Permaset: Finally a non-toxic silkscreen ink!

Maker Faire 2008

I had a great 2 days at the Maker Faire and meet some really great makers. I wish I had taken more time to check out more but I spent most of my time explaining how to burn silkscreens and make lino cuts. I found the public to be a really nice group of people and some really cute families with kids not afraid to ask questions or try new things. Thanks to my tabling neighbor and fellow UT Design and Hampshire College Alumni I found out about Permaset Fabric Printing ink. Finally a non-toxic silkscreen ink and it works great!

http://www.colormaker.com.au/Permaset/Permaset
“Permaset Fabric Printing Colour: A complete range including metallic and fluorescent colours ensures your creativity is unlimited. All colours are water based so equipment can be easily cleaned up with water. Water based inks do not contain PVC or phthalates and are much more environmentally friendly. Permaset Aqua inks do not contain any toxic chemicals at all. It is formulated free from Lead and other heavy metals and passed the Oekotex Class 1 standard with 60% to spare. It is safe to use on baby clothes under 2 years, underwear and swimwear. Permaset Aqua inks do not contain ozone-depleting chemicals such as CFC's and HCFC's, aromatic hydrocarbons or any volatile solvents. And you don't need solvents to clean the screens down after they've been used - you can clean them with water. Most screen printing companies were using Plastisol inks as water based inks can be difficult to use due to air drying and usually, they are not as durable and opaque as Plastisol inks.”

The event was very heavy on the robotics/textile side and I wished there had been more eco design/ electric vehicles/alternative energy. Last year I found there was lot more and it would be a great area to strengthen next year.

I did enjoy the local food, community garden tent and talked to some nice green builders. They had a great cob over demo going.

There was plenty in the interactive public art project category to choose from.
• 10-bicycle snake that kids and parents got to ride all over the fair ground.
• A clothing swap with donated clothes for people to silkscreen and transform
• Large instrument art sculptures for the public to play
• Bike- carnival rides
Cob oven