What is plastisol?

Plastisol is the combination of PVC particles and a liquid plasticizer to form a suspension that flows as a liquid but whose components meld together when heated, forming a flexible, rubber-like compound. The resulting product is similar to vinyl and is commonly used as a textile ink.

Plastisol does not dry on its own, so it needs to be cured. A simple home oven is enough to complete the curing process, and though flash driers are also effective, ovens offer a more inexpensive way to cure plastisol inks. For most inks, the curing process ends at 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Since plastisol is never absorbed by thread, the finished product always has a raised look and feel.