What Is waterbase printing?
Imagine creating intricate, cool designs on your clothes, but with ink so soft it feels like magic---that's waterbase printing. Instead of using thick, plastic-like ink, it uses water-based colors that soak directly into the fabric, keeping your tees soft and comfy. It gives them that retail feel, just like a shirt you’d buy at the store.
Waterbase printing is like using a stencil. We create a design on a screen, then push the ink through the open areas to leave the design printed on the garment. Since the ink is water-based, it dries quickly and is easy to clean up. Not only that, but it’s much more environmentally friendly too. Win-win!
Great for Large Designs
Wearing a shirt with a full back design really stands out, but if it’s done with traditional plastisol inks, it’ll feel stiff and plasticky. It also won’t breathe at all, so you’ll have the delightful sensation of your shirt sticking to your back all day long.
That’s why if you’re considering a large design of around 12” by 15” or larger, we recommend the light effect of waterbase ink. Because the colors soak right into the fabric, the shirt stays breathable so you can stay comfortable throughout your day.
Ideal for Vintage Looks
Waterbase printing doesn't just feel amazing, it delivers great color. While not quite as flashy as traditional methods, these inks have a special charm. They create a more muted, vintage look that we all love, like your favorite 90s band tee that’s perfectly worn in.
Some people think that waterbase designs can’t handle as much detail as other types of printing, but actually that’s not true. The printing process itself can handle complex jobs well, so it all comes down to how complicated your design is.
Supports Sustainability
Feeling good about what you wear shouldn't just be about style, it should be about the planet too. Unlike other methods that use harsh chemicals, waterbase inks are eco-friendly and non-toxic.
Like the name says, these inks use water as their base ingredient, making them much kinder to the environment. Their color typically comes from natural binders and organic pigments that can provide a consistent, lasting color on your tees. Plus, they clean up easily with soap and water, which means not having to use strong solvents that are bad for our environment and our health.
Waterbase ink prints are cured at a lower temperature than the high heat needed for plastisol prints, saving on overall energy use in our printing shop. After all, every little step we humans take to save on energy helps combat climate change and ensures a healthier planet for everyone.
Best Fabrics for Waterbase Printing
There are a few types of tees that work perfectly with waterbase inks. You’ll get the best results if you go with a 100% cotton fabric, especially if you use a combed cotton fashion tee.
Regular cotton contains fibers of various lengths, giving it a rough or stiff feel. Combing is a process that removes the shorter fibers, leaving behind the longer, smoother strands. This results in a tee that's softer, lighter, and more durable than a regular T-shirt. They’re great for printed designs because the smooth surface provides a better canvas for printing.
While pure cotton is comfy, it can wrinkle easily or even shrink if you don’t wash it properly. If you’re worried this might happen to your new favorite tee, blended fabrics are a solid option, too. A cotton/poly blend is a really good choice for everyday wear. The cotton keeps your tee comfy and breathable, while the poly adds durability and helps it resist wrinkles.
You could also consider a tri-blend tee. These magical tees are a mix of cotton, polyester, and rayon. They're super soft and lightweight, and the unique fabric texture creates a slightly vintage look, perfect for designs with a retro vibe.
We don’t recommend waterbase printing for 100% polyester fabric. The ink can’t sink into its smooth, non-absorbent fibers, so the design ends up fading or cracking pretty quickly.
It’s simple to keep your waterbase-printed tees looking fresh and feeling fantastic, wash after wash. On laundry day, turn them inside out and wash them with cold water on a gentle cycle using a mild detergent. Avoid your dryer’s high settings---opt for low heat or air drying.
Typical Printing Cost
This type of printing can cost a bit more than traditional plastisol printing as a few extra steps are involved in the printing setup. But if that wearable, breathable, retail feel is what you’re after, you just can’t go wrong with waterbase.
It's difficult to pinpoint a single, typical cost for waterbase printed t-shirts as several factors can affect your final price. These can include:
Order quantity: Generally, the more shirts you order, the lower the cost per garment becomes. This is because set-up costs are spread across a larger quantity.
Design complexity: Simple designs with minimal colors are typically cheaper compared to intricate designs with multiple colors or gradients.
Shirt quality: Spending a bit more on a quality T-shirt upfront can save you money in the long run, as it will last longer and feel better than a cheap one that wears out too fast.
Craft Your Dream Designs
Waterbase printing is a great fit if you love good things like wearing soft tees and taking care of our planet. We can help you pick out your perfect base tee and choose the best colors for your design. It’s easy to get started (and a lot of fun, too). Reach out to our team today!