Glitter base and flakes

[Doug S]

Is there a specific ratio of glitter flakes to base or is it just a visual thing?  Also, as far as .008 flakes go what would be your go to mesh?  Has anyone tried printing it through an 80 mesh?

[jvanick]

we do a 24 mesh for .008 flakes, although we've played with 38 and 64 mesh as well and it's worked out well.

Matsui Glitter base recommends up to 25% by weight... we run 20% with great results.
(we've switched over to waterbase for 99% of our glitter jobs)

Wilflex Epic Particle Base doesn't specify a mixing %, but we generally run 20% with good results, although you can definitely feel the 'glossy' base more than with the waterbase option.

[Doug S]

Thanks, that'll steer me in the right direction.

[Doug S]

Ok here is another one for you.  If a customer wants red glitter.  Do you have to print red glitter flakes over red ink since the base is clear?  Or can you print red glitter flakes over a white Ub and it looks red?  I know that sounds like a dumb question but I've never messed with the stuff before only premixed glitter inks.

[jvanick]

personally, I'd recommend tinting the base as well, so that where the base shows through you'll see red.

I've never done an underbase under glitter.... just straight glitter on the shirt (same with shimmers)

[Underbase37]

Take a look at Nova base from Wilflex as well.

Murphy

[jvanick]

Take a look at Nova base from Wilflex as well.

Murphy

What's the difference/benefits with the nova base?  Haven't heard of that one before?

[bimmridder]

We use Nova as well. Mix the glitter into it. Go through a 26 mesh, thick stencil. Never underlay the glitter. That's how we do it.

[Underbase37]

I was told it is softer, and doesn't feel as thick. It's supposed to feel like waterbase glitter/shimmer.

Soaking into the fabric more and leaving the glitter sitting on top keeping it soft and shinny.

The Wilflex rep was talking it up over dinner at the ISS show.

I haven't tried it yet, but I have a gallon on the way.

Murphy

[Underbase37]

We use Nova as well. Mix the glitter into it. Go through a 26 mesh, thick stencil. Never underlay the glitter. That's how we do it.

That's a good enough endorsement for me.

Murphy

[jvanick]

I'm gonna have to get some in to test with as well.

[bimmridder]

The Nova will "evaporate" in the oven, and it is a more dry glitter look. Again. That's just how we do it. I'm not saying it's the best way

[jvanick]

I like the idea of less "gloss"

[Doug S]

Great input on this.  For those of you with Cts do you have any trouble with head strikes on a coated 26 mesh or do you use a film printer?

[tonypep]

We prefer wb glitters. Way better. However if you need to tint a silver, a true red is unlikely.