Matsui Soft-Tex Clear 350 | Polyurethane Rubber-Binder Water-Based Clear Undercoating for Extreme-Stretch Silicone-Like Prints on Performance Fabrics — Enhances Texture & Flexibility Under Soft-Tex White 350
Matsui
Matsui Soft-Tex Clear 350 (WS0540) is a polyurethane (rubber binder) water-based clear designed as the undercoating foundation in the Matsui 350 Series extreme-stretch system. Print Soft-Tex Clear 350 as the first layer before Soft-Tex White 350 to enhance the texture, flexibility, and silicone-like surface quality of the finished print — the clear undercoating creates a rubber-elastic foundation that improves how every subsequent layer performs on extreme-stretch garments. Also prints standalone as a clear silicone-surface coat for tone-on-tone effects on colored performance fabrics. Part of the Matsui 350 Series polyurethane system — a completely different binder chemistry from the acrylic 301 Series. Prints through mesh at 110-160/inch. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Uses Fixer V (2-3%) for wash fastness — NOT Fixer WF-N. The 350 Series polyurethane chemistry requires its own dedicated fixer. Requires zero viscosity modifications. Cures at 320°F (160°C). PVC-free. Environmentally safe.
Price range: $129.99 through $5,399.99
Description
Matsui Soft-Tex Clear 350 — The Invisible Foundation Layer
Every premium screen print on extreme-stretch fabric starts with what you cannot see.
Soft-Tex Clear 350 is the clear undercoating layer in the Matsui 350 Series polyurethane system. It prints first. It cures first. It becomes the invisible foundation that every layer above it benefits from. When Soft-Tex White 350 prints on top of the Clear 350 undercoating, the white is smoother, more elastic, more refined, and has a more pronounced silicone-like surface quality than White 350 printed directly on fabric.
The reason is simple: the clear polyurethane undercoating creates a rubber-elastic bridge between the fabric fibers and the white ink layer. Fabric surfaces are textured, uneven, and absorbent. Without a foundation layer, ink is pulled unevenly into the fibers. Clear 350 fills and seals the fabric surface, creating a uniform elastic foundation so the white deposits evenly, stays on the surface, and cures into a smoother silicone-like finish.
This works the same way primer works before paint. Paint always looks better on a primed surface than raw drywall. Soft-Tex Clear 350 is the primer for the 350 Series system.
⚠️ CRITICAL: This Is NOT an Acrylic Base — Polyurethane Chemistry = Different Rules
Soft-Tex Clear 350 is part of the 350 Series polyurethane (rubber binder) system. This is completely different chemistry from acrylic Matsui products such as 301C, 301M, Stretch Clear, EasyPrint Clear, Soft Stretch Clear, Acrylicon, Simple Clear, and Extender Base.
The most important rule: the 350 Series uses Fixer V at 2–3% for wash fastness — NOT Fixer WF-N.
Fixer WF-N is designed for acrylic binder systems. It does not work with polyurethane. The 350 Series requires Fixer V, which is formulated specifically for polyurethane binder chemistry.
Do NOT use Fixer WF-N with Soft-Tex Clear 350 or any 350 Series product.
The following additives are compatible with the 350 Series:
- Retarder MG (1–5%)
- Thickener B (0.25–1%)
- RV Additive (1–3%)
This warning appears repeatedly because using the wrong fixer is the most common mistake printers make with the 350 Series.
Three Modes — Undercoating, Standalone Clear, Color Mixing
Mode 1: Clear Undercoating for Soft-Tex White 350 (Primary Use)
This is the primary purpose of Soft-Tex Clear 350. Print the clear first, flash it, then print Soft-Tex White 350 on top. The clear layer enhances the texture, elasticity, and silicone-like surface feel of the white.
Matsui specifically recommends this workflow: “For enhanced texture and flexibility, use Clear 350 as an undercoating before applying Soft-Tex White 350.”
Mode 2: Standalone Clear for Tone-on-Tone Silicone Surface
Soft-Tex Clear 350 can also be printed by itself on colored performance garments to create a tone-on-tone silicone-surface effect. The clear layer changes the sheen and creates a tactile silicone-like feel that can be felt even when it is visually subtle.
Mode 3: Clear Mixing Base for Extreme-Stretch Colors
Soft-Tex Clear 350 can be mixed with Matsui Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments to produce extreme-stretch custom colors with a silicone-like surface and rubber-like elasticity.
