DECAL PRINTING AT YOKO: JAPANESE-STANDARD PRINTERS AND INKS

At YOKO, we invest in Japanese-standard Eco-Solvent printer and ink systems. Although the operating costs are higher, the results are vibrantly colored prints with exceptional color durability

Have you ever experienced receiving a beautifully printed decal shirt, only to see the colors fade, look dull, and lose their vibrancy after just a few washes? In 90% of cases, the root cause lies in the type of ink the workshop uses. At YOKO, we invest in Japanese-standard Eco-Solvent printer and ink systems. Although the operating costs are higher, the results are vibrantly colored prints with exceptional color durability.

1. What is Eco-Solvent Ink? The Difference from Water-based (Dye/Pigment) and Industrial Solvent Inks

• Eco-Solvent ink is formulated from organic compounds, making it biodegradable and less harmful to the environment.

• As a mild solvent base, it has the ability to slightly "bite" into the surface layer of the PU Decal film to lock in the color, rather than just sitting on top of the surface like water-based inks.

• Notably, the colorfastness of Eco-Solvent ink is excellent. Printed products retain their bright colors and resist fading even when exposed to direct sunlight, rain, and high humidity.

• Water resistance is another outstanding advantage, protecting the print under various environmental impacts.

2. Why YOKO Printing Chooses Japanese Eco-Solvent Ink

• Ultra-fine ink particles for incredibly "smooth" gradients: No graininess or banding issues. It accurately reproduces 85-90% of the colors from the original design file (even for challenging tones like Neon and Pastel).

• UV and chemical resistance: The ink molecules possess high lightfastness, ensuring the shirt won't lose its vibrancy even when worn out in the sun or machine-washed multiple times.

• Skin-safe and odorless (Eco-friendly): It completely overcomes the strong, unpleasant odor typical of traditional solvent inks, meeting safety standards for the wearer.

3. Decal Printing & Cutting Machines at YOKO

• At YOKO, for Printable PU (Polyurethane) decal technology, we utilize Mimaki printers originating from Japan.

• This equipment ensures the final prints are exceptionally sharp with highly accurate colors compared to the design file. In particular, the machine is capable of printing full-color images with incredibly smooth color transitions (gradients).

• Combined with genuine eco-solvent ink, the print adheres exceptionally well to the PU layer, delivering superior durability.

• Accompanying our printers is a state-of-the-art decal cutting machine system. YOKO's cutters are calibrated with precise blade and offset parameters, ensuring clean and sharp contour cutting that perfectly follows the design shape.

• Technical Support: YOKO's design team is always ready to assist in checking and optimizing file layouts for our customers. For customers ordering printed materials/transfers, we require no minimum order quantity (No MOQ).