Allureglow USA HS Series Reflective Water-Based Screen Printing Ink | 11 Colors | High-Visibility Retroreflective Ink for T-Shirts & Apparel
Allureglow
The water-based answer to high-visibility screen printing. Allureglow USA HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink is a premium high-solids acrylic, PVC-free retroreflective screen printing ink that delivers the same eye-catching, light-bouncing visibility as reflective safety gear — on any garment, printed directly from your standard press. Under normal lighting, each color reads as a clean, vivid print. Hit it with a headlight, flashlight, or camera flash and the reflective glass beads bounce that light directly back to the source with brilliant intensity. Available in 11 colors — Grey, White, Black, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Magenta, and Pink — making it the most color-diverse reflective ink in the AllureGlow lineup. No underbase. No flash between passes. Direct print only. Water and degreaser cleanup. Also available in Plastisol Reflective formula.
Price range: $84.95 through $249.95
Description
What Is Allureglow USA HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink?
Allureglow USA HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink is a premium high-solids acrylic, PVC-free screen printing ink engineered with retroreflective glass bead technology — the same principle behind highway signage, safety vests, and high-visibility emergency gear. When light from a headlight, flashlight, or camera flash strikes the printed surface at night or in low-light conditions, the glass beads refract and return that light directly back toward its source, producing a powerful retroreflective brilliance visible from hundreds of feet away. Under normal daylight or indoor lighting, the print appears as a standard, vivid color in the chosen hue — the reflective effect is invisible until a direct light source activates it.
The HS in the product name stands for High Solids — a formulation approach that delivers significantly more reflective glass bead content per unit volume than conventional water-based reflective inks. This higher bead loading translates directly into stronger, more consistent retroreflective performance across the cured ink film. It is not a thin, watery formulation — it has the body and bead density needed to deliver professional, production-grade reflective results on athletic and fashion apparel.
What sets the HS Series apart from the AllureGlow Plastisol Reflective is the ink chemistry and the color range. The water-based formula serves shops running eco-conscious, low-VOC, or soft-hand print programs — delivering water and degreaser cleanup, no harsh solvents, and a formulation free of PVC and phthalates. It is also available in 11 distinct colors — the broadest reflective color range in the AllureGlow lineup — including Black and White in addition to a full spectrum of chromatic hues, giving designers the ability to integrate reflective ink into full-color designs where a single gray reflective ink simply cannot serve the creative intent.
The HS Series is formulated for direct printing onto cotton and 50/50 blends right from the container. With the addition of AG-CLA100 additive at 1.5% by weight, the ink extends to polyester, nylon, Lycra, spandex, and other performance fabric substrates — making it a complete reflective ink solution for athletic wear, performance apparel, and moisture-wicking garments where a plastisol formula is not the right fit.
Key Features
| Retroreflective Glass Bead Technology | High-solids glass microsphere bead formula bounces light directly back to its source — headlights, flashlights, and camera flash all activate intense retroreflective brilliance in low-light conditions |
| High Solids Acrylic Formula | Premium high-solids water-based acrylic carrier delivers greater reflective bead concentration per deposit than standard water-based reflective inks — more beads means more reflective surface area and stronger retroreflective output |
| 11 Available Colors | The most comprehensive reflective color range in the AllureGlow lineup — Grey, White, Black, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Magenta, and Pink; including Black and White for maximum design flexibility |
| PVC-Free & Eco-Friendly | Water-based, PVC-free, low-VOC formula with water and degreaser cleanup — no harsh solvents; suitable for eco-conscious and low-VOC production environments |
| Direct Print Only — No Underbase, No Flash | Print directly onto the garment only; do not apply an underbase and do not flash between passes — both reduce reflective performance by creating barriers between the glass beads and the fabric |
| Soft Hand Feel | Smooth, soft-hand feel after curing — the water-based formula delivers a more fabric-integrated feel than equivalent plastisol formulations |
| Synthetic Fabric Compatible | Add AG-CLA100 additive at 1.5% by weight to print on polyester, nylon, Lycra, spandex, and other performance fabric substrates |
| Ready to Use | No mixing required — stir well before use and print; do not mix with other inks or colorants as this will coat the glass beads and reduce or eliminate reflective performance |
What Customers Love About It
Screen printers running water-based or discharge programs love the HS Series because it brings professional-grade reflective capability into an eco-friendly ink platform without forcing a compromise between their shop’s environmental commitments and their clients’ demand for high-visibility apparel. The water and degreaser cleanup, PVC-free chemistry, and soft hand feel make it a natural fit alongside other water-based inks in the production rotation — no special handling, no solvent waste, no workflow disruption.
