Wilflex Epic Rio Color Mixing System Kit (PC Compatible)
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WILFLEX™ Epic Rio Plastisol Ink Mixing System is a low cure non-phthalate finished ink mixing system formulated for a perfect balance of color accuracy and opacity for peak press performance and color design. It is an easy-to-use color mixing system with 18 inter-mixable colors, enabling printers to produce accurate PANTONE® simulations. EPIC RIO MIX is the most opaque color system in the line of Wilflex mixing color systems. Its opacity helps printers get to color quicker even when using fine mesh screens, saving ink and money.
Note: The mixing system software is only compatible with PC-based systems. For Mac and/or Smartphone users, please visit the mixing website (be aware that you will need to register and be approved before having access to the mixing system and compliance information).
Flashing each color and/or not printing wet on wet: Please continue to create the art separations as normal. Epic Rio PMS mixes will print and flash like standard plastisol inks.
Printing Direct to Fabric: It is always recommended to underbase colors when printing for the best color reproduction. If printing direct to fabric, please use lower mesh counts, print flash print the color, and understand not all colors will look like it does in the container due to variances in opacity and coverage.
Choke the underbase: It is recommended to create a choke of 0.5 pts, it will allow the printer to use less pressure on the over-print colors, creating smoother-looking prints.
Butt-to-butt separations: This technique keeps the ink from blurring on sharp line color transitions and helps to avoid the urge to flash during the print cycle when using high mesh counts. Avoid trapping colors in the artwork when possible. This is easiest when using a press with high registration tolerances.
Plan the print cycle: Two general rules to follow when deciding on print rotation:
Wilflex Epic Rio works with all mesh counts from 86-355. The most commonly used screens are between 110 and 305 mesh counts.
Coat screens as normal. Thicker stencils work great with spot color printing and flashing each color. If printing wet-on-wet, controlling stencil thickness becomes more important to keep a thinner ink deposit. Typically, higher mesh count screens with a 1x1 or 1x2 coat are enough. If you have the tools to measure stencil thickness, shoot for an EOM (Emulsion Over Mesh) of 15%-20%. If printing halftone designs, the EOM should be 10%-15%. Coating techniques may vary depending on the design and desired print outcome. Test and confirm with the client before going into production.
To mix custom colors, you’ll also need a scale, spatulas, Pantone Coated Book, and mixing containers.
NOTE: The Rio Mixing System is different from the RFU (Ready For Use) colors, and is formulated differently. Use only the mixing inks for creating custom colors.
Got your ink color? It’s time to start mixing:
For single-color prints, colors will reproduce best over white or light-colored fabrics or a single white underbase on dark substrates. When printing directly to fabric onto dark garments, print-flash-print using lower mesh screens. For bleed resistance, use an underbase white such as Wilflex Epic Poly White, Bolt White, or Bright Tiger.
When printing wet-on-wet, the ink will always transfer to the back of the screen. A good ink will remain wet on the back of each screen. This small amount of wet ink build-up is beneficial for ink coverage and color intensity in all types of wet-on-wet printing, especially simulated process printing. These tips are designed to help create a controlled ink build and help with successful wet-on-wet printing.
Wilflex Epic Rio will perform best over 100% cotton fabrics but can be printed onto all fabric types. When printing over any polyester or polyester blend, please use the appropriate low-bleed white or bleed blocker base to reduce or stop dye migration. If printing on stretchy fabrics like lycra or spandex, a stretch additive or stretch underbase will be needed.
Flash at 220°F (105°C) for 3 - 5 seconds. Adjust flash cure temperature and dwell time so the ink is just dry to the touch. Depending on the flash unit, a 2 - 3 second flash is adequate.
Rio inks will cure when the entire ink layer has reached at least 260°F throughout the entire ink layer. Rio inks are stable when cured at higher temperatures. Cure temps ranging from 260°F to 280°F are considered standard and the ink will remain stable as temperatures climb above 300°F-320°F. Rio can be used on the same design with standard cure (320°F) inks.
Curing is a time and temperature process. To protect the fabric, control dye migration, and reduce energy consumption, set the conveyor to a lower dryer temperature setting with a slower belt speed while maintaining the recommended ink cure temperature.
All plastisol ink should hold at cure temp or higher over time. Anywhere from 5 seconds to 10 seconds is optimal. This additional time at cure temperature increases an inks performance characteristics like stretch and abrasion resistance.
Ink degradent or press wash.
Store at 65-90°F (18-32°C). Avoid direct sunlight. Ink will be easiest to use within one year of manufacturing. Over time, all inks will thicken. Please modulate the ink to break the false body and return the ink to a creamy consistency.
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