Allureglow USA HS Series Reflective Water-Based Screen Printing Ink | 11 Colors | High-Visibility Retroreflective Ink for T-Shirts & Apparel

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.