Why is the ink cracking when I do a stretch test?Updated 2 years ago

First off, a stretch test isn’t an all-tell test on whether or not the ink is cured. It shows if the top layer of ink is fused enough for the top layer to stretch. You always want to do a wash test as well to confirm the ink is cured.

When you notice ink cracking, you need to determine whether it’s ink film split or undercure.

Ink film splitting is where the ink layer is thin and/or it doesn’t have enough support from the garment, so the ink splits. The cracks would be in the same area and following the weave of the garment. Undercured ink shows up more like a shatter pattern; if you tug on the ink deposit, it will “shatter.”

Some garments have more stretch than others and will stretch the ink layer too far, so laying down a thicker deposit of ink is necessary to help with the extra stretch.

You could also add a little stretch additive or stretch ink to help the ink layer not crack on the stretchier garments.