Plastisol vs. Water-Based Ink
The two main screen printing inks feel and behave differently. Here is how plastisol and water-based (and discharge) inks compare on softness, durability, and cost.
5 min read · Updated July 10, 2026
When you order screen printing, one choice shapes how the final shirt feels: the ink. The two families — plastisol and water-based — both look great, but they hand you a different shirt. Here is how to pick.
Plastisol: bright, durable, forgiving
Plastisol is the classic screen printing ink. It sits on top of the fabric and cures into a durable layer of color that stays vivid on any garment color, including black. It is forgiving to print, holds fine detail, and is the most cost-effective choice for most orders.
The trade-off is feel: a heavy plastisol print has a slight “hand” — you can feel it on the shirt. For most logos and graphics that is completely normal and expected.
Water-based & discharge: soft, retail-feel
Water-based inks soak into the fibers instead of sitting on top, leaving an ultra-soft, almost print-less feel — the “vintage” hand you notice on premium retail tees. Discharge is a water-based technique that removes the garment’s dye and replaces it with ink, so even prints on dark shirts feel like part of the fabric.
Water-based printing works best on 100% cotton and is a little more involved, so it can cost a bit more — but for soft-feel retail-quality tees, nothing beats it.
How to choose
Want the most vibrant, budget-friendly print that works on any garment? Plastisol. Want a premium, barely-there soft feel on cotton tees you would sell or wear every day? Water-based or discharge.
Tell us the look you are after and the garment you have in mind, and we will recommend the ink that gets you there.
- Plastisol = bright, durable, budget-friendly, slight surface feel.
- Water-based/discharge = ultra-soft, retail hand, best on cotton.
- Both are durable when cured properly.
- The right pick depends on the feel you want and the garment.
Quick answers.
Which ink is softer?
Water-based and discharge inks are softer — they soak into the fabric for an almost print-less feel. Plastisol sits on top of the garment and has a slight surface hand.
Is water-based printing more expensive?
Sometimes slightly, because it is a bit more involved and works best on 100% cotton. For soft-hand, retail-quality tees the result is usually worth it. We will quote both if you are unsure.
Which ink lasts longer?
Both last for years when properly cured. Plastisol is especially durable and vivid on dark garments; discharge and water-based feel softest and age with a nice vintage look.
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