As polyester apparel, athletic wear, and performance fabrics continue dominating the apparel decoration industry, printers need ink systems capable of delivering reliable cure performance while minimizing dye migration and heat-related garment issues.
International Coatings Flex Cure plastisol inks are designed specifically for modern production environments where:
- lower cure temperatures,
- polyester compatibility,
- production flexibility,
- and print durability
are critical for success.
At KOLORMATRIX, we help printers improve polyester printing workflows using professional International Coatings Flex Cure and FlexCure LB plastisol ink systems backed by real-world production knowledge and technical support.
What Are Flex Cure Plastisol Inks?
International Coatings Flex Cure inks are low cure plastisol inks formulated to cure at lower temperatures than traditional plastisol systems.
Traditional plastisol inks often require:
- 320°F curing temperatures
while many Flex Cure systems can fully cure between:
- 260°F–280°F
depending on production conditions and ink deposits.
Lower cure temperatures help reduce:
- scorching,
- shrinkage,
- dye migration,
- heat distortion,
- and excessive garment stress.
This makes Flex Cure inks ideal for:
- polyester garments,
- tri-blends,
- athletic apparel,
- moisture-wicking fabrics,
- and performance wear.
International Coatings FlexCure LB Inks
International Coatings FlexCure LB inks combine:
- low cure technology,
- advanced low bleed chemistry,
- and improved dye migration resistance
specifically for polyester printing applications.
Polyester garments contain dyes that can migrate into plastisol ink during curing, especially when exposed to excessive heat.
FlexCure LB systems help reduce:
- bleeding,
- ghosting,
- color shifting,
- and long-term migration problems
while still maintaining lower cure capabilities.
These inks are especially effective for:
- team uniforms,
- sportswear,
- sublimated garments,
- performance apparel,
- and difficult polyester fabrics.
Why Proper Cure Settings Matter
One of the biggest mistakes printers make when switching to flex cure inks is failing to adjust production settings.
Many shops continue using:
- the same flash temperatures,
- dryer settings,
- belt speeds,
- and dwell times
they previously used for standard plastisol inks.
This often causes:
- overheating,
- excessive flashing,
- dye migration,
- undercuring,
- poor wash durability,
- and polyester printing failures.
Flex cure inks are not simply drop-in replacements for traditional plastisol systems. Proper production control is critical for achieving consistent results.
Flash Cure Settings
Proper flash settings are essential when printing with low cure inks.
Overflashing can:
- activate polyester dyes,
- increase migration,
- over-gel the ink,
- distort garments,
- and create adhesion problems.
International Coatings Flex Cure systems often perform best with:
- lower flash temperatures,
- shorter dwell times,
- and controlled flashing procedures.
The goal is to gel the ink surface without overheating the garment.
Conveyor Dryer Optimization
Successful curing depends on more than simply setting dryer temperatures.
Professional printers must balance:
- chamber temperature,
- belt speed,
- dwell time,
- garment type,
- and actual ink film temperature.
Many shops incorrectly rely only on dryer air temperatures rather than verifying actual ink cure temperatures.
Using:
- laser temp guns,
- donut probes,
- wash testing,
- and stretch testing
helps ensure consistent curing performance.
Benefits of International Coatings Flex Cure Inks
Lower Cure Temperatures
Reduce heat exposure and garment stress.
Improved Polyester Performance
Help minimize dye migration on difficult fabrics.
Better Production Flexibility
Improve production efficiency across multiple garment types.
Reduced Scorching
Protect heat-sensitive garments and lightweight fabrics.
Commercial Production Reliability
Consistent performance for professional apparel decoration workflows.
Best Applications for Flex Cure Inks
International Coatings Flex Cure systems are ideal for:
- athletic apparel,
- sports uniforms,
- tri-blends,
- polyester garments,
- moisture-wicking fabrics,
- fashion printing,
- and performance apparel.
FlexCure LB systems are especially valuable when printing:
- dark polyester garments,
- sublimated fabrics,
- and bleed-prone athletic materials.
Common Flex Cure Printing Problems
Dye Migration
Excessive heat may activate polyester dyes.
Undercuring
Improper dwell time can reduce durability.
Overflashing
Too much flash heat may create adhesion and migration issues.
Ghosting
Migration may appear after curing or during wash testing.
Inconsistent Production
Improper dryer balancing can create unstable curing results.
Why Printers Choose KOLORMATRIX
Real Production Experience
We understand real-world polyester printing challenges.
Technical Support
We help printers optimize cure settings and reduce production issues.
Educational Resources
Our blogs, videos, and troubleshooting guides help printers improve production quality.
Commercial Printing Focus
We support growing apparel decorators with professional products and workflow guidance.
Educational Resources
Featured Guide
How to Have Success with Flex Cure Plastisol Inks
Learn:
- proper flash settings,
- dryer optimization,
- cure testing,
- and how to reduce dye migration on polyester garments
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature do Flex Cure inks cure at?
Many International Coatings Flex Cure systems cure between 260°F–280°F depending on production conditions.
Can Flex Cure inks still bleed?
Yes. Excessive flash heat, unstable garment dyes, or improper curing can still cause migration.
What is the difference between Flex Cure and FlexCure LB?
FlexCure LB inks contain additional low bleed chemistry designed for polyester printing and dye migration resistance.
Are Flex Cure inks good for tri-blends?
Yes. Low cure inks are commonly used on tri-blends to reduce scorching and preserve garment softness.
Do I need different flash settings for low cure inks?
Yes. Lower cure systems often require reduced flash temperatures and shorter dwell times.
Improve Polyester Printing with Professional Flex Cure Ink Systems
Shop International Coatings Flex Cure and FlexCure LB plastisol inks backed by real production experience, technical support, and educational resources from KOLORMATRIX.
🔵 Shop Flex cure inks
⚪ Read the Flex cure guide
Popular Resources
- Women in Print
- Our Story
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- LC vs LC/LB Educational Blog