International Coatings Optilux® 507 Enhanced Reflective Plastisol Ink is a two-part, retro-reflective screen printing ink designed to create prints that react strongly to focused light. Reflective microspheres and metallic flakes give the ink a conventional metallic silver shimmer appearance under normal lighting, while headlights, flashlights, and other focused light sources are reflected back toward the source to help increase nighttime visibility.
Optilux 507 is designed for use on 100% cotton and some cotton/polyester blends. For best wash and wear durability, the ink must be thoroughly mixed with Optilux® Coupler 100 before printing. The recommended ratio is 20 parts Optilux 507 to 1 part Coupler 100 by weight, and the mixed ink has an approximate pot life of 8 to 12 hours.
For best reflective performance, stir the ink thoroughly before use because the reflective microspheres can settle during storage. Avoid viscosity reducers, thickeners, or unnecessary additives, as changes to the ink can reduce reflectivity. Optilux 507 is not a low-bleed ink and is not recommended for bleeding fabrics, shell nylon, or other tightly woven non-porous fabrics.
Technical Data Sheet (English)
Features
- Two-part retro-reflective plastisol ink
- Contains light-reflecting microspheres and metallic flakes
- Reflects focused light back toward the light source
- Metallic silver shimmer appearance under normal lighting
- Helps increase nighttime visibility of printed designs
- Designed for 100% cotton and some cotton/polyester blends
- Mix with Optilux® Coupler 100 for best wash and wear durability
- Mixing ratio: 20 parts ink to 1 part Coupler 100 by weight
- Mixed pot life: approximately 8–12 hours
- Recommended cure temperature: 325°F
- Recommended squeegee: 65–70 durometer, sharp edge
- Works with direct or indirect emulsion or capillary film
- No viscosity reducers or thickeners recommended
- Available in quart, gallon, and 5-gallon sizes
- Clean up with an appropriate plastisol screen wash
Mixing Instructions
Thoroughly mix 20 parts Optilux 507 ink with 1 part Optilux Coupler 100 by weight before printing.
Mix only the amount needed for the production run. Catalyzed ink should be used within approximately 8–12 hours and should not be reused after the pot life has expired.
Printing Recommendations
- Stir Optilux 507 thoroughly before each use.
- Use one flood stroke and one print stroke for best results.
- Cure the entire ink film to 325°F.
- Pre-test for reflectivity, opacity, adhesion, and wash durability before production.
- Avoid adding reducers, thickeners, or other additives.
- Adding pigment may alter the color, but excessive pigment can reduce reflective performance.
- Not recommended for shell nylon or other tightly woven non-porous fabrics.
- Not recommended for bleeding fabrics.
Care Recommendations
For best long-term wash durability:
- Machine wash in cold water
- Use a delicate cycle
- Wash garment inside out
- Do not use bleach
- Do not iron directly over the printed area
- Line or hang dry when possible