Water Based Screen Printing

High quality waterbased screen printing in Los Angeles: eco-friendly ink soaks into the fabric for a super-soft, breathable print that will not crack or chip.

Soaks in: no hand feel after a wash
Super-soft, breathable, eco-friendly
Won't crack or chip, made in L.A.

Get a quote See how it works

No hand feel: soaks in

Super-soft & breathable

Eco-friendly, low-VOC ink

Made in Los Angeles

Trusted by thousands of companies across the U.S.

Eco-Friendly Waterbased Screen Printing

Why Water Based Screen Printing ink?

Water-based ink soaks into and dyes the fibers instead of sitting on top, so the color looks almost woven into the fabric. The result is a super-soft, breathable print with no hand feel after a wash, made with eco-friendly, low-VOC ink that won't crack or chip. Known for a super soft feel and vibrant colors, it leaves no ink hand feel behind: after a single wash you feel only the fabric of the garment. Do what you do best, let us handle the rest. With over a decade of experience in custom merch, we guide you through the ordering process.

Soaks in: you feel the shirt, not the print
Soft, breathable, and built for activewear
Flexible, and made of naturally occurring materials
Eco-friendly ink, custom Pantone match

Pro Tip: Water-based is brightest on light garments. For dark fabrics we use a discharge underbase to keep that soft feel. For photographic detail, ask about DTG.

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Soft soaked-in water-based screen print on a cotton t-shirt

Recent work

Water-Based Screen Printing Gallery

View Complete Portfolio

rainbow stripe water-based print on a t-shirt

soft yellow water-based lettering on a pink sweatshirt

pink and white discharge print on a black shirt

Unheard of Prints!

Our Inks Don't Crack

Why Water Based Printing Might be Right For You

Water based vs plastisol is an age-old debate. Water-based ink is loved most for sustainability and comfort
For a vibrant print that seems almost woven into the fibers of your custom wholesale t-shirt, water-based is probably the best option
For a print with great detail, DTG custom t-shirts might be the better option
There's no one right answer. If you still have questions, consult one of our account reps

Are Water Based Inks Environmentally Friendly?

The perfect choice for those with environmental concerns
Free of environmentally damaging chemicals such as lead, PVC, heavy metals, Azo compounds, Nonylphenol, and Phthalates
For an extra unique effect, discharge screen printing removes the fabric's current dye and replaces it with your selected color through a multistep process

Eco-Friendly Screen Printing

Unlike some screen print inks, water-based ink is celebrated for low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), blended from four main components:
Water: the main solvent, keeping the ink liquid so it spreads easily
Pigments: where the colors come from. We use the Pantone matching system to match your colors and tones exactly
Binders: the glue that holds the ink to the shirt. When they cure, they adhere the ink to the fibers
Additives: adjust the ink's properties so its consistency and performance are optimized

Water Based Ink vs. Plastisol Ink

Water-based printing dyes the fabric, while plastisol (oil based) printing leaves a layer of ink on top of it
That makes it more breathable, for a much better feeling garment, and the original fabric color can come through for interesting techniques
That's optional: high-solids water-based inks, only recently released, print as bright and clear as plastisol
It lasts longer, too: the dyed fabric won't crack or chip like other prints

Choose your ink

Water-Based vs. Plastisol vs. Discharge

Water-based soaks in for a super-soft feel, plastisol sits on top for bold opaque color, and discharge brings that water-based softness to dark garments. Not sure which fits your project? Talk to an account rep.

Water-Based

Soft, soaks in

Dyes the fabric, soaks in
Super-soft, no hand feel after a wash
Breathable, perfect for activewear
Eco-friendly, won't crack or chip

Plastisol

Bold, opaque, on top

Sits on top of the fibers
Opaque and vivid, even on black
Bold spot color that pops
The durable, economical workhorse

Discharge

Soft color on darks

Removes the garment's dye
Re-colors with a soft hand
Water-based softness on darks
Vintage, broken-in feel

Soft soaked-in water-based-printed apparel

Make Merch People Actually Want to Wear

Why Brands Choose Water-Based

No Hand Feel
Soaks into the fabric. After a wash you feel the shirt, not the print.
Super-Soft & Breathable
Flexible, breathable prints, perfect for activewear and dri-fit.
Eco-Friendly Ink
Low-VOC and free of PVC, phthalates, and heavy metals. Naturally based.
Won't Crack or Chip
The color is dyed into the fibers, so it lasts wash after wash.
Vibrant Pantone Match
Custom-matched to any Pantone color or fabric swatch.
Soft Color on Darks
Pair with a discharge underbase to keep the soft feel on dark garments.

