Ink Management

Specialty Inks - Four Questions That Can Improve Color Consistency in Screen Printing

Achieving consistent screen printing color starts with consistent processes. By following a few simple best practices, color laboratories and production teams can improve accuracy, reduce rework, and achieve more reliable results. The four topics below address the most common questions the technical support team receives, and the steps you can take to resolve them. 

Q: What's the first thing to check when a screen printing color issue occurs?

A: Review the Product Information Bulletin (PIB) and verify the age of the ink.

PIBs provide critical guidance on mixing parameters, additives, viscosity, and processing recommendations. Before making adjustments, confirm that the ink is still within its recommended shelf life and that older inventory is being used first. First-in, first-out. (FIFO). Starting with the correct technical guidance and fresh material helps eliminate common causes of color variation.

Bottom line: Check the documentation and the ink date before changing a process. 

Q: When should Pantone® formulas be validated?

A: Validate Pantone® formulas after curing.

Pantone® is a standardized color matching system widely used in printing to specify and reproduce consistent colors across jobs. Confirming the formula and color target after curing helps identify potential issues early, reducing waste and avoiding unnecessary rework. Early validation increases confidence that the final print will meet expectations.

Bottom line: Verify the formula first to prevent corrections during production runs 

Q: Why does lighting matter when evaluating screen printing color?

A: Color decisions are only as accurate as the lighting conditions used to make them.

Different light sources can make the same color appear dramatically different. Using a consistent, standardized light source and evaluating samples under the same conditions helps ensure accurate comparisons and reliable approvals.

Bottom line: Consistent lighting leads to consistent color decisions. 

Q: How can Avient’s Ink Management Software (IMS) 3.0 help maintain color accuracy over time?

A: The Avient Specialty Inks IMS 3.0 system is a digital color management tool that documents preferred formulas, saves frequently used colors, and maintains physical or digital references. IMS 3.0 helps standardize and retain color management best practices.

By documenting preferred formulas, saving frequently used colors, and maintaining physical or digital references, teams can create a repeatable workflow that minimizes variability. Standardized practices improve consistency across jobs, reduce rework, and preserve valuable color knowledge.

Bottom line: Use IMS 3.0 to capture and share proven practices for long-term color consistency. 

Still having trouble achieving consistent color?  

Search for brand-specific IMS 3.0 resources resources, including PIBs and technical data sheets, on the Avient Specialty Inks resources pagehere: https://www.avientspecialtyinks.com/resources  

If you have reviewed the PIB, validated your formulas, standardized your lighting, and are still experiencing color consistency issues, our technical support team can help. Contact Avient Specialty Inks technical support for personalized guidance here.

 

*Updated November 2026