The same Neo pigment system used with acrylic bases works with the 350 Series. The same colors, mixing ratios, and Matsui Color Mixer formulas apply.
For high-volume color mixing, also see Soft-Tex Base 350.
Soft-Tex Clear 350 vs. Soft-Tex Base 350 — Undercoating vs. Mixing Base
| Spec | Soft-Tex Clear 350 | Soft-Tex Base 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Clear undercoating — foundation layer before White 350 | Mixing base for Neo Pigment custom colors |
| What You Print | Printed before other 350 Series layers | Printed as the color layer |
| What Goes On Top | Soft-Tex White 350 and color layers | Nothing — it is the color layer |
| Why You Use It | Enhances texture, flexibility, and silicone-like feel | Creates extreme-stretch custom colors |
| Think of It As | The primer before the paint | The paint itself |
| ⚠️ Fixer | Both use Fixer V (2–3%) — NOT Fixer WF-N | |
Soft-Tex Clear 350 vs. Acrylic Clear Bases
| Spec | Soft-Tex Clear 350 | Acrylic Clears (301C, Stretch, EasyPrint, etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Binder Chemistry | Polyurethane (rubber binder) | Acrylic binder |
| Stretch | Maximum rubber-like elasticity | Excellent but lower stretch ceiling |
| Surface Feel | Silicone-like surface | Matte or satin depending on base |
| Wash Fastness Additive | Fixer V | Fixer WF-N |
| Best For | Extreme-stretch fabrics | Standard stretch garments |
The Premium 350 Series Print Sequence
Recommended workflow for extreme-stretch polyester garments:
Step 1: Print Under Base Blocker 350 → flash
Step 2: Print Soft-Tex Clear 350 → flash
Step 3: Print Soft-Tex White 350 → flash
Step 4: Print Soft-Tex Base 350 + Neo Pigments
Step 5: Cure at 320°F (160°C)
All 350 Series layers require Fixer V (2–3%).
Recommended Additives for Soft-Tex Clear 350
| Additive | Dosage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Retarder MG | 1–5% | Extends open time |
| Fixer V | 2–3% | Required wash fastness crosslinker |
| Thickener B | 0.25–1% | Increase viscosity |
| RV Additive | 1–3% | Reduce viscosity |
Browse the complete Matsui additive collection here.
Key Features
- Polyurethane clear undercoating for the 350 Series system
- Enhances texture, flexibility, and silicone-like feel of Soft-Tex White 350
- Maximum stretch for compression garments and extreme-stretch fabrics
- Silicone-like surface finish with rubber-like elasticity
- Standalone tone-on-tone clear effect capability
- Compatible with Neo Pigments for extreme-stretch color mixing
- Uses Fixer V (2–3%) — NOT Fixer WF-N
- Ready to print from the container
- Can be ironed after curing
- PVC-free and environmentally safe
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Matsui Soft-Tex Clear 350 |
| Product Code | WS0540 |
| Type | Polyurethane (rubber binder) water-based clear — undercoating foundation layer for the 350 Series extreme-stretch system |
| Binder Chemistry | POLYURETHANE (rubber binder) — NOT acrylic. Different from all 301 Series and Stretch Series products. |
| Primary Function | Clear undercoating before Soft-Tex White 350 — enhances texture, flexibility, and silicone surface quality |
| Additional Functions | Standalone clear silicone-surface coat for tone-on-tone. Mixing base with Neo Pigments for extreme-stretch colors. |
| Surface Feel | Silicone-like — smooth, rubbery, premium tactile feel |
| Elasticity | Maximum — rubber-band-like stretch and rebound. Built for extreme-stretch garments. |
| Recommended Mesh Count | 110-160/inch |
| Cure Temperature | 320°F (160°C) |
| Primary Substrates | Extreme-stretch performance fabrics — compression, four-way stretch, technical base layers, Dri-Fit, athletic wear |
| Polyester | Compatible with Under Base Blocker 350 on dark polyester |
| 350 Series System | Soft-Tex Clear 350 (undercoating) + Soft-Tex White 350 (white) + Soft-Tex Base 350 (mixing base) + Soft-Tex Overprint 680 (top coat) |
| ⚠️ Wash Fastness Additive | Fixer V (2-3%) — NOT Fixer WF-N. NOT Quick Additive. |
| Other Additives | Retarder MG (1-5%), Thickener B (0.25-1%), RV Additive (1-3%) |
| Viscosity Modifications | None required — prints from the container |
| Ironing | Safe for ironing |
| Formulation | PVC-free, environmentally safe |
| Storage | 65°F to 95°F (18°C to 35°C). Avoid direct sunlight. |
| Cleanup | Water and mild soap or detergent |
| Available Sizes | Quart, Gallon |
Benefits at a Glance
- Polyurethane clear undercoating — the invisible foundation that enhances texture, flexibility, and silicone surface quality of all 350 Series layers above
- Specifically recommended as undercoating before Soft-Tex White 350 by Matsui
- Maximum elasticity — polyurethane rubber binder for extreme-stretch garments (compression, four-way stretch, technical base layers)
- Silicone-like surface feel — smooth, rubbery, premium tactile quality
- Standalone tone-on-tone clear for silicone-surface effects on colored performance fabrics
- Also functions as a mixing base with Neo Pigments for extreme-stretch custom colors
- Part of the complete 350 Series: Clear 350 + White 350 + Base 350 + Overprint 680
- ⚠️ Uses Fixer V (2-3%) — NOT Fixer WF-N, NOT Quick Additive
- Zero viscosity modifications — prints from the container
- Can be ironed
- PVC-free and environmentally safe
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between Soft-Tex Clear 350 and Soft-Tex Base 350?
