Screen Print Soft Hand Base Plastisol Ink | Soft Hand Base for Plastisol Inks
What Is Soft Hand Base in Plastisol Screen Printing?
Soft hand base plastisol is a specialty ink additive or pre-blended base designed to reduce the thickness and stiffness of standard plastisol prints. It’s widely used in fashion and retail screen printing to create a breathable, lightweight feel on cotton, tri-blends, and ring-spun garments. In states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and New Jersey, where seasonal apparel and boutique printing dominate, soft hand bases are key to producing garments customers love to wear.
Why Use a Soft Hand Base for Plastisol Ink?
Soft hand base for plastisol ink is essential for reducing ink buildup while maintaining stretch, color clarity, and wash durability. Unlike water-based or discharge systems, soft hand plastisol prints can be produced on standard equipment without risk of drying in screens or requiring specialized curing units. This makes it ideal for shops in Vermont or New Jersey looking to balance speed, softness, and ink control.
How to Mix Soft Hand Base with Plastisol Ink
Begin by adding 30% to 50% soft hand base by weight to your existing plastisol ink. Mix thoroughly to ensure even consistency. The more base added, the lighter the print will feel—though this may reduce opacity. Some printers in New Hampshire blend soft hand base with high-opacity whites or fashion soft inks to maintain coverage while achieving a retail-soft touch. Stir slowly with a spatula or use an ink mixer for batch consistency before printing.
Mesh Count and Stencil Tips
High mesh counts (230–305) are preferred when printing soft hand base plastisol. These screens restrict the ink deposit, keeping the print thin and smooth. Emulsion should be applied in thin coats, and stencil thickness should match your print needs—thinner for triblends or lighter garments. Shops in Vermont using water-based alternatives often switch to soft hand plastisol for better production control without sacrificing the feel of the final print.
Squeegee Pressure and Curing Settings
Use light squeegee pressure to avoid pushing too much ink into the garment. Let the mesh and flood stroke control the deposit. Flash curing isn’t required unless layering multiple colors. Final cure temp should remain around 320°F, with lower dwell times to preserve ink softness. Print shops across New Jersey often use conveyor dryers with adjustable zones to control soft hand base curing, ensuring prints don’t overbake and lose their soft texture.
Soft Hand Prints vs Standard Plastisol
Standard plastisol prints can feel thick or rubbery, especially when using heavy white inks or underbases. Soft hand plastisol base ink delivers a thinner, smoother texture that mimics water-based aesthetics while maintaining plastisol’s durability. For fashion lines and private label clients in New Hampshire and New Jersey, this is a game-changer. It allows screen printers to offer high-end garment finishes without changing equipment or production flow.
Can You Use Soft Hand Base on Dark Garments?
Yes, but results may vary. On dark garments, soft hand base should be used with either a discharge underbase (if your shop is set up for it) or a minimal white underbase using high mesh and thin deposit. This keeps the print light while maintaining opacity. In Vermont and New Hampshire, where apparel layers matter during seasonal shifts, printers use this method to keep hoodies and fleece items breathable and flexible without sacrificing contrast.
Retail Applications for Soft Hand Plastisol Prints
Soft hand base is ideal for fashion tees, eco-conscious apparel, boutique merch, and youth wear. In New Jersey's urban market and Vermont’s outdoor lifestyle scene, customers demand breathable, soft prints that feel like part of the fabric. Soft hand plastisol delivers the comfort of water-based prints without sacrificing color brightness or equipment compatibility.
Pairing Soft Hand Base with Additives
Soft hand base can be combined with stretch additive, puff base, or even shimmer base to produce hybrid effects. This versatility allows printers to offer custom finishes for each brand or collection. In New Hampshire, where print studios handle multiple garment styles and blends, soft hand base becomes a flexible solution across every SKU.
Supplying New England with Reliable Soft Hand Ink Solutions
Whether you're screen printing in Manchester, Montpelier, or Newark, Buckets of Ink supplies premium soft hand base for plastisol ink. Our inventory includes base-ready formulas, pigment-compatible bases, and full tech support for screen setup, mesh selection, and drying tips. We ship fast to New Hampshire, Vermont, and New Jersey to keep your shop running smoothly.
Start Printing Softer with Plastisol
Upgrade your prints with soft hand base plastisol and give your customers the feel they expect from premium brands. From custom orders to full production runs, Buckets of Ink has the tools, additives, and training you need to succeed. Explore our soft base options today and bring smooth, wearable ink to your shop in New England.
