Curing is one of the most critical steps in the screen printing process, yet it’s often overlooked or misunderstood by beginners. While applying ink to a garment may seem like the main event, it's the curing process that determines how long that print will last. Improper curing can result in prints that fade, crack, or wash out entirely after just a few cycles in the laundry. This guide breaks down what curing really means, how to do it properly, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls.


What Does "Curing" Ink Mean?

Curing vs Drying

Many people confuse curing with drying, but they are not the same.

  • Drying refers to the ink being touch-dry on the surface. It may feel dry to the hand, but it hasn’t fully bonded to the fabric.

  • Curing, on the other hand, involves a chemical process (especially for plastisol inks) where heat activates the resin inside the ink and causes it to solidify and permanently adhere to the fibers of the garment.

Without full curing, a print may look good at first, but it won’t hold up to washing and wear.

Why Proper Curing Is Essential

Properly cured prints are:

  • Durable: They resist cracking, peeling, and fading over time.

  • Professional-looking: Fully cured inks maintain their color vibrancy and finish.

  • Customer-ready: They meet the expectations of quality and longevity in the market.

If the ink isn’t cured correctly, the results can include tacky surfaces, color bleeding, and rapid deterioration after just a few uses.


Curing Methods Explained

Using a Conveyor Dryer

A conveyor dryer is the most consistent and professional method of curing screen prints. The garment passes through a heated chamber on a belt, where the temperature and dwell time (the time it spends under heat) are controlled.

  • Ideal temperature for plastisol: Around 320°F (160°C) for 60–90 seconds.

  • Pros: Uniform heat distribution, hands-free operation, high throughput.

  • Cons: Higher initial investment and space requirements.

For commercial or high-volume setups, a conveyor dryer is highly recommended.

Using a Heat Press

A heat press is a versatile and space-saving curing option, especially for small batches or water-based inks.

  • Settings: Typically 320°F–330°F (160°C–165°C) with medium to high pressure for 10–15 seconds.

  • Tip: Use a Teflon sheet between the platen and the print to prevent sticking.

A heat press allows for direct heat and pressure application, which helps ensure thorough curing, but it can be time-consuming for large orders.

Using a Flash Dryer or Heat Gun

  • Flash dryers are commonly used to gel ink between print layers, but can also cure small batches if used correctly.

  • Heat guns offer a very basic solution and are best used only for spot curing or very short runs.

Both require caution:

  • Inconsistent heat and lack of dwell time make them less reliable.

  • You must manually monitor temperature and movement to avoid burning or under-curing.


Curing for Different Ink Types

Plastisol Inks

Plastisol ink does not dry until it is cured with heat. This ink requires the entire ink layer to reach the curing temperature, not just the surface.

  • Target temperature: 320°F (160°C) all the way through the ink.

  • Use an infrared thermometer or laser temp gun to measure the ink's surface.

  • Thicker prints (like puff or high-density inks) may need longer curing times.

Water-Based Inks

Water-based inks must not only reach a curing temperature but also evaporate the moisture content.

  • Temperature: Typically between 300°F–320°F (149°C–160°C).

  • Longer dwell times are required (up to 2 minutes).

  • Use forced air dryers or high-powered heat guns for best results.

If not cured correctly, water-based prints can fade quickly or peel off after washing.


Testing Your Cure

Stretch Test

After curing, stretch the printed area gently.

  • If the ink cracks or splits, it's likely under-cured.

  • Properly cured ink should flex with the fabric without breaking.

This is especially important on garments made of stretchy fabrics like athletic wear or blended tees.

Wash Test

The ultimate test of a print's durability is how it holds up in the wash.

  • Wash the garment in warm water and inspect for fading, cracking, or peeling.

  • If deterioration occurs after just 1–2 washes, curing needs to be improved.

Running a test batch through a washer before delivering a full order can save you major headaches.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

Under-Curing and Cracking

This is the most common issue among beginners. Causes include:

  • Not reaching proper temperature

  • Not curing long enough

  • Relying only on surface feel (which can be misleading)

Fix: Use a thermometer or test strip to measure actual ink temperature, not just the air.

Overheating and Fabric Damage

On the flip side, too much heat can scorch garments or cause ink to bubble and distort.

  • Signs: Burnt odor, discoloration, shrinkage, or stiff prints.

  • Overcooked prints may also lose flexibility and feel rough.

Solution: Always test temperature and avoid rushing the process. More heat is not always better.

 Maintaining Your Curing Equipment for Consistent Results

To ensure proper curing across all your screen printing projects, regular maintenance of your curing tools is essential. Conveyor dryers, heat presses, and flash dryers should be cleaned periodically to remove lint, ink buildup, and dust that can interfere with heat distribution. Inspect heating elements for wear and test your equipment’s temperature output monthly using an infrared thermometer. Keeping your gear calibrated not only prevents under-curing or overheating but also supports consistent production quality at scale.

 

Scaling Up: Choosing the Right Curing Method for Your Business

As your screen printing business grows, curing methods must evolve with production demands. Small-scale setups might begin with a heat press or flash dryer, but higher-volume operations require conveyor dryers to maintain efficiency and consistency. Evaluate factors like batch size, ink type, and turnaround expectations when choosing your setup. Conveyor dryers offer scalability for large runs, while modular systems let you expand gradually without overinvesting early on.


Advanced Testing: Beyond the Wash and Stretch Tests

While wash and stretch tests are common, more advanced printers use tape tests and opacity checks to confirm ink curing. The tape test involves applying painter’s tape over a cured print and peeling it off: if ink comes up, the print may be under-cured. Opacity checks use backlighting or magnifiers to assess whether the ink film has fully fused. These additional quality controls can help refine your curing technique, especially when dealing with detailed designs or specialty inks.


DIY Hack: Curing Prints Without a Dryer

For hobbyists or beginners without access to professional equipment, it’s still possible to cure ink effectively using a home iron or an oven. When using an iron, place a parchment or Teflon sheet over the print and apply firm pressure at high heat for 60–90 seconds, keeping the iron moving to avoid scorching. For oven curing, suspend the shirt so it doesn't touch metal racks, preheat to 320°F, and heat for up to two minutes while monitoring closely. While these DIY methods aren’t ideal for production, they offer a viable way to test designs and cure shirts in low quantities.


Integrating Curing into a Seamless Production Workflow

To reduce bottlenecks and streamline production, curing should be treated as an integrated part of your overall screen printing process, not an afterthought. Set up your press, flash, and conveyor dryer stations in a linear flow to reduce transfer time and handling. Use visual indicators or timers to monitor dwell times efficiently, and consider using barcode scanning or digital job sheets to track curing settings across different products. This approach minimizes errors and supports consistent output, even with varied shirt designs or ink types.


Specialty Fabrics and Curing Challenges

Some fabrics— (like polyester, tri-blends, or moisture-wicking shirts) present unique curing challenges. These materials are more heat-sensitive and prone to dye migration or scorching. Lower cure temperature inks (e.g., low-temp plastisol) are ideal for such garments. Pairing these inks with short dwell times and heat presses set at minimal pressure can prevent issues. Always test new fabric types extensively before full production to ensure proper curing and garment compatibility.


Conclusion

Curing ink properly is essential for creating long-lasting, high-quality screen prints. Whether you’re using plastisol or water-based inks, the right equipment, technique, and testing methods will ensure your prints stand up to wear, washing, and time. Take the time to learn your ink’s requirements, invest in temperature tools, and never skip the cure: your prints (and your customers) will thank you.