Curing · 2 of 8 · 1 min read
Typical numbers
Start here: Your ink’s TDS. The ranges below are typical examples, not settings.
| Ink | Cure temperature | Dwell | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plastisol | ~260–330°F by ink (sources differ) | ~60 s | Many shops run ~320°F inks (Wilflex), and Wilflex advises against dwells under 30 s. |
| Low-cure plastisol | ~250–300°F | Per TDS | For polyester and heat-sensitive garments. |
| Water-based | Per TDS | 90 s+ | Water must evaporate first. ScreenPrinting.com: hold cure temperature at least 20 s, about 1:30–2:00 in a 6 ft+ forced-air dryer. |
| Silicone | e.g. 250–290°F | e.g. 60 s–2 min | Product examples from Lancer and Northwest Graphic. |
| Flash (between colors) | ~180–250°F by source | ~2–5 s | The lowest heat that gets the ink dry to the touch; your ink’s TDS decides. See Flashing between colors. |
Many plastisols are run at around 320°F, but lines vary and low-cure inks run lower. Check your ink’s tech data sheet.
Sources for this guide (18)
- Wilflex (Avient), Ink curing tips (2020, PDF)
- Avient, Mapping your conveyor dryer (PDF)
- Davis International, FAQs
- Davis International, Common issues
- ScreenPrinting.com Help, How do you cure water-based ink?
- Lawson Screen & Digital, Curing plastisol inks
- ScreenPrinting.com Help, What is cure temp?
- ScreenPrinting.com Help, How do you cure plastisol with a flash dryer?
- ScreenPrinting.com Help, Why does ink crack in a stretch test?
- ScreenPrinting.com, 4 curing methods
- International Coatings, Curing ink with a heat gun
- International Coatings, How do I test to make sure my inks are properly cured?
- Screen Printing Magazine, Figuring out flash-curing parameters
- Screen Printing Magazine, Curing comes clean through wash testing
- ScreenPrinting.com Help, What do I need to start a shop?
- Lancer Group, STI direct print silicone ink system (PDF)
- Northwest Graphic, Silextreme silicone ink
- PIA/SPTF, Textile plastisol curing troubleshooting (PDF)
Ranges are starting points from these sources. When a source and your ink’s tech data sheet disagree, follow the tech data sheet.