The 11-color range is a genuine commercial differentiator. Most reflective screen printing inks are available only in silver-gray — a single neutral tone that limits how reflective ink can be integrated into full-color designs. The HS Series breaks that limitation entirely. A designer can now specify reflective red text, a reflective blue logo, a reflective black graphic element, or a full-spectrum reflective color palette across a single garment. The color visibility during daylight is vibrant and true — only when direct light hits the print at night does the reflective layer reveal itself, creating a dual-identity visual effect that is commercially compelling and photograph-worthy.
Athletic apparel brands and performance wear decorators particularly value the AG-CLA100 compatibility, which extends the HS Series onto moisture-wicking polyester, spandex-blend stretch fabrics, and performance textiles where conventional plastisol inks are not appropriate. For running gear, cycling apparel, athletic uniforms, and activewear that needs genuine after-dark reflective visibility, the HS Series delivers both the performance-fabric compatibility and the reflective intensity the market demands.
Available Colors
The HS Series is available in 11 colors. Under normal lighting each color appears as a standard, vivid print in the selected hue. Under direct light in low-light conditions, all colors reflect brilliantly back toward the light source:
| Color | Daytime Appearance | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Grey | Silver-grey | Classic reflective — most closely mirrors traditional safety tape and hi-vis gear aesthetics |
| White | White | Clean, bright daytime white with strong reflective output; ideal on dark garments |
| Black | Black | Stealth reflective — bold black in daylight that activates with dramatic reflectivity at night |
| Red | Red | Sports and brand apparel with red as primary color; fire and emergency service themed gear |
| Orange | Orange | Safety and hi-vis workwear; construction and utilities apparel in the orange safety palette |
| Yellow | Yellow | High-visibility safety apparel; running, cycling, and outdoor athletic gear |
| Green | Green | Outdoor, nature, and military aesthetic apparel; sports team gear with green branding |
| Blue | Blue | Sports team and university apparel; law enforcement and first responder themed gear |
| Violet | Violet / Purple | Fashion and specialty apparel; university gear with purple branding |
| Magenta | Magenta / Hot Pink-Red | Fashion and streetwear; bold graphic apparel and event merchandise |
| Pink | Pink | Women’s and girls’ athletic apparel; fashion activewear and running gear |
Common Applications
- Running, cycling, and endurance sport apparel requiring after-dark retroreflective visibility on performance fabrics
- Athletic uniforms and activewear on moisture-wicking polyester and spandex-blend substrates (with AG-CLA100)
- Safety and hi-vis workwear on cotton and 50/50 blends — construction, utilities, and occupational safety apparel
- School crossing guard and youth safety apparel
- Water-based and eco-conscious print programs that require reflective capability without plastisol chemistry
- Fashion and streetwear with colored reflective graphic elements for a bold dual-identity effect
- Sports team and university apparel integrating reflective brand colors rather than generic silver-grey
- Concert, festival, and event merchandise where reflective elements enhance the visual impact under stage and venue lighting
- Outdoor adventure, hiking, and tactical gear requiring low-light visibility
- Promotional products and branded merchandise for brands requiring branded color reflectivity rather than grey
How to Use Allureglow USA HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink
| Before Printing | Stir thoroughly before use and re-agitate periodically during long production runs to keep glass beads evenly distributed. Keep lids on containers when not actively printing. |
