Water Base Screen Printing in South Florida

How It Works

Water-based screen printing pushes pigment deep into fabric fibers rather than sitting on top. The result is a print with virtually no hand feel, you see the design but can barely feel it. The ink essentially re-dyes the fabric, producing a soft, breathable finish that's become the gold standard for retail and premium branded apparel.

On Dark Garments

On dark garments, a discharge additive is used to remove the existing dye before the water-based pigment is deposited, preserving softness while maintaining color vibrancy. Discharge only works on reactive-dyed 100% cotton fabrics.

Visual Effect

Colors integrate directly into the fabric with a muted, organic tone. The aesthetic lends itself perfectly to vintage and garment-dyed styles, especially on Comfort Colors blanks. Expect less opacity than plastisol, but a far more premium, retail-quality look.

Technical Specs

• Ink Type: Water-based pigment with discharge additive for darks
• Mesh Count: 110–230
• Cure Temp: ~320°F
• Best Fabrics: 100% cotton (best), cotton blends

Pros

• No-feel print — becomes part of the fabric
• More eco-friendly than plastisol
• Retail-quality finish ideal for branded programs
• Excellent on garment-dyed fabrics
• Vintage aesthetic that improves with washing

Limitations

• Less vibrant on dark garments without discharge
• Requires discharge for dark colors (only works on reactive-dyed cotton)
• Longer dry times and more complex print process
• Not all fabrics are compatible
• Not ideal for photorealistic detail