Wilflex Epic PC - should I get some ready to use colors

[Rockers]

We are finally going to order our Wilflex Epic PC system next week. Probably 10GL of mixing base, some performance base all 15 basic pigments and some fashion base. Now I`m wondering if it would be advisable to order as well some standard ready for use colors such as Golden Yellow , Scarlet Red and Navy. Or am I`m better of just mixing them whenever need with those pigments and bases I got?

[pwalsh]

We are finally going to order our Wilflex Epic PC system next week. Probably 10GL of mixing base, some performance base all 15 basic pigments and some fashion base. Now I`m wondering if it would be advisable to order as well some standard ready for use colors such as Golden Yellow , Scarlet Red and Navy. Or am I`m better of just mixing them whenever need with those pigments and bases I got?

Rockers:  My advice would be to ask your PolyOne Wilflex dealer to confirm that all of the RFU colors that you require can be produced form the standard 15 pigment concentrates and to price out the difference between the RFU colors versus mixing them yourself with the PC and Base mixing system.  One thing about RFU colors is that the ink manufacturer is trying to produce a “multi-purpose” ink to work in the widest possible range of applications. 

Some advantages of producing these colors with the PC Mixing system are the ability to can adjust the formulation of these inks to optimize performance for your specific application requirements such as a lighter pigment load for printing on light colored garments (= lower cost), increased pigment load and/or the addition of white where greater opacity is required, or to use the Performance base when printing onto fabrics that are prone to bleeding.   

[sweetts]

I say yes, common colors get them premixed, saves time and is easier.


RT Screen Designs
www.rtscreendesigns.com

[dirkdiggler]

I say Yes to premixed colors, much easier.  The only problem is that Wilflex cut out about half of the colors about 2 years ago.  Good for them, but bad for the customer.  Wish they would reconsider, but I am sure that will not.  Cheaper for them and costs us more money.

[ZooCity]

As much as I love the convenience of just pulling a bucket off the shelf, we've always mixed 90% of our standard or most used colors.  Have to agree with Peter that spotty availability/discontinuation of colors + lack of control of the mix further sours the idea. 

The real killer for purchasing pre-mix colors, if you have a PC system, is that your in-house mixes might cost less than pre-mix, provided you are mixing somewhat efficiently and don't have really high labor costs.  At least that's how the math worked out for me. 

Wish WFX would adopt the QCM setup where they had pre-mix WOW inks and HO low bleeds.  Keep it simple and offer a very basic range of quality colors in both.  Then make sure it's stocked and available in gallons everywhere.

Another thing I would like to see is ink companies tweaking the formulas on pre-mix colors to perfectly suit the color- adding something to help keep yellows from picking up like mad, for instance.  As it is, the colors you mix with your PC system are exactly what you get when you order the pre-mix, aside from the super-fluoros and whites of course.   

[Rob Coleman]

clip ...... Wish WFX would adopt the QCM setup where they had pre-mix WOW inks and HO low bleeds.  Keep it simple and offer a very basic range of quality colors in both.  Then make sure it's stocked and available in gallons everywhere.

Actually you do have that option with Wilflex:

Premix WOW - Epic standard colors
HO Low Bleeds - New Epic Top Score!

Warning:  Blatant self-promoting statement alert!  Nazdar SourceOne inventories standard Epic colors in gallons and Top Score in gallons and quarts.  We also inventory IC7600 WOW colors in gals and quarts.

[Inkworks]

IMO, Gotta have pre-mix buckets of:

Navy
Royal
Sky blue
Lime green
Grass Green
Forest Green
Lemon yellow
Athletic Gold
Orange
Red
Scarlet
Purple
Brown
texas orange

I'm really looking forward to the day when someone has a good pre-mix of those in WB/DC where all you have to do is mix in activator and run.

[tonypep]

Kind of beat them to the punch on that one. We carry something like 80 DC colors ready to go. Had no choice.