| Emulsion | Use a water-resistant (dual-cure SBQ or diazo/photopolymer) emulsion. Standard water-soluble emulsions will break down when printing with water-based inks and cause premature stencil failure. |
| Mesh Count | 110–180 mesh. For maximum reflectivity, use a single pass with 110 mesh to maximize glass bead deposit. Finer mesh (up to 180) is appropriate for detail work but reduces bead deposit and reflective output. |
| Underbase | Do not use an underbase. Print the HS Series directly onto the garment only. An underbase layer creates a barrier between the reflective glass beads and the fabric, which significantly reduces or eliminates retroreflective performance. |
| Flash Cure Between Passes | Do not flash between passes. Flashing creates a semi-cured surface layer that interferes with subsequent bead deposit and reduces reflectivity. If a second pass is needed, print wet-on-wet without flashing in between. |
| Squeegee | Medium flood with moderate squeegee pressure. Avoid excessive downward pressure that can shear or crush glass beads and reduce retroreflective performance. |
| Do Not Mix | Do not mix the HS Series with other inks or colorants. Adding foreign pigments will coat the glass beads and reduce or eliminate retroreflective output. Use the ink as-supplied. |
| Cure Temperature — Standard | 340°F (170°C) for 120–180 seconds through a standard conveyor dryer. Note: this is higher than standard water-based cure temperatures — always verify with a donut probe or thermocouple. |
| Cure Temperature — With AG-CLA100 | When AG-CLA100 additive is used, cure at 280°F (138°C). The AG-CLA100 lowers the required cure temperature, making it compatible with heat-sensitive synthetic and performance fabrics. |
| Synthetic Fabrics | Add AG-CLA100 additive at 1.5% by weight to extend compatibility to polyester, nylon, Lycra, spandex, and other performance fabric substrates. Also lowers cure temperature to 280°F for heat-sensitive fabrics. |
| Testing Reflectivity | For best evaluation: view the cured print in a dark room from 10 feet away using a flashlight held between your eyes. The ink will reflect light directly back toward the source — this replicates how the print appears to a driver viewing a pedestrian in headlights. |
| Cleanup | Water and degreaser — no harsh solvents required |
| Care Instructions for End Customer | Wash inside out in cold water on delicate cycle. Do not use bleach. Do not iron directly on print. Line or hang dry for best long-term reflective durability. |
Technical Specifications
| Product Line | Allureglow USA HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink |
| Ink Type | High solids acrylic water-based — PVC-free |
| Effect Type | Retroreflective (glass microsphere bead technology) |
| Available Colors | 11 colors: Grey, White, Black, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Magenta, Pink |
| Recommended Mesh | 110–180 mesh; single pass 110 mesh for maximum reflectivity |
| Cure Temperature — Standard | 340°F (170°C) for 120–180 seconds |
| Cure Temperature — With AG-CLA100 | 280°F (138°C) — lower cure for heat-sensitive synthetic fabrics |
| Underbase Required | No — direct print only. Do not underbase; reduces reflective performance. |
| Flash Between Passes | No — do not flash between passes. Reduces reflective performance. |
| Synthetic Fabric Additive | AG-CLA100 at 1.5% by weight — extends compatibility to polyester, nylon, Lycra, spandex, and performance fabrics; also lowers cure temp to 280°F |
| Suitable Substrates | 100% cotton and 50/50 blends (RFU); polyester, nylon, Lycra, spandex, and performance fabrics with AG-CLA100 |
| Cleanup | Water and degreaser — no solvents required |
| Mixing | Do not mix with other inks or colorants |
| Ships From | Allureglow USA manufacturer — please allow 2–3 business days for processing and shipping |
| Also Available As | AllureGlow Plastisol Series Reflective Ink |
| Available Sizes | Quart | Gallon |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Allureglow USA HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink and how does it work?
