Water-Based Screen Printing — Your Logo with Soft, No-Hand-Feel Finish
Eco-friendly water-based ink soaks into the fabric instead of sitting on top — for a super-soft, breathable print you can barely feel, that won't 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.
Trusted by thousands of companies across the U.S.
What Is Water-Based Screen Printing?
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.
- Soaks in — you feel the shirt, not the print
- Soft, breathable, and built for activewear
- 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.
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.
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
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
Soft color on darks
- Removes the garment's dye
- Re-colors with a soft hand
- Water-based softness on darks
- Vintage, broken-in feel
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.
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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.
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Vibrant Pantone Match
Custom-matched to any Pantone color or fabric swatch.
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Soft Color on Darks
Pair with a discharge underbase to keep the soft feel on dark garments.
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.
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.
How This Process Works
Three simple steps from design to finished merch — and every order is triple-checked by our team before production and again before it ships.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Products we water-based print
T-Shirts 
Hoodies 
Sweatpants 
Crewnecks 
Tank Tops 
Tote Bags 
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 water-based screen printing?
It uses a mesh screen to push water-based ink into the fabric, where it soaks in and dyes the fibers for a soft, crisp, long-lasting finish. Because the ink becomes part of the fabric, the print is breathable and has no hand feel.
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.
What colors are available?
We can custom match any Pantone color or any fabric swatch, so your brand color comes out exactly right.
What level of detail can it achieve?
Water-based can achieve the same level of detail as any other ink method — it is limited only by the thickness and grain of the fabric. For photographic, full-color detail, DTG may be the better fit.
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.
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Adams Headwear
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Adidas
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Allmade
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American Apparel
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ANETIK
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Artisan Collection by Reprime
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AS Colour
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Augusta Sportswear
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Badger
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BAGedge
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Bayside
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Beimar
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Bella + Canvas
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Bogg
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Boxercraft
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Carhartt
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Carmel Towel Company
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Champion
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Colortone
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CORE365
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Columbia
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Comfort Colors
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Cotton Heritage
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DTLA Print
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Dyenomite
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Econscious
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Everybody World
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Everywhere Apparel
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Flexfit
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Fruit of the Loom
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G Fore
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Galvin Green
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Gildan
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Hanes
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Helly Hansen
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Independent Trading Co.
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Imperial
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Infinity Her
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Jaanuu
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Jerzees
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Johnnie-O
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Just Hoods By AWDis
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Kati
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Kishigo
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Knack
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Lane Seven
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Legacy
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Liberty Bags
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Linksoul
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Los Angeles Apparel
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M&O
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Marine Layer
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Mega Cap
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New Era
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Next Level
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Nike
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North Face
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Oakley
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OGIO
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OGIO Endurance
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Onna
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OTTO
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Original Favorites
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Paragon
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Patagonia
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Peter Millar
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Port & Company
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Port Authority
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Q-Tees
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Richardson
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Rabbit Skins
