GUIDE – NEW ZEALAND
Water-based vs plastisol screen printing: how to choose.
We print with both inks. Here is how they differ, so you can pick the right one for your garment and artwork.
Quick answer
Both are quality screen printing inks, and we print with both. Water-based ink soaks into the fabric for a soft, breathable feel and suits light-coloured, natural-fibre garments. Plastisol sits on top of the fabric for bright, opaque colour and sharp detail, and suits dark garments, blends and speciality effects. The right choice depends on your garment, your artwork and the look you want.
How water-based ink works
Water-based inks use water as the main carrier. The ink is absorbed into the fibres rather than sitting on top, so the print becomes part of the fabric.
- A very soft feel, even on large prints
- Breathable, which suits big designs on summer tees
- A natural, slightly vintage look that many fashion and lifestyle brands want
- Works especially well on 100% cotton and organic cotton in light and natural colours
Things to know: on dark garments, water-based prints need a white underbase or a discharge process to look bright, and that can change the feel. It needs natural fibres to absorb into, so it is less suited to polyester.
How plastisol ink works
Plastisol is a PVC-based ink that stays wet until it is heat-cured. It sits on the surface of the fabric rather than soaking in.
- Bright, opaque colour, especially on dark garments
- Crisp edges and fine detail
- Consistent colour across long runs
- Prints on cotton, blends and many synthetics (with low-bleed inks for polyester)
- The base for many speciality finishes, such as puff and metallic effects
- Very durable when printed and cured correctly
Things to know: plastisol has a slightly heavier feel, which is most noticeable on large solid areas, and the print should not be ironed directly.
Which should you choose?
- Light or natural-colour cotton tees with large, soft prints: usually water-based
- Dark garments with bright, solid colours: often plastisol
- Polyester, blends and sportswear: usually plastisol, or a transfer
- Fine detail or small text: either can work, and we will advise
- Brand or certification requirements: tell us, and we will recommend inks that meet them. We offer GOTS-approved ink options for projects that need them.
How we choose with you
Tell us the garment, colour, artwork and the feel you want. We recommend the ink in your quote and show the result on your free mockup before anything is printed. New Zealand orders are produced with our accredited Auckland production partner. See our screen printing service for more.
Questions
Which is more durable, water-based or plastisol?
Both are durable when they are printed and cured correctly. Plastisol is known for long-lasting, bright colour. Water-based prints can soften further with washing, which many brands like for a worn-in look.
Can you print water-based ink on dark shirts?
Yes, usually with a white underbase or a discharge process so the colours stay bright. It depends on the garment and design, and we confirm what is possible in your quote.
Do you print both water-based and plastisol?
Yes. We print with both, so we recommend the ink that suits your garment and artwork rather than using one method for everything.
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OCC APPAREL – NEW ZEALAND
Work with us – get a free quote.
Please complete the form and give as much detail as you can. Attach one artwork file to give us an idea of your design; once we’re in touch we’ll send instructions for the rest.
We print and ship nationwide, quotes are free and no-obligation, and every order gets a professional mockup before production.