The Allureglow USA HS Series is a high-solids acrylic water-based screen printing ink loaded with retroreflective glass microsphere beads. Under normal lighting, the ink appears as a standard vivid color in the chosen hue. In low-light conditions, when a direct light source — headlights, a flashlight, or camera flash — strikes the printed surface, the glass beads return that light directly back toward the source with powerful, high-visibility retroreflective brilliance. The HS (High Solids) formula delivers a higher concentration of reflective beads per ink deposit than standard water-based reflective inks, resulting in stronger retroreflective performance.
What is the difference between the HS Series Water-Based Reflective Ink and the AllureGlow Plastisol Reflective Ink?
Both are retroreflective inks from Allureglow USA using glass bead technology, but they differ in ink chemistry, color range, and cure requirements. The HS Series is water-based, PVC-free, water and degreaser cleanup, softer hand feel, available in 11 colors including Black, White, and a full chromatic spectrum, extends to performance fabrics with AG-CLA100, and cures at 340°F (or 280°F with AG-CLA100). The Plastisol Reflective is a standard plastisol formula with solvent cleanup, curing at standard plastisol temperatures. Choose the HS Series for water-based programs, performance fabric substrates, and multi-color reflective designs.
Why can I not use an underbase or flash between passes with the HS Series Reflective Ink?
An underbase layer creates an opaque barrier between the glass beads and the fabric that interferes with retroreflective light interaction and significantly reduces reflective output. Flashing between passes creates a semi-cured surface layer that prevents subsequent bead deposits from adhering correctly. For best results, always print the HS Series directly onto bare garment fabric — single pass or wet-on-wet — with no underbase and no intermediate flash at any point in the process.
Can I print the HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink on polyester and performance fabrics?
Yes — with the addition of AG-CLA100 additive at 1.5% by weight. For 100% cotton and 50/50 blends, the HS Series is ready to use from the container. For polyester, nylon, Lycra, spandex, and other synthetic or performance fabrics, add AG-CLA100 to improve adhesion and washfastness. AG-CLA100 also lowers the required cure temperature to 280°F (138°C), making it safe for heat-sensitive performance fabrics.
What temperature does the HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink cure at?
The HS Series cures at 340°F (170°C) for 120–180 seconds — higher than typical water-based cure temperatures, so always verify your dryer temperature with a donut probe before production. When AG-CLA100 additive is used, cure temperature drops to 280°F (138°C) for heat-sensitive performance fabrics. Always confirm full cure with a wash test before full production.
What mesh count should I use for the HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink?
Use 110–180 mesh. For maximum retroreflective intensity, use a single pass with 110 mesh — coarser mesh allows more glass beads to transfer to the garment, directly increasing reflective performance. Finer mesh up to 180 works for detail work but deposits fewer beads and produces softer retroreflective output. For safety and hi-vis applications, 110 mesh is strongly recommended.
What colors are available in the HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink?
The HS Series is available in 11 colors: Grey, White, Black, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Violet, Magenta, and Pink. This is the most comprehensive reflective color range in the Allureglow USA lineup — including both Black and White alongside a full chromatic spectrum — allowing reflective ink to be integrated into full-color designs using branded or design-specific hues rather than being limited to grey.
What emulsion should I use when printing the HS Series Reflective Water-Based Ink?
You must use a water-resistant emulsion — either a dual-cure or SBQ (pure photopolymer) emulsion. Standard water-soluble emulsions will break down when exposed to water-based inks and cause premature stencil failure during the print run.
How do I test the reflective performance of a finished print?
For the most accurate evaluation, take the cured garment into a dark room and view the print from approximately 10 feet away while holding a flashlight between your eyes. The ink will reflect light directly back toward the source — replicating how the print appears to a driver seeing a pedestrian in vehicle headlights. Always test for washfastness and adhesion before full production.
Can I mix the HS Series Reflective Ink with other inks or pigments?
No. Do not mix the HS Series with other inks, bases, or pigment dispersions. Adding foreign colorants coats or obscures the glass microsphere beads and eliminates or significantly reduces retroreflective performance. Use the ink as-supplied directly from the container in any of its 11 available colors.
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