Author Topic: How much ink will I need.  (Read 10491 times)

Offline MrBreeze

  • !!!
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 108
How much ink will I need.
« on: June 06, 2011, 03:43:47 PM »
Haven't had a job like this in awhile.  5500 white tees.  2 color full front.  Need to order a special ink color.  Print size about 17 sq. inch area.  Approx. how much ink...any guesses?
If it's so easy, you do it.


Offline tonypep

  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 5683
Re: How much ink will I need.
« Reply #1 on: June 06, 2011, 03:47:45 PM »
There should be an ink calculator in the Wilflex software which can be downloaded. I would call it an estimator actually. It can get you close. If you really want to nail it weigh the shirt before and after printing using some stock ink through your desired mesh count. Yes different colors weigh differently but this can get you closer.
best tp

Offline Printficient

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 1222
Re: How much ink will I need.
« Reply #2 on: June 06, 2011, 03:56:14 PM »
There should be an ink calculator in the Wilflex software which can be downloaded. I would call it an estimator actually. It can get you close. If you really want to nail it weigh the shirt before and after printing using some stock ink through your desired mesh count. Yes different colors weigh differently but this can get you closer.
best tp
Agree with the caveat that you weigh the printed shirt wet and not after running down the dryer.  Then add about 15%.
Shop-Doc "I make house calls"
Procedure Video Training
Press Inspections
Tips and Tricks Training
404-895-1796 Sonny McDonald

Offline blue moon

  • Administrator
  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6366
Re: How much ink will I need.
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2011, 03:57:53 PM »
Haven't had a job like this in awhile.  5500 white tees.  2 color full front.  Need to order a special ink color.  Print size about 17 sq. inch area.  Approx. how much ink...any guesses?

just a guess here, as the variables are huge, but I would say two gallons of each should get it done. Jobs like that, I've used about a gallon per 3500 in the past, but as I said, your mileage will vary . . .
Yes, we've won our share of awards, and yes, I've tested stuff and read the scientific papers, but ultimately take everything I say with more than just a grain of salt! So if you are looking for trouble, just do as I say or even better, do something I said years ago!

Offline MrBreeze

  • !!!
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 108
Re: How much ink will I need.
« Reply #4 on: June 06, 2011, 04:11:41 PM »
I was guessing about 2 gallons...the one color is really odd and I would prefer not to add it to my already large collection of leftover "specials"
If it's so easy, you do it.

Offline mk162

  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 7862
Re: How much ink will I need.
« Reply #5 on: June 07, 2011, 11:31:12 PM »
You can always mix it into another color..like black.  I have more black than I will ever go through.  Why did I buy 5 gallons from Sonny?  I think I seriously have around 15 gallons or so.  I hardly ever print black, usually if I do it's an accent color.

2 gallons should work, if your vendor is close like mine(2 doors down), you could go 1 and see how far it goes, I can have mine in under an hour.

Offline MrBreeze

  • !!!
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 108
Re: How much ink will I need.
« Reply #6 on: June 08, 2011, 12:55:16 PM »
I used to mix odd colors into black but I'm always afraid as soon as I do I will need it to mix some other odd color so I end up just hanging on the the odd stuff.  I hope I live long enough to use all this odd stuff...I wonder if plastisol has a shelf life.
If it's so easy, you do it.

Offline mk162

  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 7862
Re: How much ink will I need.
« Reply #7 on: June 08, 2011, 03:37:38 PM »
yes, 80 years, give or take a few.  I've got some stuff that's been around for well over 15 years.  I finally mixed it into black or a better color that I will actually use.

Offline Printficient

  • !!!
  • Gonzo Member
  • ******
  • Posts: 1222
Re: How much ink will I need.
« Reply #8 on: June 08, 2011, 04:54:07 PM »
You can always mix it into another color..like black.  I have more black than I will ever go through.  Why did I buy 5 gallons from Sonny?  I think I seriously have around 15 gallons or so.  I hardly ever print black, usually if I do it's an accent color.

2 gallons should work, if your vendor is close like mine(2 doors down), you could go 1 and see how far it goes, I can have mine in under an hour.
I guess it is because I am a "Full Service" partner, right? :D :D :D :D
Shop-Doc "I make house calls"
Procedure Video Training
Press Inspections
Tips and Tricks Training
404-895-1796 Sonny McDonald

Offline mk162

  • Ludicrous Speed Member
  • *******
  • Posts: 7862
Re: How much ink will I need.
« Reply #9 on: June 09, 2011, 08:00:00 AM »
HAHA, that's right, Sonny is a full service partner.  It's a tennis joke.  Although it's never a good idea to tell another man that you are his full service partner.