Ink Mixing - Visco Spatula Operating Instructions

Download the Mixing Instructions

The Printcolor Visco-Spatula is an essential tool designed for accurate mixing and handling of pad printing inks, ensuring consistent viscosity and optimal ink performance during production. Engineered with a smooth, flat surface and ergonomic design, this specialized spatula allows for precise mixing of pigments, additives, and hardeners, resulting in uniform ink consistency for high-quality prints.

• Improved Ink Viscosity Control: Achieves a perfectly blended ink mix, ensuring stable print results and reducing defects.
• Durable Construction: Built to withstand repeated use with solvent-based and UV inks.
• User-Friendly Design: Its flat, rigid surface enables easy handling, scraping, and mixing without leaving residue.
• Enhanced Print Quality: Properly mixed ink improves ink transfer, color vibrancy, and overall print sharpness.

Ink viscosity plays a crucial role in pad printing performance. Poorly mixed ink can cause inconsistent color, improper transfer from the cliché, or unwanted surface defects. The Visco-Spatula simplifies this process, providing operators with a reliable and easy way to maintain ink quality throughout production runs.

Ensure your pad printing inks are mixed and prepared with the same precision as your prints. Contact Deco Technology Group at 714-639-DECO or email sales@decotechgroup.com to learn more about the Visco-Spatula and other professional pad printing tools.

Our Visco Spatula is a reusable stainless-steel ink spatula designed to help you mix your inks to the correct viscosity for your specific application. It works by measuring the time it takes for ink to flow through the calibrated openings on the end of the spatula.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mix Ink and Hardener: Thoroughly mix your ink and hardener (if required) in an uncoated ink mixing cup using a wooden stir stick.
2. Add Thinner Slowly: Once the ink and hardener are catalyzed, begin adding thinner gradually while continuously stirring the mixture (typically 10–15% by weight of the total ink mixture).
3. Check Consistency: The ink should start to resemble the consistency of maple syrup.
4. Dip the Spatula: Immerse the Visco Spatula into the ink mixture until all the openings are submerged.
5. Lift and Observe: Lift the Visco Spatula vertically and let the ink flow back into the cup.
6. Start Timing: As soon as the ink begins flowing down the spatula, start counting, ideally using a clock or stopwatch.
7. Check Flow Time: When the ink has cleared the top (largest) opening, the time should be approximately 8 seconds until the ink flows through and clears the bottom opening.
8. Adjust if Needed: If the ink takes longer than 8 seconds to flow through the openings, add several drops of thinner, mix, and re-test.

Tech Tip: Experience will help fine-tune the correct mixture. For deeper plates or larger imprints, a slightly longer flow time may be required.