Matsui EasyPrint Mat 301 — Fine-Detail Custom Colors That Show Up on Colored Performance Fabrics

Here is the problem EasyPrint Clear cannot solve: your client hands you a dark navy Dri-Fit polo and wants a specific Pantone color printed on it with fine detail — small text, an intricate logo, halftone gradients. You mix the color into EasyPrint Clear, print it at 225 mesh, and the result is barely visible — because EasyPrint Clear is transparent, and the dark garment color absorbs the ink color underneath.

EasyPrint Mat 301 exists to solve that problem.

It is the semi-opaque counterpart to EasyPrint Clear in the Matsui high-mesh performance lineup. Same 225 mesh capability. Same excellent elasticity for Dri-Fit, athletic wear, and high-stretch synthetics. Same fine-detail resolution. But instead of a transparent carrier, EasyPrint Mat uses a milky, semi-opaque carrier that partially covers the garment color — allowing your mixed colors to remain visible and accurate on colored performance fabrics where a clear base would vanish.

Think of the Matsui high-mesh performance system as two complementary halves — exactly like the cotton pair. EasyPrint Clear is for light-colored performance garments where the fabric does not compete with the ink — transparent base, true pigment colors, clear overprint effects. EasyPrint Mat is for colored performance garments where the fabric color needs to be partially covered for the ink to read correctly — semi-opaque base, visible custom colors with fine detail on any performance garment shade.

One base for light performance garments. One base for colored performance garments. Together, they handle every high-mesh performance color matching job in your shop.

For shops that also need semi-opaque coverage at standard mesh (150–180) rather than high mesh (225), Matsui offers Stretch Mat 301 — more coverage, bolder colors, but less fine detail.

How EasyPrint Mat Works with Matsui Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments

EasyPrint Mat is a mixing base — it is the carrier that brings Matsui Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments to life on colored performance garments at high mesh. The mixing system works like this:

EasyPrint Mat + Neo Pigments = Visible Fine-Detail Custom Colors on Colored Performance Fabrics. Add up to 15% Matsui Neo Pigments (concentrated color pigments) to EasyPrint Mat to create virtually any color in the Pantone spectrum — with the semi-opacity needed for the color to actually show up on colored Dri-Fit and dark performance garments, and the 225 mesh resolution needed for fine detail. Standard mixing ratio is 5–10% pigment to base by weight. Matsui’s free cloud-based Color Mixer Software provides exact formulas — enter the Pantone number, get the pigment ratios, mix, print.

The Neo Pigment series includes a full spectrum of concentrated color pigments — reds, blues, greens, yellows, oranges, violets, blacks, and more — that intermix precisely for accurate Pantone matching. Because they are concentrated, a small amount goes a long way, keeping per-print ink cost low.

The key difference from mixing with EasyPrint Clear: when you mix pigments into EasyPrint Mat, the semi-opaque milky carrier adds body to the color, giving it more visual presence on colored garments. The tradeoff is a slight shift in color character — colors mixed with EasyPrint Mat will appear slightly more pastel or chalky than the same formula mixed into EasyPrint Clear. On light performance garments, that shift is undesirable. On colored performance garments, it is exactly what makes the color visible.

EasyPrint Mat + Glow Pigments = Fluorescent Neon with Fine Detail on Colored Performance Fabrics. For high-impact specialty applications, mix Matsui Glow Pigments into EasyPrint Mat to create vivid fluorescent neon prints on colored stretch garments with fine detail, semi-opacity, and excellent elasticity.

Important: Matsui Glow Pigments are fluorescent pigments — they produce ultra-bright, electric neon colors in normal daylight, not phosphorescent glow-in-the-dark effects. They do not glow on their own in the dark. However, fluorescent pigments are naturally UV/blacklight reactive — under blacklight (UV) illumination, they absorb UV energy and re-emit it as intensely bright visible light, creating a dramatic neon glow effect. Colors like fluorescent yellow, pink, orange, and green produce the most intense blacklight reaction. The semi-opaque carrier gives fluorescent colors more visual impact on dark performance garments than EasyPrint Clear would. Ideal for concert tees, festival merch, fun run shirts, nightclub and rave apparel, and any colored performance garment designed for UV-lit environments.

Explore the full Matsui Neo Pigment and Glow Pigment collection here.

How Matsui Additives Improve Your Production with EasyPrint Mat

The base and pigments create the color. Matsui additives optimize the production process — solving common water-based printing challenges that cost you time, money, and rejected garments.

The problem: Water-based ink dries in the screen during production pauses, forcing you to clean and re-flood. This is especially problematic at high mesh counts where finer mesh openings dry faster.
The additive solution: Retarder MG (1–5%) extends open time in the screen, giving you more working time between prints. At 200+ mesh, Retarder MG is particularly valuable.

