Make Merch People Actually Want to Wear

Water Based Screen Printing

High Quality Waterbased Screen Printing In Los Angeles

Trusted by thousands of companies across the U.S.

Eco-Friendly Waterbased Screen Printing

Why Water Based Screen Printing ink?

Well known for their super soft feel and vibrant colors they produce when printed onto t-shirts and other textiles; water based inks leave no hand feel behind so after a single wash you are left with only feeling the fabric of the garment and no ink hand feel remains.

Do what you do best, let us handle the rest. We have over a decade of experience with custom merch, we are ready to guide you throughout the ordering process.

Water-Based Screen Printing Gallery

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Eco-friendly Inks

One Order = One Tree Planted

Wholesale Pricing

Full Order Proof

Worldwide Shipping

Our Inks Don't Crack

Why Water Based Printing Might be Right For You

Water based vs plastisol is an age old debate but let’s explore what makes Water based ink popular and with this knowledge you can weight the options. Water based ink is loved for a whole host of reasons but the most commonly mentioned are for sustainability and comfort.

If you’re looking for a vibrant print that seems almost woven into the fibers of your bulk custom t-shirt, water based ink is probably going to be the best option for you. If your interested in a print with great detail DTG printing custom t-shirts might be the better option. This makes water based ink a popular choice for custom dri fit t shirts and other athletic branded apparel where comfort and breathability are key. Ultimately, there is no right answer and if your still left with unanswered questions, consult with one of our account reps!

Are Water Based Inks Environmentally Friendly?

Our water-based inks are the perfect choice for those with environmental concerns. Water Based printing inks are free of environmentally damaging chemicals such as lead, PVC, heavy metals, Azo compounds, Nonylphenol and Phthalates. This makes it a sustainable option for producing custom printed sweatpants, joggers, and branded t shirts.

If you’re looking for an extra unique water based tshirt printing effect, Discharge screen printing might be for you. Discharge Printing removes the current dye of the fabric and replaces it with your selected color through a multistep process.

Unheard of Prints!

Eco-Friendly Screen Printing

Unlike some types of screen print ink, water-based screen print ink is celebrated for low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Water-based ink is made with four main components that when mixed together create the perfect blend for a successful screen printing ink.

Water is the main solvent. It helps the ink stay in a liquid form which ensures the ink is easily spread.
the pigments are where the colors come from. We use a pantone matching system so we can perfectly match your desired colors & tones.
binders: think of binders as the glue that holds the ink to the shirt, when they cure they adhere the ink to the fiber of the shirt
Additives are used to manipulate the properties of the ink to ensure the consistency and perforce of the ink is optimized.

With these advantages, water based inks work seamlessly across a wide range of garments, from premium cotton t-shirts to custom Nike sweatpants and lightweight dri fit apparel.

Water Based Ink vs. Plastisol Ink

Waterbased screen printing dyes the fabric, as opposed to plastisol (oil based) printing, which leaves a layer of ink on top of the fabric. This allows it to be more breathable, resulting in a much better feeling garment. This softer, breathable print style is especially suited for athletic wear such as custom dri fit t shirts and custom sweatpants. It also allows for interesting techniques, with the color of the original fabric coming through.

However, this is optional, and water-based printing can be as bright and clear as plastisol inks using high solids waterbased inks which have only recently been released. At the same time, it lasts longer as the dyed fabric won’t crack or chip like other prints.

Water Based

Plastisol

Fast & Transparent

How This Process Works

Your account rep will work with our teams to review each and every order by triple checking all details and artwork for accuracy and optimal print quality. You will receive a free full creative proof for your approval before we proceed to production.

3x

Your order is triple checked by our team prior to production and before shipment

Choose Product(s)

Select product to print on
Select colors, sizes
Select print types, locations

Upload Artwork

Upload artwork file(s) as well as any special instructions
Your artwork is checked for optimal quality and resolution
Your account rep will review & guide you through the rest
Once approved, we’ll begin your order

Make a lasting impression

Lead the pack in your industry with employees and customers that actually want to wear your merch

Custom Water-Based Screen Printing

What We Offer

DTLA Print was created to provide helpful service,
simple streamlined ordering & eco-friendly options.
A company with transparent prices & ethics, a company who aims to
create good things.

Dedicated Reps

Each account receives a dedicated rep who can be reached by phone or via e-mail.

Quality Over Quantity

DTLA Print believes in quality over quantity and we want our customers to feel the same way.

Long Lasting Relationships

We value all of our clients and aim to solidify long lasting & mutually beneficial relationships.

We Don't Cookie Cut

Each project is unique and requires its own process. Depending on the desired product, we will customize the inks and process for each order.

We Stand Behind Our Work

Our main goal is to provide peace of mind, so you can relax and have confidence that your job will come out exactly as you had imagined.

Innovative Ideas

DTLA Print is proud to be a leading partner in the promotional products + fashion industry, with unique ideas + out of the box printing methods.

Custom Water-Based Screen Printing

Frequently Asked Questions

Haven’t found what you are looking for? Email or Contact us now here

What is different about the waterbased printing you do from the competition?

We have sourced pigments and special bases from top quality suppliers around the globe for any fabric to be printed with waterbased inks. Our inks were hand selected to ensure long washability standards while maintaining vibrancy.

What colors are available for waterbased screen printing?

We are able to custom match any pantone color or any fabric swatch.

How many washes can waterbased inks handle and how should they be washed?

Waterbased screen printed t-shirts, hoodies, and apparel should all be washed in accordance with the manufacturer’s washing instructions.

Can you waterbase screen print on other materials?

We do offer waterbased transfers which can be applied to the traditional hoodies, t-shirts, sweaters, as well as all fabrics including waterbased printing on denim, cotton, fleece, polyester, spandex, and more.

What level of detail can waterbased screen prints achieve?

Waterbased inks can achieve the same level of detail as any other ink method and is only limited to the thickness and grain of the fabric.

What is waterbased screen printing?

Waterbased screen printing is a printing technique that uses a mesh screen to transfer a design onto an object or fabric. The design is printed using a combination of mesh-lined screens, a frame, and a squeegee. Water-based inks are used to create a design onto the desired surface, offering a crisp and long-lasting print finish.

What are the benefits of using waterbased inks?

Waterbased inks are typically more eco-friendly than other inks, containing less chemicals and providing a lower environmental impact. The ink is also flexible and breathable, allowing for multiple printing techniques. Waterbased inks typically have a softer feel and last longer than other traditional inks.

How is a design prepared for waterbased screen printing?

When preparing for a waterbased screen printing process, artwork is usually created and edited digitally. This artwork file is then printed onto a film positive and transferred onto the screen. The screen is then properly coated and cured so the design is in the correct position for the printing process.

Is waterbased screen printing more expensive than other printing techniques?

Generally, no. However, there are a lot of variables that go into developing a quote so its best to check in with an account rep.

Receive Full Order Proofs And Eliminate Errors.

Let's Get to Work!

Start The Conversation

Your personal account rep is here to help guide and answer any questions you may have through the entire production process. Please provide a little description on how we may help. We look forward to speaking with you.