Screen printing on coroplast

[Richard McKinley]

I have returned to the sign business after fifteen years of corp. life. Obviously there have been many changes one of which is substrates.
My question should anyone care to answer is this: What screen printing ink should be used when printing on coroplast?

Thanks
Richard McKinley

[Mike Jackson]

I'd suggest checking with your sign supplier for their specs on the inks they sell. Daz-Dar makes a GV (Gloss Vinyl Ink) that would probably work, but the fumes are overwhelming. They also make a Multi-Purpose ink that would probably do the job. I've never screened on coroplast, so I can't say for sure, but that's where I'd start.

Mike Jackson

[Mark Summers]

Vinyl ink last I recall is pretty smelly stuff. Multi-purpose should do the trick.

Mark

[Kelly Thorson]

The last time I screened a coroplast run (5+ yrs ago) I used a catalyst added to a multi purpose ink as directed by the manufacturer. I'm not sure about this, but I was told that multi purpose alone wouldn't adhere well. These days coroplast is such a common substrate that most ink manufacturers have inks designed specifically for coro. Ink Tech has a CPR series and Naz Dar has 7900 Corogloss that I know of. I found a screenprinter who does the job so reasonable that it isn't worth the brain cells to do it myself. If you are going to do it yourself make sure you are equipped with good ventilation and safety equipment. Screen printing can be very hard on your health.

[Duncan Wilkie]

We used multipurpose and enamel in the past. The coroplast must be corona treated. Most is, but not all. Vinyl ink won't stick to coroplast. Corogloss works well, but I never liked working with it.

[Kevin Bergin]

If I can suggest another option you might look into- The UV flatbed printers crank out coroplast for a ridiculously low price. I think I pay about 5 bucks and change for double sided 18 x 24 coro if I order just 10. For the amount of time that goes into screening them, unless you were doing thousands you could look at someone like weprintyouprofit.com - they've done me right on every order, and they turn everything quick.