Merch with a wow effect
Special inks turn a standard design into a collector's item.
Special ink screen printing from Hannover-Linden
Special & effect inks in screen printing
Besides standard colours we mix to Pantone Solid Coated and print with special ink systems for that extra effect. That way your design gets exactly the impact it deserves.
What are special & effect inks?
By special inks we mean shades mixed exactly to Pantone Solid Coated that go beyond the standard palette. Effect inks are special systems that give the print an additional visual or physical quality – from metallic shine to afterglow. Because many of these inks contain coarser pigments, we print them through coarser mesh with a higher ink deposit. All effect inks are available from 30 pieces and carry a surcharge compared to standard inks.
Metallic gold & silver
Metallic inks contain fine metal or mica particles and create an elegant, glossy effect – on dark garments they look particularly premium. Because the metal particles reflect heat, they need a little more care during curing. Ideal for logos, lettering and fashion accents.
Neon
Neon or fluorescent inks are bright and vivid and draw the eye – perfect for streetwear, festival and event merch. They unfold their luminosity most strongly on light garments. A tip for the care label: under permanent direct sunlight, very vivid shades can fade slightly over time.
Reflective
Reflective ink contains tiny glass beads that throw incoming light back towards its source (retroreflective) – which makes the design clearly visible in headlights or camera flash. It is printed with coarse mesh and therefore suits bold artwork, not fine detail. We offer it as silver reflective, grey reflective and clear reflective. Ideal for night events, running groups or eye-catching merch details – a decorative reflective effect, not certified high-visibility clothing to any standard.
Glow-in-the-dark
Glow-in-the-dark ink contains phosphorescent pigments that absorb energy in the light and glow in the dark. A strong effect needs a light underbase and a thick ink deposit; the typical greenish-yellow shade glows the strongest. A real eye-catcher for merch and festivals – the afterglow fades slowly and can be recharged again at any time.
Colour accuracy & Pantone
We mix standard and special inks to Pantone Solid Coated so your brand shade is right. With effect inks the colour gamut is limited by the system – metallic, neon and glow follow their own physics. We'll show you what's possible beforehand and discuss the colour choice with you.
Combining effects
Effect inks can be used within multi-colour artwork alongside standard inks – and together with puff printing for an extra 3D accent. That creates artwork where individual elements deliberately stand out.
Who it's for
Events
Reflective and glow inks add visibility at night events and festivals.
Fashion
Metallic and neon as a deliberate accent within collections.
How it works
- 1
Enquiry or instant price in the configurator
- 2
Advice on technique and garment
- 3
Review and approve the quote
- 4
Production and shipping
Deadline in just a few days? We print express too.
Frequently asked questions
Ready for your project?
Whether 30 or 30,000 garments – get your price straight from the configurator or visit our showroom for samples and advice.