WM Plastics offers plastisol-based glow-in-the-dark ink that performs exceptionally well on cotton and cotton/poly blends. Designed for ease of use and brightness, their formula requires minimal agitation and applies smoothly through a 110–160 mesh screen. Printers across Virginia and Ohio choose WM Plastics glow ink for its ability to hold a charge for extended glow time and its superior opacity on light garments. For darker garments, we recommend using a white underbase for maximum luminosity and vibrancy. Curing at 320°F provides optimal ink adhesion and glow effect that can last dozens of washes without breakdown.
Wilflex brings their innovation to glow-in-the-dark screen printing with advanced plastisol chemistry that’s designed for consistency and stretchability. Perfect for printing on fashion-forward apparel, Wilflex glow ink offers slightly thinner viscosity, which allows easier printing through higher mesh counts and finer detail. Screen printers in Pennsylvania cities like Pittsburgh and Erie rely on Wilflex for its soft hand feel and long-lasting glow. The glow pigment is deeply embedded in the ink body, providing even light recharging across a broad surface. With proper curing and garment prep, Wilflex glow inks can be safely used on a wide range of fabric types, including synthetics and tri-blends.
Glow-in-the-dark specialty inks are among the most captivating options in screen printing. These photoluminescent inks absorb light and emit a soft glow in the dark, making them a favorite for nighttime events, children’s apparel, promotional merchandise, and safety-themed garments. At Buckets of Ink, we supply top-quality glow inks from two trusted brands—WM Plastics and Wilflex—each offering unique advantages to elevate your prints beyond expectations.
Both WM Plastics and Wilflex glow inks require sufficient exposure to UV or direct light prior to glow activation. The longer the exposure, the brighter and longer-lasting the glow. Ensure prints are not over-cured, which can reduce the ink’s ability to absorb light. Maintain consistent off-contact and proper flood stroke to reduce print variation across garments. Buckets of Ink provides technical setup guides for every ink line and offers personalized assistance to help you troubleshoot application challenges or optimize your press for special effect jobs.
Glow inks are being used for everything from Halloween apparel and club wear to branded giveaways and safety vests. Many print shops in cities like Columbus and Norfolk create layered effects by combining glow with shimmer or puff inks for dynamic visual impact under various lighting conditions. You can even simulate full illustrations or logos with glow outlines, invisible messages, or contrasting color reveals. Whether you're going subtle or extreme, Buckets of Ink has the product knowledge and inventory to support your creative goals.
As a preferred supplier of special effects inks, Buckets of Ink makes it easy to access the best glow-in-the-dark inks in the industry. We stock multiple sizes from both WM Plastics and Wilflex, ensuring you can scale up or test small jobs without delay. Orders placed before 2PM ship the same day, with delivery across Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania typically within 1–2 business days. Elevate your next project with glow-in-the-dark screen printing inks that excite, surprise, and perform reliably.
Special effects screen printing inks allow shops to go beyond the basics and add texture, shine, dimension, and glow to garments. At Buckets of Ink, we supply screen printers in Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania with high-performance special effects inks designed for standout results in fashion, sportswear, promotional garments, and more. From puff and high-density to glitter and metallics, these inks transform standard prints into premium apparel.
Shops in Columbus, Richmond, and Philadelphia are using shimmer and glow inks to attract attention in apparel retail, nightlife merchandise, and custom sports uniforms. Special effects inks add perceived value and exclusivity, giving your business a creative edge. Buckets of Ink ensures fast shipping and expert support throughout Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Our inventory includes puff ink for raised textures, suede ink for soft-touch prints, high-density ink for 3D effects, glow-in-the-dark ink, shimmer metallics, crystalina flakes, and foil adhesives. These inks work with both automatic and manual presses. Proper screen mesh, flashing times, and curing temperatures are critical, and we offer all the resources to get it right the first time.
Effects like glitter and puff can be layered with plastisol or water-based inks. Using high opacity base whites enhances brightness under effects. Transparent inks like shimmer silver can be paired with vibrant spot colors for visual pop. Our team provides recommendations to maintain printability, stretch, and wash durability even with complex ink stacks.
Buckets of Ink provides detailed specs and setup tips for every special effect ink we sell. Whether you're printing nightclub merch in Norfolk, band gear in Pittsburgh, or boutique fashion in Cincinnati, our specialists help you dial in mesh count, emulsion build-up, off-contact, and ink mixing to avoid waste and reprints. Call us for one-on-one assistance in applying special inks with precision and confidence.
Special effects inks are screen printing inks formulated to create visual or tactile enhancements. These include inks that puff up when cured, inks that glow in the dark, inks with reflective particles, or inks that simulate textures like suede or gel. They're used to elevate standard prints into high-impact designs.
Yes. Most special effects inks are formulated for dark garments, especially puff, high-density, metallic, and glow inks. A solid white underbase helps colors pop and ensures visibility under UV or black light. Correct curing and base layering are critical to ensure the effect works as intended.
Lower mesh counts, typically between 24–60, are used for glitter inks due to their particle size. Shimmer inks often require mesh between 86–110. Too high a mesh can block metallic flakes. Our tech team helps you choose the right mesh to balance detail with deposit for every special ink effect.
Puff inks expand under heat, requiring proper temperature and dwell time to reach full puff. Typically, cure at 320°F for 60 seconds. Suede inks cure similarly but with less expansion. Inconsistent curing can result in uneven textures or failed adhesion. We help you dial in your dryer for accu
