I just got ink and it seems to have separated. Is the ink bad?Updated 2 hours ago

Good news - nope!

If you just received a bucket of plastisol ink and notice that it's separated a little, don't worry! Ink can sit on a shelf for a while before it makes its way to your shop, and even ready-to-use plastisol inks can separate over time.

When plastisol ink sits undisturbed, it can develop what's called a false body. This means the ink may become stiffer than usual, and you might notice some liquid separating out on the surface. This doesn't necessarily mean the ink has gone bad!

So, what should you do before printing? Start by stirring the ink thoroughly. This helps redistribute the separated liquid and restore a more consistent texture, making the ink easier to work with. You may notice that the ink feels much smoother and easier to print with once it's been mixed. If the ink doesn't return to a consistent texture after stirring, or you notice anything unusual beyond normal separation, it's worth checking with the ink manufacturer before using it in production.

Want to learn more about preparing your ink for printing? Check out our video on how to prep plastisol ink for screen printing.