Thermochromic Screen Printing Ink Black 15°C (59°F) - Chill & Reveal

This thermochromic ink reacts dramatically to temperature, shifting from opaque black below 15°C to translucent above it. Imagine designs magically appearing as they warm up, or hidden messages revealed with a change in temperature! This ink is perfect for creating eye-catching, interactive projects.

Two-Part System:

Our thermochromic ink comes as a two-part system: a slurry (containing the colour-changing pigment) and a binder (which adheres the pigment to your chosen surface). These must be mixed in a 50/50 ratio before application. The slurry on its own will simply dry and flake off; the binder is what fixes the pigment to the surface. Tell us your application and we'll advise on printing it.

Application Guidelines:

• Mixing: Thoroughly combine equal parts of the slurry and binder. Mix slowly and consistently to avoid air bubbles.
• Thin Coats are Key: Apply thin, even coats using screen printing or a foam roller. Multiple thin coats are preferable to one thick coat, as this will ensure even colour change and prevent cracking. Avoid brushes: a brush can't apply the ink thinly or evenly enough.
• Substrate Compatibility: This ink is generally suitable for textiles, paper, and board. However, if you plan to apply the ink to other substrates such as wood, plastic, metal, glass, or ceramics, please contact us before placing your order. We can advise on the appropriate surface preparation and may recommend a specialised binder to ensure optimal adhesion and durability on these materials. Some substrates may require priming or other pre-treatment.
• Colour Mixing/Layering: Do not mix or layer different colours of this thermochromic ink. Each colour is formulated individually for its specific temperature response. Mixing colours will not create new colours; it is more likely to result in a muddy, unpredictable result.
• Drying: Allow sufficient drying time between coats and before handling the printed item. If using heat, keep it low and short: stay below 180°C, as briefly as possible, and avoid prolonged heat above 75°C. Brief heat at 100°C for 1–2 minutes is fine. Test prints are always recommended.

Ideal Applications:

• Cold-Activated Novelties: Create colour-changing drink labels, promotional items, placemats, or other novelty products that react to cold temperatures.
• Temperature-Sensitive Packaging: Design packaging that reveals messages or graphics when chilled or warmed.
• Interactive Displays: Develop engaging displays or art installations that respond to temperature changes.
• Hidden Messages: Conceal messages or designs that are revealed only when the temperature changes.

Storage and Handling:

Keep it in a cool, dark place, ideally at 20°C or below, with the lid tightly closed, and use within 12 months. Don't let it freeze, and don't store it with food or drink. Direct sunlight and UV damage the thermochromic materials. Always test the ink on a sample material before starting a large print run.

Before use, please read the Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and the Safety Data Sheets for the thermochromic slurry (SDS) and the binder (SDS). For step-by-step advice on paper, board and fabric, read our guide: How to screen print thermochromic ink →

We're here to help! The information on this page is a general guide. To ensure the best results, we encourage you to test our thermochromic inks thoroughly before starting your project. Not sure which activation temperature is right for you? Get in touch—we'd love to offer personalised advice. Please note that thermochromic inks are not designed for outdoor use due to UV sensitivity. Colours and packaging may vary.