Get StartedMost custom prints feel like a sticker on your chest. That's because standard plastisol ink sits on top of the fabric like a layer of plastic. Water based screen printing does the opposite — the ink soaks into the fibers, becomes part of the shirt, and feels like nothing is there at all.
At Vacord, we've been printing with water-based inks since 2008. We use them for bands, brands, restaurants, and anyone who wants a softer, more premium result. Bulk orders start at 48 pieces for single-color designs and 100 for multi-color. If you want to see what soft actually feels like, get a quote or keep reading.
A multi color process print on heather shirts for a vintage effect
Plastisol is the industry default for a reason. It's reliable, opaque, and easy to work with. But it's PVC-based, which means it sits on top of the garment and can feel stiff, especially on lightweight shirts or large prints.
Water-based ink uses water as its solvent instead of plastic. It dyes the fabric rather than coating it. The result is a print that breathes, moves, and ages better.
Here's the quick breakdown:
Feel: Water-based wins. Softer, lighter, no plastic feel.
Durability: Both last for years when cured properly. Water-based actually gets softer over time instead of cracking.
Eco-friendliness: Water-based contains no PVC or phthalates. Less plastic, less environmental impact.
Best fabrics: Water-based works best on cotton and cotton blends. Plastisol is more forgiving on polyester and performance fabrics.
We print with both ink types and are not here to trash plastisol, as it definitely has its place. But if softness matters to you, water-based is the clear choice.
Punk Rock White on a Black Triblend shirt
This was a 2 color print, black ink and straight discharge ink on an orange 50/50 blend. Because it only partially discharged, it came out as a textured yellow print with the black as a trim color.
Not all water-based ink is the same. We use two main categories depending on your garment and design.
Standard Water-Based Inks: These are ideal for light-colored garments and cotton blends. The ink absorbs directly into the fabric, giving you vibrant color with a super-soft hand. If you want a clean print on a white or heather shirt that doesn't feel like a billboard, this is what we reach for.
Discharge Inks: This is the premium option for dark garments. Discharge printing removes the shirt's original dye and replaces it with pigment, leaving zero hand feel. You get the softest possible result on dark cotton shirts, no underbase, no thick layer, just the fabric and the design.
For dark shirts, discharge printing is the best water-based option we offer.
Softer, more breathable prints - The ink becomes part of the fabric instead of sitting on top of it.
No PVC or phthalates - A cleaner option if eco-friendliness matters to your brand.
Long-lasting when cured properly - We cure water-based ink at the right temperature so it lasts ten years, not ten washes.
Great for vintage or faded looks - Water-based naturally integrates with the fabric, making it perfect for worn-in, retro styles.
This is just a 1 color print, but the fact that it's on a black heather shirt makes everything more interesting than yellow on a standard solid black shirt.
Both the white and the red ink in this print have some distressing to make it look vintage and to give it a 70s feel.
Water-based printing isn't the right call for every job. Here's how to know if it fits yours:
Fabric: 100% cotton is best, especially for discharge. Standard water-based can work on some cotton blends. Polyester and performance fabrics are not ideal.
Garment color: Light colors work great with standard water-based. Dark colors need discharge to avoid a thick underbase.
Minimums: 48 shirts.
Turnaround: Production is roughly two weeks. Rush jobs may be available, but we focus on getting it right.
If you are unsure what ink type fits your design, talk to us and we'll steer you in the right direction.
We don't just swap ink and hope for the best. Water-based printing demands tighter process control than plastisol.
We select mesh counts specifically for water-based viscosity, maintain proper curing temperatures to lock the ink into the fibers, and run quality checks before your order hits the dryer. The goal is a print that outlasts the shirt.
We've been doing this since 2006. We know how to cure water-based ink so it lasts.
As for pricing, water-based screen printing costs the same as standard plastisol at Vacord. We don't charge extra for a better product, we just think it's the right way to print.
Discharge printing is also priced the same as our standard rates. See full details on our screen printing prices page.
Red ink on red heather shirts presents an interesting monochromatic effect while still having plenty of contrast.
Is water-based screen printing more eco-friendly?
Yes. Water-based inks do not contain PVC or phthalates, which means less plastic and fewer harmful chemicals. If sustainability is part of your brand story, water-based is the better choice.
Does water-based ink last as long as plastisol?
Absolutely, when it is cured properly. The key is temperature and time. We cure water-based prints thoroughly so the bond is permanent. In many cases, water-based outlasts plastisol because it never cracks or peels.
Can you print water-based on dark shirts?
Yes, but dark garments require discharge printing. Discharge removes the shirt's dye and replaces it with pigment, so you get a soft, breathable print without the thick underbase that plastisol needs. Learn more about discharge printing.
What fabrics work best with water-based ink?
100% cotton is ideal, especially for discharge. Standard water-based can work on cotton blends, and we dischage blend fabrics all the time. We do not recommend water-based for polyester or performance fabrics, plastisol is the better choice there. Just get in touch with us and we can guide you with ink and apparel choices.
Vacord focuses on quality results for your custom shirt needs
If you are tired of prints that feel like plastic and want something your customers will actually want to wear, get in touch or submit a quote request below.
Start a conversation. Let us know what questions you may have, or what your project would be like.
Not sure of all your details? That’s fine. We can figure things out together and give you advice on how to get the best results for your specific needs.
Use this contact form or email us at info@vacord.com.
We look forward to working with you.
We'll review your info and figure out prices and best approaches for your specific needs
We'll email you back within a business day with answers or pricing
We work with you to discuss the best approach for your order
When you're ready to go, we'll invoice you and start the printing! (two week turnaround is standard)
