Author Topic: Do you need low bleed ink for tie dyed shirts?  (Read 843 times)

Offline Ripcord

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Do you need low bleed ink for tie dyed shirts?
« on: February 18, 2014, 10:50:50 AM »
I've only printed on them a couple of times and it was years ago so I don't remember what ink I used. The shirts are 100% cotton but I'm wondering if the dye might bleed, or is it similar to the regular dye they use for solid colors?
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Offline mimosatexas

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Re: Do you need low bleed ink for tie dyed shirts?
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2014, 10:53:53 AM »
You should be able to ask what kind of dye was used.  For bleeding, in my experience it has been more about the fabric and less about the dye.  I have printed tiedye without a low bleed and had no issues, and I have printed it with discharge with now issues, but I verified that the ink used was reactive.

Offline Frog

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Re: Do you need low bleed ink for tie dyed shirts?
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2014, 10:55:13 AM »
I have never had a problem with properly dyed shirts.
Even amateurs using the proper Procion dyes, like the local Boy Scout troop that does this regularly.

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Offline Ripcord

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Re: Do you need low bleed ink for tie dyed shirts?
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2014, 11:55:28 AM »
Thanks guys...I seem to remember having trouble with camouflage bleeding, which is why I asked...but once again it was long ago.

I do know that a spot gun will remove the camouflage pattern and leave the fabric white. That's what leads me to believe that the dye is different than that used at the mills.

Since it's a rush job and there won't be time to reprint, I think I'll use low bleed ink anyway...That shouldn't cause any problems...(right?)
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Offline tonypep

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Re: Do you need low bleed ink for tie dyed shirts?
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2014, 11:57:59 AM »
Watchout for Sulphur and Procion dyes