Introduction
As polyester apparel, athletic wear, and tri-blend garments continue growing in popularity, choosing the correct plastisol ink system has become increasingly important for professional screen printers.
Many shops struggle with:
- dye migration,
- scorching,
- poor adhesion,
- color shifting,
- and inconsistent curing
simply because the wrong ink system was selected for the garment type.
At KOLORMATRIX, we help printers understand the differences between LC (Low Cure) and LC/LB (Low Cure / Low Bleed) plastisol inks so they can achieve better print quality, reduce production problems, and improve long-term durability on difficult fabrics.
What Is LC Plastisol Ink?
LC stands for Low Cure plastisol ink. These inks are designed to cure at lower temperatures than traditional plastisol inks, helping reduce:
- garment scorching,
- shrinkage,
- heat distortion,
- and excessive dryer temperatures.
Low cure inks are commonly used for:
- cotton garments,
- tri-blends,
- lightweight apparel,
- fashion printing,
- and softer-hand applications.
Benefits of LC Inks
- Lower cure temperatures
- Softer print feel
- Faster production speeds
- Reduced heat exposure
- Improved energy efficiency
What Is LC/LB Plastisol Ink?
LC/LB stands for Low Cure / Low Bleed plastisol ink. These specialty inks combine lower cure temperatures with dye migration resistance specifically designed for polyester and performance fabrics.
Polyester garments contain dyes that can migrate into plastisol ink during curing, causing:
- print discoloration,
- ghosting,
- color shifting,
- and long-term print instability.
LC/LB inks contain advanced bleed-resistant chemistry to help reduce these problems while still maintaining lower cure capabilities.
Best Applications for LC/LB Inks
- 100% polyester
- Athletic uniforms
- Sportswear
- Moisture-wicking garments
- Performance apparel
- Sublimated fabrics
Why LC/LB Inks Cost More
One of the most common questions printers ask is:
Why are low bleed plastisol inks more expensive?
The answer comes down to chemistry and performance.
LC/LB inks use:
- advanced resin systems,
- specialty pigments,
- blocker technologies,
- and higher-performance additives
designed to reduce dye migration while maintaining flexibility, opacity, durability, and lower cure temperatures.
Balancing all of these performance characteristics requires more complex manufacturing and higher-grade raw materials compared to standard LC inks.
Polyester Printing Challenges
Polyester fabrics create unique challenges because heat can activate garment dyes during curing.
Common polyester printing problems include:
- dye migration,
- bleeding,
- ghosting,
- color contamination,
- and inconsistent print appearance.
Dark-colored athletic garments such as:
- red,
- maroon,
- navy,
- black,
- and highly saturated colors
are especially prone to migration issues.
Choosing the correct ink system is critical for maintaining long-term print stability.
Tri-Blend Printing Considerations
Tri-blend garments combine:
- cotton,
- polyester,
- and rayon fibers
which creates unique printing conditions.
Many printers prefer low cure inks for tri-blends because they:
- reduce heat stress,
- preserve garment softness,
- improve hand feel,
- and minimize scorching.
However, some tri-blends may still require low bleed protection depending on:
- polyester content,
- garment dye systems,
- and curing temperatures.
LC vs LC/LB Comparison
| Feature | LC Ink | LC/LB Ink |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Cure Temperatures | Yes | Yes |
| Dye Migration Resistance | Limited | High |
| Best for Cotton | Excellent | Good |
| Best for Polyester | Moderate | Excellent |
| Soft Hand Feel | Softer | Slightly Heavier |
| Athletic Apparel | Limited | Recommended |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Bleed Protection | Minimal | Advanced |
How to Reduce Dye Migration
Preventing dye migration involves more than simply choosing the correct ink.
Professional shops often combine:
- low bleed inks,
- proper flash temperatures,
- lower cure settings,
- blocker underbases,
- garment testing,
- and controlled dryer settings
to improve long-term print stability.
Testing garments before production is always recommended, especially when working with unfamiliar polyester blends.
Why Printers Trust KOLORMATRIX
Real Production Experience
We understand real-world polyester printing challenges.
Technical Support
We help printers troubleshoot curing, migration, and production issues.
Educational Resources
Our blogs, videos, and training content help customers improve workflow and print quality.
Professional Products
We offer commercial-grade plastisol inks and production solutions designed for professional apparel decoration.
Related Educational Resources
Featured Blog
LC vs LC/LB Plastisol Ink: What’s the Difference?
Learn more about:
- dye migration,
- polyester printing,
- curing temperatures,
- and choosing the right plastisol ink system.
Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
What does LC mean in plastisol ink?
LC stands for Low Cure plastisol ink designed to cure at lower temperatures.
What does LC/LB mean?
LC/LB stands for Low Cure / Low Bleed plastisol ink designed to resist dye migration on polyester fabrics.
Why do polyester garments bleed?
Polyester dyes can migrate into plastisol ink when exposed to high curing temperatures.
What is the best ink for athletic apparel?
Many printers prefer LC/LB inks for athletic wear because they provide improved bleed resistance and lower cure temperatures.
Can tri-blends bleed during curing?
Yes. Some tri-blends can experience mild dye migration depending on polyester content and garment dyes.
Print Better. Reduce Dye Migration. Improve Production Confidence.
Shop professional low cure and low bleed plastisol inks backed by real production knowledge and technical support from KOLORMATRIX.
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Popular Resources
- Women in Print
- Our Story
- Plastisol Ink Collections
- Polyester Printing Guides
- Flash Cure Articles
- Dye Migration Troubleshooting
- Athletic Apparel Printing
- Screen Printing Equipment
- LC vs LC/LB Educational Blog