Plastisol Inks Base Additives | Best Plastisol Soft Hand Base

What Are Plastisol Inks Base Additives?

Plastisol inks base additives are specialty agents used to modify standard plastisol ink properties. The most popular use is to create a soft hand feel—giving prints a smooth, lightweight touch instead of a thick or rubbery one. For printers in South Dakota, North Dakota, Idaho, and Montana, achieving a soft hand is critical for high-end retail apparel, athleticwear, and fashion-forward designs.

What Is the Best Plastisol Soft Hand Base?

The best plastisol soft hand base blends easily into white or colored plastisol inks and reduces tackiness without sacrificing opacity. Buckets of Ink offers professional soft hand bases that preserve color saturation while allowing high mesh counts and thin deposits. Our bases are designed for easy mixing, smooth print flow, and exceptional comfort on cotton and poly-blend fabrics.

How Do You Use a Soft Hand Base with Plastisol Ink?

To use a soft hand base, mix 30% to 50% base by weight into your plastisol ink. Adjust percentages based on your opacity and hand-feel preferences. The more base you add, the softer the result. Be sure to mix thoroughly for even consistency and printability. For even softer effects, you can mix base additives with a high mesh screen (200+), apply lower squeegee pressure, and cure at lower dwell times. Always test before full production runs to balance print clarity with softness.

How to Create a Soft Hand Print with Plastisol Inks?

Creating a soft hand print means controlling ink thickness, pressure, and cure. Here’s how professionals in Idaho and Montana do it:

- Use soft hand base additives for a lighter ink body

- Print through higher mesh counts like 200–305

- Apply minimal squeegee pressure to avoid thick deposits

- Use a low-tension screen with reduced off-contact

- Cure at 320°F with minimal dwell to preserve ink texture

This approach delivers breathable, flexible prints ideal for fashion garments, retail merchandise, and eco-conscious brands.

What makes a plastisol print feel softer?

Plastisol prints feel softer when the ink film is thinner, smoother, and properly fused to the fabric. Using soft hand base additives and higher mesh screens are the two most effective strategies. A low-profile stencil and light print stroke also contribute to a smoother finish.

Can I mix a soft hand base with any plastisol ink?

Yes. Most soft hand bases are compatible with standard plastisol inks. However, avoid using them in high-opacity inks unless reduced coverage is acceptable. Buckets of Ink offers soft hand bases that work with white, color, and RFU ink systems with consistent results.

Do soft hand bases reduce opacity?

Yes, they can reduce opacity, especially in lighter prints. To compensate, use underbases, adjust artwork colors, or double stroke selectively. Printers in North Dakota often use soft hand bases in mid-layer or tonal designs where opacity isn’t the top priority.

What mesh is best for soft hand plastisol prints?

Mesh counts between 200–305 are ideal. These fine meshes allow thinner ink deposits and improve surface smoothness. Screen printers in South Dakota prefer 230 mesh for white soft prints and 280 for tonal designs on dark tees. Proper stencil coating is also crucial for clean results.

How do you cure soft hand plastisol without overheating?

Use a conveyor dryer with adjustable belt speed and heat zones. Aim for 320°F on the garment surface and avoid excessive dwell time. Over-curing hardens the ink film and negates the soft hand effect. Infrared heat guns can verify surface temperature across the entire print area.

Soft Hand vs Standard Plastisol Prints

Standard plastisol inks feel thick and rubbery on fabric—especially on dark underbases. Soft hand prints, on the other hand, blend into the textile for a premium feel. The difference is not just comfort—it’s commercial appeal. Retail brands, fashion decorators, and athletic garment printers across Idaho and Montana are switching to soft hand printing to meet market demand for lighter, wearable prints that retain design quality.

Soft Hand Printing on Blends and Triblends

Plastisol soft hand bases perform especially well on triblends and ring-spun cotton. These fabrics are naturally smoother, which enhances the ink’s feel. In North Dakota and Montana, decorators working with boutique brands and custom print shops often pair soft hand base with discharge underbases or use it in conjunction with fashion soft inks for ultimate wearability and print clarity.

Soft Touch Results Without Compromise

Soft hand printing doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. With the right plastisol base additives, proper mesh, and dryer setup, you can achieve industry-leading prints with a luxurious feel. At Buckets of Ink, we supply top-performing soft hand bases trusted by printers across the Northwest and Midwest. Every additive we offer is field-tested for wash durability, print clarity, and production efficiency.

Start Printing with a Softer Touch

If you're screen printing in South Dakota, North Dakota, Idaho, or Montana, Buckets of Ink has everything you need to create soft hand plastisol prints that stand out. Our tech team is ready to help you choose the right base, build your stencil, and fine-tune your dryer settings. Explore the best plastisol soft hand base options and transform your print shop’s results today.