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Types of Custom Printing on Glass

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Several aspects must be considered to guarantee the effectiveness of any glass-printing application, including the glass type, inherent tint of the glass, ink type, ink colour, curing method, and ambient situations. The print technique, on the other hand, is an important consideration. 

There are several types of printing methods on glass that are used in the market. While all of these systems accommodate various forms, dimensions, densities, and types of glasses, as well as the usage of numerous colours, they each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages.

This article will analyze the different ways on how to paint glass. Read on!

A Glass Bottle with Printing

Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/701576448174545800/.

1.Screen Printing

Screen Printed Bottle

Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/415175659407965618/.

Screen printing is the most cost-effective and widely used glass printing process, and it is well-befitting for a wide range of utilizations, being utilized in different glass bottle designs. It mainly uses two types of inks: enamel inks and UV-cured inks, both of which have a high level of opacity. Enamel inks have a smaller colour palette than UV-cured inks. Because each colour has its screen, the procedure might take a long time if the design contains multiple colours.

The graphic elements are usually printed on the backside of the glass, which is then sealed with a touchscreen or monitor. The ink is virtually never subjected to atmospheric conditions and degradation, except for the margins of the glass. If the ink is not properly designed for printing on glass, however, it might soon lose adherence and start to peel off.

Glass screen printing will progress to grow and increase its appeal in the field of glass decorating. Aside from its adaptability for diverse glass substrates, another significant factor is that screen printing can accommodate glass substrates of varied sizes and weights. 

Furthermore, screen printing has cemented its leadership position in the growth of the whole glass printing sector due to its total supremacy in ultra-large size image printing. The need for large-format flat glass printing has increased dramatically in current years. That is why if you work with an experienced glass bottle factory, you are assured of quality and optimum meet on the requirements.

2.Digital Printing

Digital Printed Glass Bottle

Digital printing on the glassworks is similarly to inkjet printing, in that all you need to print is a digital art file. It allows you more adaptability in terms of last-resort design changes. Dissimilar screen printing, where even minor design changes need the creation of a new screen, changing an art file for digital printing is simple and rapid. 

This makes it an excellent alternative for prototyping and reducing product time-to-market. It’s worth noting, however, that the inks used in glass digital printing are finer than the inks used in screen printing.

To obtain a suitable degree of obscurity while dealing with light or pastel hues, many layers may be necessary. This can result in an increment in thickness, which can make the optical bonding process more difficult. Unlike screen printing, which allows just one colour to be printed at a time, digital printing permits all of the colours to be produced at the same time. To accept additional types of inks, digital printing on glass is now undergoing continual improvement.

To optimize this, you can get free glass bottles that you can experiment with before deciding on the design for your brand.

3.Frit Printing

Frit Glass Bottle

Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/803822233478040175/.

With the exclusion of the ink used and the drying process, frit printing is quite similar to screen printing. The glass is screen printed with special powdered-glass ink, which is then bonded during the heat modifying process. It allows the ink to fuse to the glass, giving it a strong bond and making it exceedingly difficult to eliminate or scratch. 

Frit printing is selected for complex applications where the glass is routinely exposed to difficult environmental conditions, such as in the defence, heavy industry, and automotive industries since it provides the highest endurance of all the methods. 

Unfortunately, because it is the most costly printing process, it is not used as often. One of the method’s restrictions is that while frit printing can be done on heat-tempered glass, it can’t be done on chemically toughened glass, and the glass thickness can’t exceed 2mm. Black, white, and a few greys are the only colours available in frit.

4.High Fire-Direct Printing Ceramic

High Fire-Direct Printing Ceramic Bottle

Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/117515871520262743/.

It’s among the most popular printing processes, with excellent results in every category. The temperature at which the bottles are burned is referred to as “high fire.” These high-fire ceramic inks are cured at 1112°F, a type of oven kiln that takes 2+hours to complete. 

These inks are very robust and impervious to industrial dishwashers, pasteurization, and most chemicals once they have been cured. Ideal for reusable bottles and glasses. Most Pantone references, valuable metals, as well as counterfeit golds, silvers, and coppers, are available in ceramic inks.

5.Transfers(Ceramic and Organic)

Ceramics Bottle

Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/479492691550323975/.

When three or more colours are needed in a design, transfers are typically utilized. Alternatively, when there is a high level of colour registration accuracy. Transfers are an excellent choice for complicated logos or irregularly shaped glass when screen printing isn’t a possibility. 

Some companies have both High Fire Ceramic and Low Fire Organic transfers, so they can use them on both uncoated and coated glass. Their production crew ensures that each bottle turns out perfectly by applying transfers to the glass by hand.

6.Spray Coating

Spray Coated Bottles

Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/180003316369397109/.

Spray coating is a fantastic method to set your goods out from competitors. This is the technique of spraying bottles with a translucent, transparent, or obscure ink coating to achieve the desired effect. Coatings such as matte or glossy can also be specified. Despite being robust, spray-coated bottles cannot resist heavy usage or dishwashers.

7.Pad Printing

Spray Coated Bottles

Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/377950593697968012/.

Pad printing is a technique that is commonly used on glass with a flat surface. The chosen pattern is etched onto a printing plate before being produced on one of the semi-automatic pad printing machines. Pad Printing is generally done using low-fire organic inks, which reduces the print’s longevity.

8.Foil Stamping

Foil Stamped Bottles

Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/303500462366431290/.

Foil Stamping, a novel technology that was just invented, is a procedure that allows you to apply foil on glass. The bottle is partially cured after being screen printed with sticky ink. The foil is then adhered to the glass using  Foil Stamping equipment. The method provides incredibly fine detail and a polish that is impossible to accomplish with inks or transfers.

Metallics, Wood Grains, Pearls, and Antique Effects are among the current effects offered.

9.Low Fire-Direct Printing Organic

Foil Stamped Bottles

Source:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/223139356509456113/.

Low Fire refers to the temperature at which the bottles are burned, much as the prior procedure. On glazed or frosted bottles, low fire printing is most often used. These inks cure at a lower temperature, 356°F, and in a shorter time frame of 20–40 minutes. The organic inks are employed to produce a vivid gloss or matte finish, but they are not as long-lasting as the ceramic High Fire inks. As a result, dishwashers and excessive usage are not recommended.

When printing coated bottles, low fire is required to avoid destruction to the outside coating. In most colour standards, organic inks are accessible.

Conclusion

Printing on glass bottles and containers is still a popular packaging choice for a variety of reasons, including product distinctiveness and premium brand identification. It also is easier with established glass bottle makers, since they offer variety, in terms of services.

That is why at Roetel, we are dedicated to ensuring that we meet our clients needs to the highest satisfaction level. Contact our team of experts and let them guide you. Best of luck!

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