Optilux® Reflective

Features

Optilux® 505 Reflective Plastisol Ink is an easy to print, two-part, retro-reflective ink that contains light-reflecting microspheres.

When a garment printed with Optilux® 505 ink is exposed to a focused beam of light, such as that from a flashlight or an automobile headlight, it reflects or returns light back to the light source.

Optilux® 505 Reflective Plastisol Ink can be used as a unique decorative tool to increase nighttime visibility of a printed design.

Ink Application

Optilux® 505 ink must be mixed thoroughly with Optilux® Coupler 100 before printing in order to obtain the best wash and wear durability. Optilux® Coupler 100 is provided in 2 fluid oz. (60 ml) and 8 fluid oz. (250 ml) containers. Stir thoroughly into the Optilux® 505 Reflective Ink prior to use. The recommended proportions are:

By weight: 20 grams of ink to 1 gram of Optilux® Coupler 100

Pot life of mixed ink is approximately 8 to 12 hours. Do not mix more ink than is needed for the job. Any mixed ink not used within 12 hours should not be used again.

To obtain the best reflective properties, Optilux® 505 is recommended for use on open weaved fabrics. Optilux® 505 can also be used with very good to excellent results on some tightly woven nylon and polyester fabrics. Optilux® 505 is not a low bleed product and is not recommended for use on bleeding fabrics.

For Printing on Cotton and Cotton/Poly Blend Fabrics:
Print Optilux® 505 ink through a 160 t/in to 230 t/in (63 t/cm to 90 t/cm) monofilament screen. Use one flood stroke and one print stroke for best results. Two print strokes can be used for added opacity when printing through 230 mesh t/in (90 t/cm). Adding pigment to Optilux® 505 ink will shade the ink slightly to a desired color, but adding too much pigment will diminish the reflective properties of the ink.

For Printing on Nylon and Polyester Fabrics:
On tightly woven fabrics such as shell nylon, a flash cured underbase print of International Coatings’ All-Pro™ 900 series inks may be used to gain opacity, color and a smoother looking print. Printing Optilux® 505 over an underbase may diminish the reflective strength of the ink to a small degree but for some nylon or polyester fabrics, it is best to print over an underbase in order to obtain the cleanest print of the Optilux® 505 ink. Printing Optilux® 505 ink onto some tightly woven nylon or polyester materials without an underbase may leave the print looking pockmarked as the ink may not flow properly on some of these fabrics.

Important Information

Always stir Optilux® 505 Reflective Inks thoroughly prior to each use. The reflective used in the ink will settle in the container when ink is stored for any length microspheres of time.

Always pre-test this product before using in production. Check for reflectivity, opacity, adhesion, wash durability, and any other attributes that are required for your particular application.