Metallic Screen Printing Ink – Gold & Silver

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Quick answer: Metallic screen printing ink is plastisol with metallic flake that gives a shiny gold, silver or colored metal look. Print it through an open 86 mesh with a medium-to-hard squeegee, and cure at 325°F (163°C) for 1 to 1½ minutes — metallics reflect heat, so you may need a little more temperature or time. For a brighter shine, print-flash-print.

Metallic vs lustre vs flat gold

Ink	Look	Mesh (maker data)	In stock
Metallic	Bright metal finish from metallic flake; high opacity	86	WM Plastics Metallic Gold, quart ($50.00) · WM Plastics Metallic Silver, quart ($54.00) · WM Plastics Metallic Silver, gallon ($99.00)
Lustre / shimmer	Softer pearlescent shine; high opacity	86	WM Plastics Lustre Gold, quart ($45.00) · WM Plastics Lustre Silver, quart ($45.00)
Glitter	Large sparkle flakes	very open mesh	WM Plastics Glitter Crystallina, quart ($53.95)
Flat gold colors	Gold color with no metallic flake — for team colors	per ink (AP 110–305, HO 86–240)	WM Plastics Gold All Purpose (flat gold color), quart · WM Plastics HO Vegas Gold (flat), quart

If you need "gold" to match a team or brand color, a flat gold or a Pantone-matched ink is usually the right choice. If you want shine, use metallic or lustre.

How to print metallic ink

Use an 86 mesh so the metallic flake passes through — WM Plastics lists 86 mesh for its metallics and lustres. See the mesh count chart.
Squeegee: medium to hard at a 45° angle, with a smooth, even stroke.
Print-flash-print for more shine and coverage. The maker notes the shine increases with a print-flash-print.
Garments: works on black, colored and white garments; on polyester and blends, print a low-bleed underlay first.
Cure: 325°F / 163°C for 1 to 1½ minutes, or 390°F / 195°C for 8 seconds on a heat press. Metallics and lustres reflect heat, so increase temperature or dwell time if a stretch test shows cracking. See the cure temperature chart.

Tips for a better metallic print

Stir well — the flake settles in the container.
Keep the deposit smooth; fine detail and halftones lose the metallic effect.
For extra shine on lustre prints, the maker suggests a high-gloss clear printed on top.
Clean up with any plastisol ink remover; see how to clean screen printing screens.

More special effects

Glow in the dark screen printing ink · puff inks · all special effect inks · plastisol ink guide

Specs are WM Plastics technical data as shown on our product pages. Prices are today's web prices and can change. Unopened, unused ink is returnable within 30 days; opened ink is not (see returns).

Frequently asked questions

What mesh count for metallic screen printing ink?

WM Plastics lists 86 mesh for its metallic and lustre inks, so the metallic flake passes through the screen.

How do you cure metallic plastisol ink?

At 325°F (163°C) for 1 to 1½ minutes, or 390°F for 8 seconds on a heat press. Metallics reflect heat, so you may need more temperature or dwell time.

What is the difference between metallic and lustre ink?

Metallic ink gives a bright metal finish; lustre (shimmer) ink gives a softer pearlescent shine. Both are high-opacity plastisols printed on an open mesh.

Can you print metallic ink on black shirts?

Yes. WM Plastics metallics have high opacity and work on black, colored and white garments. On polyester, print a low-bleed underlay first.

Is gold screen printing ink metallic?

Not always. Flat gold inks are a gold color with no metallic flake — good for team colors. Metallic gold has flake for shine.

Where can I buy metallic screen printing ink?

Buckets of Ink in Tempe, AZ stocks WM Plastics metallic, lustre and glitter plastisol for same-day pickup or shipping. Call 480-229-7806.

Need a metallic match or bulk pricing?
Buckets of Ink is a screen printing supply house and equipment dealer in Tempe, Arizona. Ask about our discounts, starter packages and great financing on equipment — we'll help you get into your next machine.
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Call 480-229-7806 · Showroom & pickup: 906 S Priest Dr, Suite 101, Tempe AZ 85281 · In-stock orders placed by 2:30 PM Arizona time ship the same day · Free ground shipping on orders over $500 (equipment excluded; see shipping and returns).