What mesh count is recommended for thermochromic screen printing?

A lower mesh count of 80–120 mesh/inch is recommended to allow the thicker thermochromic pigments to pass through the screen effectively and ensure strong color-changing visibility.

Can Thermochromic Ink Be Used for Screen Printing?

Q: Can thermochromic ink be used in screen printing?

Yes, thermochromic ink is suitable for screen printing, as long as proper mesh size, binder compatibility, and low-temperature curing are considered. It is commonly used on textiles, labels, and specialty packaging.

Date: Jul 04 2025 From: Star Color Views:

Thermochromic ink, known for its ability to change color with temperature, has become a popular choice for packaging, labels, textiles, and promotional products. One common question from designers and printers is: Can thermochromic ink be used in screen printing?
The answer is yes—with the right preparation and techniques, thermochromic ink works effectively in screen printing processes.

Screen printing is ideal for specialty inks like thermochromic because it offers:

Thick ink deposit, enhancing visibility of color change
Versatility, allowing printing on a wide range of substrates
Cost-effectiveness for short-to-medium runs
Manual and automated options depending on production scale

This makes it suitable for applications such as:

T-shirts and textiles
Labels and promotional materials
Temperature-sensitive warning signs
Heat-sensitive toys or novelty items

Key Considerations When Using Thermochromic Ink in Screen Printing

To achieve the best results, several factors must be considered:

1. Screen Mesh Size

Use a lower mesh count (typically 80–120 mesh/inch) to allow sufficient ink deposit. Thermochromic pigments are microencapsulated and slightly larger than standard pigments, so fine mesh can block flow.

2. Ink Type and Base Compatibility

Thermochromic pigments must be blended with compatible binders or screen ink bases. These bases should be:

Water-based or plastisol-compatible (depending on substrate)
Non-yellowing and flexible
Low-temperature curing (below 160°C/320°F for textiles)

Starcolor offers ready-to-use thermochromic screen printing inks or pigment concentrates for custom mixing.

3. Curing and Drying Conditions

Thermochromic inks are sensitive to heat, especially during curing. Overheating can damage the capsules and reduce performance.

For textiles: cure at 130–150°C for 2–3 minutes
For paper or film: air drying or low-temp forced air recommended

Avoid exposing ink to temperatures above its rated activation point for prolonged periods.

4. Substrate Selection

Thermochromic screen inks adhere well to:

Cotton and polyester fabrics
Coated paper and board
Plastic films (PP, PET)
Glass and ceramics (with proper pretreatment)

Use adhesion promoters or primers when needed to improve bonding.

5. Storage and Handling

Store inks in a cool, dark place, ideally below 25°C. Avoid UV exposure before printing. Stir thoroughly before use to maintain pigment suspension.

Benefits of Thermochromic Screen Printing

Visual impact: Eye-catching color changes can enhance the appeal of products, making them more visually competitive, attracting consumers' attention, and improving the market recognition of products.

Interactivity: Users can make products produce dynamic color change effects by touching or heating them, which increases the interactivity between products and users, improves user experience, and enhances users' favorability towards products.

Safety: This technology is very suitable for anti-counterfeiting features or anti-tampering designs. Through its unique color change characteristics, it can effectively identify the authenticity of products, prevent the circulation of counterfeit and shoddy products, and protect the rights and interests of enterprises and consumers.

Brand attractiveness: For limited editions or high-end packaging, thermochromic screen printing can add unique charm to products, enhance the brand image and grade, and meet consumers' demand for high-quality and personalized products.

Thermochromic inks can be perfectly applied to screen printing as long as appropriate screens, adhesive systems and curing processes are adopted. With proper preparation, stunning temperature-sensitive designs can be created on a variety of products, adding unique value and appeal to them, and meeting the needs of different industries and consumers.