screens from drying out too fast
- Double stroke for deeper black opacity on mid- to dark-colored shirts
- Pair with a forced air conveyor dryer for optimal curing
- Keep your ink covered between prints to avoid drying in screen
FAQ: PRINTING WITH SCREEN ALGAE INK™
What is Screen ALGAE INK™ made from?
It’s formulated with ALGAE BLACK™, a pigment created from algae waste. The process captures carbon that would otherwise be released, making the pigment carbon-negative by design.
Is it water-based?
Yes. Screen ALGAE INK™ is a water-based, bio-derived ink that performs like other professional-grade water-based systems. It’s non-PVC, non-phthalate, and PFAS-free, verified through internal quality testing.
Is it safe to print with?
Absolutely. Screen ALGAE INK™ contains no hazardous materials and meets CPSIA and OEKO-TEX® ECO PASSPORT standards for safe textile chemistry. It’s also compliant with ZDHC (Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals) guidelines, making it suitable for shops following sustainable production practices.
Can I mix or print it with other inks?
Yes. Screen ALGAE INK™ works well alongside other water-based systems like Green Galaxy. It’s not recommended for use with plastisol.
How durable is it?
When properly cured at 330°F (165°C) for 90–180 seconds, Screen ALGAE INK™ produces a wash-fast, durable print with excellent color retention. Always perform a wash test before full production to confirm cure and adhesion.
Is it eco-friendly?
Yes. Screen ALGAE INK™ is carbon-negative, verified through a third-party Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The ink replaces petroleum-based carbon black with renewable algae pigment and is made using a certified renewable feedstock process aligned with the USDA BioPreferred Program.
Can I use it on blends or polyester?
It performs best on natural fibers like cotton. Always test blends or synthetics before full production to confirm adhesion and wash results.
Where is it made?
Living Ink Technologies, the creator of Screen ALGAE INK™, is based in Berthoud, Colorado, where all pigments and inks are developed and manufactured. Every batch is made in the USA to maintain quality and reduce transportation impact.
Does it run on ROQ or other automatics?
Yes. Screen ALGAE INK™ performs well on automatic presses, including ROQ. Use a 60/90/60 triple durometer squeegee for consistent ink deposit and crisp detail.
Do I need special emulsion?
Use a water-resistant emulsion such as Baselayr Complete or Chromaline CP Tex. Regular dual-cure emulsions may break down faster with water-based inks. Post-exposing screens can further improve stencil durability for long runs.
PRINT CLEAN. PRINT SMART. PRINT GREEN.
Sustainable screen printing doesn’t have to be complicated. With Living Ink’s Screen ALGAE INK™, you get vibrant, high-performance prints backed by carbon-negative innovation.
Your craft matters. So does what you put into it.