Flat-lay of soft soaked-in water-based-printed tees, hoodies, and sweatpants

Water-based specs

Set Your Water-Based Print Up for Success

Water-based shines on soft, breathable prints. Send your design and we match your Pantone color, mix the ink to your fabric, and triple-check every order.

Best For Soft, breathable prints on lights & activewear

Hand Feel Soaks in: no hand feel after a wash

Colors Custom Pantone or fabric-swatch match

Print Sizes Regular 15x18", Jumbo 17x26", All-Over 30x34"

Soft & lasting: water-based ink dyes the fibers for a soft, breathable print that won't crack or chip. Most vibrant on lights, with a discharge underbase to keep that soft feel on darks. For photographic detail, ask about DTG. No setup fees, screens saved for reorders.

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How it works

Step 01

Choose your product(s)

Pick your blank (water-based shines on cotton and activewear), then choose your colors, sizes, and the print locations you want for each design.

Step 02

Upload your design

Send your design and any special instructions. We match your Pantone color, your rep guides any tweaks, and you approve a proof before we print.

Step 03

Make a lasting impression

Lead the pack with soft, breathable prints your employees and customers actually want to wear.

Printing on dark garments?

We use a discharge underbase to keep that soft, no-hand-feel finish on dark cotton. Your rep will recommend the right approach and triple-check every order.

Connect with a rep

Transparent pricing

How Much Does Water-Based Printing Cost?

Water-based is priced by the number of colors, print locations, and quantity, with no setup fees and the best value at volume. It is generally comparable to plastisol; your rep builds the exact quote.

Any PMSColor match

$0Setup fees

10-14 daysStandard turnaround

No setup fees Low minimums on every project Wholesale pricing at volume Eco-friendly water-based ink

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What Can You Water-Based Print?

Water-based shines on cotton and natural-fiber lights and on activewear: tees, hoodies, sweatpants, long sleeves, and more. Soft, breathable, and built to last, made in LA.

View all products Get a quote

Products we water-based print

T-Shirts

Hoodies

Sweatpants

Long Sleeves

Crewnecks

Tank Tops

Crop Tops

Tote Bags

Zip-Ups

T-Shirts

Hoodies

Sweatpants

Long Sleeves

Crewnecks

Tank Tops

Crop Tops

Tote Bags

Zip-Ups

T-Shirts

Hoodies

Sweatpants

Long Sleeves

Crewnecks

Tank Tops

Crop Tops

Tote Bags

Zip-Ups

T-Shirts

Hoodies

Sweatpants

Long Sleeves

Crewnecks

Tank Tops

Crop Tops

Tote Bags

Zip-Ups

T-Shirts

Hoodies

Sweatpants

Long Sleeves

Crewnecks

Tank Tops

Crop Tops

Tote Bags

Zip-Ups

T-Shirts

Hoodies

Sweatpants

Long Sleeves

Crewnecks

Tank Tops

Crop Tops

Tote Bags

Zip-Ups

T-Shirts

Hoodies

Sweatpants

Long Sleeves

Crewnecks

Tank Tops

Crop Tops

Tote Bags

Zip-Ups

T-Shirts

Hoodies

Sweatpants

Long Sleeves

Crewnecks

Tank Tops

Crop Tops

Tote Bags

Zip-Ups

Why DTLA Print

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.

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.

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.

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.

Custom Water-Based Screen Printing: Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Haven't found what you are looking for? Email or contact us and we'd be happy to assist.

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, the design is usually created and edited digitally. This design 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.

How is it different from plastisol?

Water-based ink soaks into and dyes the fibers for a soft, breathable print with no hand feel, while plastisol sits on top for a bold, opaque finish. Water-based is softer, more breathable, and will not crack or chip.

Is water-based ink eco-friendly?

Yes. It is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and free of PVC, phthalates, heavy metals, Azo compounds, and Nonylphenol, made largely of naturally occurring materials.

Can you print water-based on dark garments?

Yes. We use high-solids water-based ink, or a discharge underbase that removes the garment's dye and re-colors it, so your design stays soft and breathable even on dark cotton.

Do water-based prints crack or fade?

No. Because the ink dyes the fibers instead of sitting on top, it will not crack or chip and lasts wash after wash. Just wash in line with the garment manufacturer's instructions.