It can be hard to tell the difference between a print showing ink washout or fibrillation.
The following is a quick explanation of both:
Fibrillation: This phenomenon occurs when substrate fibers break loose from the ink film due to washing or drying the garment. As the fibers break through the ink film, the contrast causes a faded appearance. The apparent color loss is not the result of ink washout, but fibrillation.
Ink Washout: This occurs when the ink layer does not reach the full fusing (curing) temperature. After washing, the ink will appear faded and spotty in uneven patterns. The ink also will show signs of cracking.
Basically, if the ink looks washed out or faded in an even manner over the full print area, it is most likely is because of fibrillation. If the ink is spotty and faded in an uneven pattern, it typically is because of ink washout.
John Levocz, International Coatings’ Northeast regional sales director, has been in the screen printing industry for more than 30 years and has broad experience in graphics and textile printing. Levocz is a contributor to International Coatings’ blogs and holds print seminars all over the country.
