The Ultimate Guide to Water Based Ink for Screen Printing

Water based ink has become a game-changer in the screen printing industry, offering a soft-hand feel, eco-friendly properties, and vibrant colors for high-quality prints. Unlike traditional plastisol ink, which sits on top of the fabric, water based inks penetrate the fibers, creating a lightweight, breathable, and long-lasting print. Whether you're a beginner or a professional screen printer, understanding the benefits, applications, and techniques of water based screen printing will help you achieve top-tier results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about water based ink, including formulation, curing, mixing, and selecting the best products for your needs.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Water Based Ink and How Does It Work?
2. Water Based Ink vs. Plastisol Ink – Which Is Better?
3. Why Screen Printers Are Switching to Water Based Inks
4. Understanding the Formulation of Water Based Inks
5. How to Cure Water Based Ink for Long-Lasting Prints
6. Mixing Water Based Ink for Optimal Consistency
7. Choosing the Right Mesh Count for Water Based Screen Printing
8. How to Print on Dark Garments with Water Based Ink
9. The Best Water Based Ink for Screen Printing – Popular Products
10. Tips for Getting the Best Results with Water Based Ink

What Is Water Based Ink and How Does It Work?

Water based inks are defined as inks that use water as the main solvent for carrying pigment instead of PVC or oil-based compounds. This makes them an environmentally friendly alternative to plastisol inks. The key advantage of water based ink is its ability to soak into the fibers of the fabric, creating a soft and flexible print that moves with the garment. Unlike plastisol, which requires an underbase on dark fabrics, certain water based inks can achieve high opacity with the right techniques.

The curing process for water based inks relies on evaporation, as the water must be completely removed for the ink to bond to the fabric. Proper drying techniques ensure a wash-resistant and durable print.

Water Based Ink vs. Plastisol Ink – Which Is Better?

Both water based ink and plastisol ink have their strengths and weaknesses. Plastisol ink is favored for its easy-to-use nature, thick consistency, and ability to sit on top of the fabric, making it ideal for opaque prints on dark garments. However, printing with plastisol inks requires high temperatures for curing, and the ink contains PVC, making it less environmentally friendly.

On the other hand, water based inks offer a soft-hand feel, are considered better for the environment, and provide vibrant colors with a more natural look. The main challenge is that water based ink can dry in the screen, requiring printers to work efficiently or use additives to extend drying time.

Why Screen Printers Are Switching to Water Based Inks

The screen printing industry is experiencing a shift toward water based inks due to their eco-friendly properties and superior soft-hand finish. Many manufacturers are now producing high-quality water based inks with ready-to-use formulations that make them more accessible to screen printers.

Another reason for their rising popularity is the rise of direct-to-film (DTF) printing, which has introduced hybrid ink systems that combine water based ink properties with digital flexibility.

Understanding the Formulation of Water Based Inks

The formulation of water based ink consists of pigments, binders, and water as the main solvent. Some formulations also include acrylic compounds to enhance adhesion and durability.

There are several types of water based inks available, including:

• Standard Water Based Ink – Ideal for light-colored fabrics, providing a soft hand feel.
• Discharge Water Based Ink – Removes the dye from dark garments, replacing it with new pigment for a vibrant print.
• Hybrid Water Based Ink – A mix of water based and plastisol properties for increased opacity.

Each formulation requires a curing process that ensures the ink bonds to the fabric permanently.

How to Cure Water Based Ink for Long-Lasting Prints

The curing process is crucial for ensuring water based screen printing results in durable and wash-resistant prints. Unlike plastisol ink, which requires heat to melt the ink onto the garment, water based ink must undergo complete evaporation to cure properly.

Best Curing Techniques:

1. Heat Press – Using a heat press at 320°F for 1-2 minutes ensures proper curing.
2. Conveyor Dryer – Ideal for high-production shops, providing even heating for consistent results.
3. Flash Dryer – Can be used for spot curing but may require additional passes for full curing.

If the ink is not cured properly, it will wash out after the first few cycles.

Mixing Water Based Ink for Optimal Consistency

Achieving the right consistency is essential for smooth application and high-quality prints. Some water based inks come ready for use, while others require mixing with binders, pigments, or retarders to prevent premature drying.

To mix ink properly:

• Stir well before use to evenly distribute pigments.
• Use additives to slow down drying time.
• Test on scrap fabric before printing to ensure smooth application.

Choosing the Right Mesh Count for Water Based Screen Printing

Choosing the correct mesh count is essential when printing with water based ink. Since the ink is thinner than plastisol, using too high a mesh can restrict ink flow, while too low a mesh can cause excessive ink deposit.

Recommended Mesh Counts:

• 110–156 – Best for general-purpose printing on cotton and blends.
• 160–200 – Ideal for finer details and smoother prints on light garments.
• 230+ – Used for discharge inks or extremely detailed prints.

Always ensure the screen is properly tensioned and degreased to avoid print issues.

How to Print on Dark Garments with Water Based Ink

Printing on dark fabrics with water based ink can be challenging, but using the right techniques makes it possible to achieve vibrant, high-opacity prints.

Tips for Success:

• Use Discharge Ink – Removes the original dye from the garment and replaces it with pigment.
• Pre-wash Garments – To remove sizing and improve ink absorption.
• Increase Ink Deposit – Use a lower mesh count or a thicker stencil.
• Double Stroke or Flash – Apply a second pass or flash cure between layers.

Note: Discharge ink works best on 100% cotton and reacts differently with synthetic blends.

The Best Water Based Ink for Screen Printing – Popular Products

There are many water based ink options on the market, ranging from professional-grade to beginner-friendly. Here are some of the most recommended products:

• Permaset Aqua – Known for vibrant colors, high wash resistance, and eco-certifications.
• Speedball Fabric Ink – Ideal for beginners; comes in many colors and requires heat setting.
• Matsui 301 Series – Industry-standard water based ink system used by professionals.
• Union Ink Mixopake – Hybrid formulation offering good opacity on dark fabrics.

When choosing an ink, consider the fabric type, print style, and production volume.

Tips for Getting the Best Results with Water Based Ink

To master water based screen printing, follow these expert tips for cleaner prints, longer stencil life, and fewer production issues:

• Keep Screens Moist – Use a spray bottle or screen retarder to prevent ink drying in the mesh.
• Use High-Quality Emulsion – Choose emulsions that are resistant to water based inks and ensure full exposure.
• Maintain Proper Humidity – Especially in dry environments, to slow ink evaporation.
• Test Cure Regularly – Use a stretch test or wash test to confirm ink is fully cured.
• Clean Screens Promptly – Dried water based ink can be hard to reclaim if left for too long.

Practice, patience, and proper technique will yield professional-level prints with water based ink.

Conclusion

Water based ink for screen printing offers an eco-friendly, soft, and vibrant alternative to traditional inks. While it may have a steeper learning curve than plastisol, the results are worth the effort for printers focused on quality, sustainability, and fashion-forward printing. With the right tools, products, and techniques, you can produce stunning prints that look and feel incredible.

Whether you're printing on light fabrics or experimenting with discharge ink on dark garments, understanding water based ink technology will elevate your screen printing game.