High Density 3D Silicone Ink for Sharp, Flexible Textile Prints

Producing a raised logo on sportswear is not simply a matter of applying more ink. The material must build height without spreading, hold clean edges during curing and remain flexible when the garment is stretched.

Our High Density 3D Silicone Ink is developed for this type of demanding textile decoration. It is a two-component, addition-curing silicone system with a typical viscosity of 900,000–1,300,000 mPa·s. Its high-viscosity, thixotropic structure helps each printed layer stay in position, allowing printers to create raised graphics with controlled height, smooth surfaces and clearly defined edges.

After complete curing, the ink forms a flexible elastomeric layer that moves with the fabric. It is suitable for sportswear, footwear, fashion garments and other applications where the finished print must combine a premium 3D appearance with elasticity and durability.

What Makes This Silicone Ink Different?

One of the most common problems in high-density printing is edge collapse. An ink may look thick in the container but spread after printing or lose height during flash curing.

This product is formulated to flow under squeegee pressure and recover quickly after the screen is lifted. Instead of continuing to spread across the fabric, the printed layer holds its shape and provides a stable base for the next application.

The difference is visible in the finished print:

• Raised graphics with controlled height

• Sharp outlines and cleaner corners

• Reduced spreading and sinking

• Smooth and consistent surfaces

• Good interlayer stability

• Flexible, rubber-like hand feel

• Resistance to cracking and peeling

• Good washing and abrasion durability

The ink can be used for sharp-edged lettering, geometric graphics, raised brand logos and other high-definition textile designs. Compatible topcoats can also be applied to produce matte, glossy, semi-gloss or rounded surface effects.

Typical Product Parameters

These values are typical production references. Final settings should be adjusted according to fabric construction, print thickness, pigment dosage, curing equipment and the required surface effect.

Building a Stable 3D Print

For most applications, the required height should be built gradually instead of depositing the entire thickness in one pass.

Begin by mixing the silicone base thoroughly. Add 2% catalyst by weight immediately before printing. If color is required, mix in a compatible silicone pigment at approximately 2–30%, depending on the required shade and opacity.

Apply the ink through a suitable screen and thick-film stencil. Approximately three to six printing layers can be used to build the desired height.

Flash each layer at around 120°C only until the surface is stable enough to support the next layer. Excessive flash curing may reduce interlayer adhesion, while insufficient flash curing may cause the design to spread or collapse.

After the final layer or topcoat has been applied, complete the final curing process at approximately 120°C. Depending on the print thickness and curing equipment, the required curing time may range from 3 to 30 minutes.

The actual temperature on the fabric should always be verified. The temperature shown on the dryer control panel may not be the same as the temperature reaching the printed surface.

Suitable Applications

High Density 3D Silicone Ink is particularly suitable for products that are repeatedly stretched, bent or washed, including:

• Sportswear and performance apparel

• Yoga wear and compression garments

• T-shirts and hoodies

• Fashion garments

• Footwear and shoe uppers

• Raised garment logos

• Heat-transfer graphics and labels

• Gloves and functional grip designs

• Socks and anti-slip patterns

• Elastic tapes and webbing

• Bags and textile accessories

• Premium decorative printing

The product may be used on cotton, polyester, cotton/polyester blends, nylon, spandex and other knitted or woven fabrics.

However, every fabric should be tested before bulk production. Dark polyester may require an anti-migration base to prevent dye contamination. Coated nylon and water-resistant fabrics may require a primer or specially formulated bonding silicone.

Flexible Enough for Performance Apparel

High-density prints made with unsuitable materials may look good when the garment is flat but crack when the fabric is stretched.

Once fully cured, this silicone ink forms an elastic layer that stretches and recovers with compatible fabrics. This makes it well suited to activewear and other garments exposed to frequent movement.

For the best result, the complete print structure—not only the final top layer—should be tested at the maximum expected garment stretch. Fabric adhesion, interlayer adhesion and elastic recovery should all be evaluated before mass production.

Custom Colors and Surface Finishes

The ink is available as a transparent, white or pigmentable base. Compatible silicone pigments can be used to match Pantone color references.

For repeatable color production, all components should be weighed accurately, and the approved pigment formula should be recorded. Color approval should be based on a fully cured sample because curing, fabric color and print thickness may affect the final appearance.

Available surface options may include:

• Matte finish

• Semi-gloss finish

• High-gloss finish

• Rounded 3D effect

• Sharp-edge effect

• Transparent gel effect

• Customized special effects

We can recommend a complete system consisting of the high-density base, catalyst, pigment and topcoat according to the required design.

Important Production Precautions

Addition-cure silicone can be sensitive to contamination. Use clean, dedicated containers and mixing tools.

Avoid contact with sulfur, amines, organotin compounds and other substances that may inhibit curing. Do not return mixed ink to the original container, and prepare only the amount that can be consumed within the available working time.

Before approving bulk production, test:

• Print height and edge definition

• Surface smoothness

• Fabric adhesion

• Interlayer adhesion

• Stretching and recovery

• Cracking and peeling resistance

• Washing durability

• Dry and wet rubbing resistance

• Polyester dye migration

• Surface tack after curing

Packaging and Storage

Standard packaging is:

• Silicone base: 20 kg per pail

• Catalyst: 1 kg per bottle

Store the silicone base and catalyst separately in their original sealed containers. Keep them in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture and contamination.

The shelf life is 12 months in unopened original packaging under the recommended storage conditions.

Request a Sample for Your Fabric

The correct silicone system depends on the fabric, required print height, production equipment and curing conditions. A product that performs well on cotton may require a different base or primer when used on sublimated polyester or coated nylon.

To receive an accurate recommendation, send us:

• Fabric composition and color

• A photo or physical sample of the fabric

• Manual or automatic printing process

• Required 3D height

• Pantone color

• Matte, glossy or rounded finish

• Available curing temperature

• Required washing and stretch performance

Our technical team will recommend a suitable High Density 3D Silicone Ink system and provide application guidance for sample testing.

Contact us today to request a sample or discuss your textile-printing application.