Why we only use water-based inks for screen printing
A great printed T-shirt should look good, feel good, and be made as environmentally friendly as possible.
At Double Threat Prints in Margate, we only use water-based inks for our screen printing. We prefer them over plastisol because they offer a softer finish and align with our environmental priorities.
As a small company, we have direct control over how we work. From choosing inks and garments to minimising water use and offering local delivery, we can make considered decisions at each stage.
What are water-based screen printing inks?
Water-based inks use water as the main carrier for pigments and binders. They can soak into the fabric and create a soft finish, though the feel varies with the ink, garment, and coverage.
After printing, the ink is cured with a heat press to bind the ink to the garment for longevity.
Why we choose water-based inks over plastisol
Plastisol is another popular screen printing ink, valued for its strong colour, durability and ease of use. However, conventional formulations use PVC resin and plasticisers, and cleaning often involves solvent-based products. Those material and cleanup considerations are a key reason we prefer water-based printing.
Plastisol generally forms a layer around and on top of the fibres rather than soaking into them. This can give the print a thicker, more raised, plastic-like appearance, particularly across large solid designs. When properly cured, it still adheres to the garment, but the finish differs from the softer feel we aim for.
Water-based inks offer the balance we want: bold artwork, comfortable garments, and the opportunity to reduce reliance on the materials and cleaning solvents associated with conventional plastisol printing.
Environmental choices beyond the ink
As a small, hands-on print studio, we can pay close attention to the resources each job uses.
We keep water usage to the minimum needed for effective screen cleaning and preparation. Water is still a resource, even when the ink itself is water-based, so careful use matters.
We also offer local delivery in Margate, giving nearby customers an alternative to sending their orders through a wider courier network. Keeping printing close to the people and businesses we work with helps us build a more local approach to making and supplying merch.
Water-based printing still needs energy for curing and responsible handling of ink waste. Our aim is to keep improving the whole process, with practical choices we can control.
More sustainable garments, too
The garment itself is just as important as the print.
We use EarthPositive garments as standard unless customers request otherwise, choosing their organic cotton range as part of our commitment to more sustainable and ethically sourced clothing.
We’ve also worked with No Sweat, whose approach supports garment workers and trade unions.
Choosing a good-quality garment provides a better starting point for merchandise that people will enjoy wearing again and again.
Made for repeat wear
One of the most useful things we can do is make garments people want to keep.
Properly cured water-based prints have excellent wash resistance and can soften with wear. Depending on the artwork and fabric, that gradual ageing can give your shirt the relaxed, lived-in character of a cool vintage tee.
We love the idea of your merch becoming someone’s favourite shirt: comfortable, full of personality and worn well beyond its first event or launch.
Let’s make something worth keeping
For us, choosing water-based inks is part of a wider approach: thoughtful materials, careful resource use, local relationships and garments made for repeat wear.
Whether you’re creating merchandise for a small business, club, creative project, or good cause, we’ll help you find the right garments and print approach.
Request a quote from Double Threat Prints and tell us what you’re making.
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