Both are the same WS0540 polyurethane product. The clear positioning focuses on its role as a clear undercoating — the foundation layer printed before Soft-Tex White 350 to enhance texture and flexibility. The base positioning focuses on its role as a mixing base — the carrier you mix with Neo Pigments for extreme-stretch custom colors. Clear is the primer. Base is the paint.
Why should I print Clear 350 under White 350 instead of printing White 350 directly?
The clear polyurethane undercoating fills and seals the fabric surface, creating a uniform, elastic, non-absorbent foundation. White 350 printed on top of it deposits more evenly, stays on the surface better, and cures into a smoother, more consistent silicone-like finish. Matsui specifically recommends this workflow for enhanced texture and flexibility.
Why can’t I use an acrylic clear base like Stretch Clear 301 as the undercoating instead?
It comes down to chemistry. The 350 Series is polyurethane and delivers more elasticity than acrylic on extreme-stretch garments. Using an acrylic undercoating under a polyurethane white creates a mixed-chemistry system where the layers may behave differently under stretch. For best results, keep the entire print stack within the same 350 Series polyurethane system.
What fixer do I use with Soft-Tex Clear 350?
Use Fixer V at 2–3%. Do not use Fixer WF-N. Do not use Quick Additive, because it contains Fixer WF-N. The 350 Series polyurethane binder requires its own dedicated crosslinker, and that crosslinker is Fixer V.
Can I use Quick Additive with the 350 Series?
No. Quick Additive contains Fixer WF-N, which is not compatible with 350 Series polyurethane chemistry. Use Retarder MG and Fixer V as separate additives instead.
What is the full 350 Series print sequence on dark poly?
Under Base Blocker 350 → flash → Soft-Tex Clear 350 as the undercoating → flash → Soft-Tex White 350 → flash → Soft-Tex Base 350 mixed with Neo Pigments → cure at 320°F. Use Fixer V in all 350 Series layers.
Can I print Soft-Tex Clear 350 as a standalone effect?
Yes. You can print it by itself on a colored performance garment for a silicone-surface tone-on-tone effect. The clear polyurethane creates a visible sheen shift and a distinctive silicone-like tactile feel in the print area.
What mesh count should I use?
Use 110–160/inch. Higher mesh works for finer detail and a lighter deposit. Lower mesh works for a heavier deposit and a more pronounced silicone-like surface.
Can I mix Neo Pigments into Soft-Tex Clear 350?
Yes. It functions as a mixing base just like Soft-Tex Base 350. Add Neo Pigments for extreme-stretch custom colors with a silicone-like surface and rubber-like elasticity. It uses the same mixing ratios and Color Mixer Software formulas as other Matsui bases.
What garments need the 350 Series instead of the acrylic 301 Series?
Use the 350 Series for extreme-stretch garments that exceed the stretch ceiling of acrylic inks, such as compression leggings, four-way stretch yoga pants, technical base layers, and any garment where the fabric stretches far enough that acrylic prints crack. Standard Dri-Fit and athletic jerseys are usually fine with acrylic Stretch Clear and Stretch White. Move up to the 350 Series when acrylic performance is no longer enough.
Is Soft-Tex Clear 350 safe?
Yes. It is PVC-free and environmentally safe.
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