Do you have FN-INK on your shelves? If you do, you’re already holding a powerful ink mixing system in your shop.
The classic line of FN-INK doubles as a complete mixing system, giving you the ability to hit precise Pantone targets while maintaining the smooth printability and soft hand feel printers love.
Printers already trust FN-INK™ for its ease of use, vibrant color, and creamy consistency. With the addition of Mixing White and Magenta, the FN-INK™ Mixing System unlocks an endless range of colors without sacrificing performance.
Let’s break down why an ink mixing system matters, how to use FN-INK™’s system effectively, and how to dial in accurate color matching every time.
WHY WOULD I NEED AN INK MIXING SYSTEM?
Ever had a customer request a specific Pantone color? If you want to meet their expectations consistently, you need a reliable ink mixing system.
Eyeballing a color might work occasionally, but it leaves too much room for error. A true mixing system removes the guesswork, saves ink, and protects your margins.
To color match correctly, you’ll need mixing software and a Pantone Coated Book as your reference. Simply pull up the formula in the software, weigh the components precisely, and mix. That’s it.
If you're serving brands, corporate clients, or scaling your shop, investing in a mixing system opens the door to higher-value work.
RELATED: WHAT IS AN INK MIXING SYSTEM?
HOW TO USE THE FN-INK MIXING SYSTEM
Using the FN-INK™ Mixing System is straightforward. Before you begin, make sure you have the complete mixing kit, a precision scale, spatulas, a Pantone Coated Book, and mixing containers.
- Open the mixing software on your device.
- Enter the Pantone number or select from the dropdown menu.
- Input the total grams of ink needed.
- Click “Load Formula.”
- Follow the displayed formula, weighing each ink precisely.
- Always zero out your scale between colors.
- Start with the highest-volume color first.
- Clean your spatula between inks or use dedicated spatulas for each color.
- Once all components are added, mix thoroughly, scraping from the bottom and sides of the container.
Your scale matters. The mixing software measures down to the hundredth of a gram. If your scale cannot read that precisely, rounding may result in slight color shifts.
Add the highest-volume color first. A small amount of ink will remain on the container walls after mixing. Losing a minimal portion of the primary component will not significantly affect the final formula.
Keep colors separated as you add them. If you overshoot a minor component, you can remove a small portion without disturbing the entire batch.
MIXING AT VOLUME? LEVEL UP YOUR PROCESS
If you're mixing quarts or gallons regularly, hand mixing can slow you down and introduce inconsistency.
For higher-volume shops, streamline your workflow with an Ink Mixer. Mechanical mixing ensures pigments are fully incorporated, reduces operator fatigue, and improves repeatability across large batches.
When color consistency matters across hundreds of prints, automation makes a measurable difference.
LET’S TALK ABOUT COLOR MATCHING
Once mixed, compare your ink to the Pantone swatch. Lighting plays a major role in perceived accuracy.
Check your light source against the D50 standard found in the back of the Pantone book. If your lighting falls outside that range, colors may appear inaccurate.
Finally, run a print test. Print through a 156 mesh screen onto white fabric and fully cure the ink. Some colors may shift slightly during curing, so always confirm with your client before going into production.
RELATED: WHAT ARE PANTONE COLORS?
READY TO UNLOCK UNLIMITED COLOR?
The FN-INK Plastisol Ink Mixing System gives you the control, consistency, and confidence to hit your Pantone targets every time.
INK MIXING FAQ: COMMON QUESTIONS PRINTERS ASK
What is an ink mixing system in screen printing?
An ink mixing system is a structured method for creating custom plastisol ink colors using base inks and precise formulas. Instead of guessing color blends, printers use software formulas and a scale to accurately match Pantone colors. Systems like the FN-INK™ Mixing System allow you to mix thousands of colors using a controlled set of base inks.
How do you mix plastisol ink accurately?
To mix plastisol ink accurately, use a precision digital scale that measures to the hundredth of a gram. Enter the Pantone number into your mixing software, follow the formula exactly, and weigh each component carefully. Always zero out your scale between colors and mix thoroughly to ensure consistency.
Do I need mixing software to match Pantone colors?
Yes. While you can manually blend inks, mixing software eliminates guesswork. It provides exact formulas for each Pantone color so you can reproduce results consistently. This is essential when working with brands that require precise color matching.
What scale should I use for ink mixing?
Use a digital scale capable of measuring at least 0.01 grams. Because mixing formulas often call for very small amounts of certain pigments, accuracy at the hundredth of a gram helps prevent color shifts.
Why does my mixed ink look different after curing?
Plastisol ink can shift slightly after curing due to heat exposure and fabric absorption. Always print a test sample through your intended mesh count, fully cure it, and compare it to your Pantone swatch under proper lighting before running production.
What lighting is best for checking color accuracy?
D50 lighting is the industry standard for evaluating Pantone colors. If your shop lighting falls outside that range, colors may appear warmer or cooler than intended. Always check your light source when confirming a color match.
Can beginners use an ink mixing system?
Yes. Ink mixing systems like FN-INK™ are designed to be user-friendly. As long as you follow the formula, use a proper scale, and mix thoroughly, beginners can achieve professional-level color accuracy.
Is it better to buy pre-mixed colors or mix your own?
For common stock colors, pre-mixed inks are convenient. However, if your shop handles brand work, corporate clients, or custom Pantone requests, mixin