How to Use Marabu Mara Glow GW
Marabu Mara Glow
Marabu is known for offering one of the widest and most versatile ranges of pad printing inks available in the market today. Among their innovative products is the Marabu Mara Glow ink series, a specialized glow-in-the-dark ink originally developed for screen printing applications. Over time, one particular color within this series has proven exceptionally effective for pad printing, making it an excellent choice for producing long-lasting glow-in-the-dark images on a variety of parts and materials.
Whether you’re printing on watch dials, Lego characters, or products used in the firearm industry, Marabu Mara Glow delivers outstanding performance and reliability. This ink stands out for its ability to maintain a bright, enduring glow while adhering strongly to diverse substrates, even in challenging industrial environments.
In addition to its technical strengths, Marabu Mara Glow reflects the company’s deep commitment to environmental responsibility. These inks are manufactured without the use of radioactive materials, lead, or phosphorus—all substances known to be harmful to the environment and dangerous to operators. By choosing Marabu Mara Glow, businesses can trust they are using a safe, eco-friendly solution that meets strict environmental and safety standards without compromising on print quality or durability.
Cliché (Printing Plate) Preparation:
When printing with Mara Glow, the cliché or printing plate should be etched deeper than the standard depth, ideally between 25 to 30 microns. This extra depth is necessary because the pigments used in Mara Glow are highly abrasive compared to conventional inks. Due to this abrasiveness, the ink can cause accelerated wear and tear on the cliché, as well as on other critical parts such as the ceramic ring and ink cup.
Choosing a printing plate that is etched deeper and made from durable materials will help ensure it withstands this added abrasion and maintains consistent print quality over time.
Background Printing:
To maximize the glowing effect and create a vibrant, eye-catching finish, it is recommended to print a white background layer before applying the Mara Glow ink. This white underprint acts as a base that enhances the brightness and contrast of the glow, allowing it to “pop” off the substrate more effectively. Without this background, the glow may appear dull or muted, especially on darker or colored surfaces. The white base is critical for achieving the best visual impact and ensuring the glow is as bright and long-lasting as possible.
Following these guidelines not only improves the visual quality of the glow-in-the-dark prints but also protects your equipment and extends the life of your printing plates and machine components. By carefully preparing your cliché and incorporating a white background, you can make the most of the Marabu Mara Glow ink’s unique properties and create stunning, durable glow effects in your pad printing projects.
Durability:
One of the key benefits of using Marabu Mara Glow ink in pad printing is its enhanced durability, which can be further improved by incorporating the additive Marabu SA 1. This specialized additive works by increasing both the hardness and lubricity of the printed layer. As a result, the printed areas become more resistant to abrasion and wear caused by friction when sliding against other surfaces or during handling. This unique property helps prevent premature deterioration of the printed image, significantly extending the lifespan of the glow-in-the-dark markings.
In addition to using Marabu SA 1, applying a clear coat varnish over the printed image is highly recommended, especially for parts intended for long-term use either indoors or outdoors. This protective varnish acts as a shield against environmental factors such as humidity, UV exposure, and physical abrasion, ensuring that the glow effect remains vibrant and the print stays intact over time. The clear coat also helps guard against chemical exposure and everyday wear, making it ideal for industrial applications or signage that must withstand harsh conditions.
Color:
Within the Marabu Mara Glow product lineup, the only color suitable for pad printing is the white-green long-term phosphorescent ink. This particular formulation is optimized for the fine detail and tight tolerances required in pad printing processes. Other colors in the Mara Glow series contain larger pigment particles, which are not compatible with the fine precision and delicate mechanics of pad printing. Using the white-green phosphorescent ink ensures consistent, high-quality prints with a strong glow effect that lasts.
By following these guidelines and recommendations, including the use of the Marabu SA 1 additive and protective clear coats, Mara Glow ink enables you to produce beautiful, durable glow-in-the-dark pad printed parts. These prints not only capture attention with their radiant luminescence but also stand up to the demands of everyday use. Whether your application involves safety signage, decorative items, or specialized industrial parts, Mara Glow offers a reliable solution that truly shines.
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