Custom apparel continues to evolve as new inks, printing methods and options are innovated. One of the things you can choose when you find a place where to print shirts is using UV-activated ink. It is a fun and interesting way to add another layer to your printed design. Here is a closer look.
What is it and how does it work?
Also called photochromic ink it is a dye that is affected when it is under UV light. When you see it in regular light it might be transparent or harder to see. But then with UV light exposure, it becomes very vibrant and interesting. It happens because the ink has photochromic molecules. These are able to go through a transformation that is reversible, so when the light becomes normal again, they revert back to their original state.
What reasons might you use it?
Some of the benefits of using this type of ink in bulk printing include;
- Making the design more unique – Using this type of ink as part of the design will help make it different and stand out. When there is a lot of other custom apparel around for people to choose you want yours to be what they are drawn to. This is a chance to turn people’s heads.
- Able to customize in different ways – Having UV-activated ink as an option means you are more able to personalize the garments. You might even allow customers to add personal messaging and have it appear only when they are out in the sun!
- Works on different materials – You can use it on a lot of different material types blends, natural and synthetic. You can also apply it to different apparel and items, hats, t-shirts, hoodies, totes and more!
- Create designs that are appealing and interactive – Having a hidden message reveal itself in certain situations is a lot of fun and gets people interacting and talking. When you find where to print shirts and you are happy with their experience and service, talk to them about ink choices and see if they have UV-activated inks to make your t-shirts or items more delightful.
Ideas for using UV-activated ink
There are a lot of ways you can take advantage of UV-activated inks for bulk printing and customized apparel. Here are just four ideas you might like to try out. Let your imagination run and you will easily think of more.
- Create patterns that change color in the sun. It can be one color when they are wearing the shirt inside and then change to a different colored pattern when they go out into the sun. It is a great experience for the person wearing the shirt and for those seeing the shirt change for the first time.
- Improve how you promote a brand. You could have additional business information, a logo or a message from the business that is only revealed with UV light.
- Put a secret message onto the shirt. People love the whole invisible ink thing. You can add a quite, an image, send a message or express some personality with what is revealed.
- Make the apparel specific to the event. If your apparel is for a specific event like a music festival, you can have something hidden like the band name, or such that then only shows up in the sun.