The problem: Prints fade or crack after repeated washing, especially on athletic garments that see heavy laundry cycles.
The additive solution: Fixer WF-N (1–5%) crosslinks the acrylic binder for dramatically improved wash fastness. Also lowers cure temperature to 300°F (150°C). Highly recommended for any performance garment that will be washed frequently.

The problem: The ink sits on top of the synthetic fibers instead of bonding into them, affecting adhesion and hand feel.
The additive solution: Softener MG (1–4%) helps the ink penetrate deeper into the garment for better adhesion and an even softer hand feel.

The problem: You want all three benefits but do not want to measure and mix three separate additives.
The additive solution: Quick Additive (6–9%) is a pre-balanced all-in-one blend of Retarder MG, Fixer WF-N, and Softener MG. One additive, one measurement, all three production benefits.

Additional additives for specialized needs: Thickener B (0.25–1%) increases viscosity for halftone dot control at high mesh. RV Additive (1–3%) reduces viscosity for better flow and fabric penetration.

Browse the complete Matsui additive collection here.

Where EasyPrint Clear Fits — Every Matsui Base, Side by Side

Matsui makes twelve different clear bases and mixing bases. Each one is designed to be mixed with Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments and enhanced with Matsui additives. The base you choose determines the substrate, mesh range, opacity, elasticity, and finish. The pigments determine the color. The additives optimize the process.

EasyPrint Mat occupies a unique and critical position: the only Matsui semi-opaque base that combines 225 mesh resolution with stretch-rated elasticity. It is the fine-detail semi-opaque for colored performance fabrics.

The Complete Matsui Water-Based Base & Clear Comparison — All 12 Bases, Side by Side

All acrylic bases above are compatible with the full Matsui Neo Pigment and Glow Pigment series and the complete Matsui additive lineup. Polyurethane 350 Series bases use Fixer V instead of Fixer WF-N.

EasyPrint Mat vs. EasyPrint Clear — Semi-Opaque vs. Transparent at 225 Mesh

This is the decision for every performance shop printing fine-detail work. Same mesh range. Same stretch rating. Completely different opacity.

The bottom line: Stock both. EasyPrint Clear handles light performance garments — true colors, fine detail, transparent prints. EasyPrint Mat handles colored performance garments — visible colors, fine detail, semi-opaque coverage. Same Neo Pigments, same additives, same mesh range, same stretch. Different opacity for different garment colors.

EasyPrint Mat vs. Stretch Mat — Fine Detail vs. Bold Coverage on Colored Performance

The bottom line: Both are semi-opaque stretch-rated bases for colored performance garments. EasyPrint Mat is the detail specialist (225 mesh, thinner deposit, finer lines). Stretch Mat is the coverage specialist (150–180 mesh, heavier deposit, bolder coverage). Both mix with the same Neo Pigments and additives.

Why Screen Printers Choose EasyPrint Mat

“I print detailed logos and small text on colored Dri-Fit and dark athletic wear.”
This is the core EasyPrint Mat use case. At 225 mesh, it resolves fine lines, small text, and intricate logo details that 150–180 mesh bases cannot hold — with the semi-opacity needed for colors to show up on dark garments and the elasticity to flex on stretch fabrics. Mix with Neo Pigments for Pantone colors with coverage and detail. Add Retarder MG — open time is especially important at high mesh.

“My colors disappear on dark performance garments when I use EasyPrint Clear.”
That is the exact problem EasyPrint Mat solves. The milky, semi-opaque carrier partially covers the garment color so your Neo Pigment colors remain visible and accurate on charcoal, navy, dark grey, and other dark performance fabrics where transparent EasyPrint Clear would vanish.

“I want fluorescent neon prints with fine detail on dark performance garments — that react under blacklight.”
Mix Matsui Glow Pigments into EasyPrint Mat for vivid fluorescent neon colors with fine-detail capability, semi-opacity, and stretch. The semi-opaque carrier gives fluorescent colors more visual impact on dark performance garments than EasyPrint Clear would. These pigments are naturally UV/blacklight reactive. Ideal for concert tees, festival merch, fun run shirts, and any colored performance garment designed for UV-lit environments.

“I need more coverage than EasyPrint Clear but more detail than Stretch Mat.”
EasyPrint Mat is the middle ground. It provides semi-opaque coverage at 225 mesh — more garment-color blocking than transparent EasyPrint Clear, with finer detail than Stretch Mat at 150–180 mesh.

“My water-based ink keeps drying in the screen at high mesh.”
High mesh counts have smaller openings that dry faster. Add Retarder MG at 1–5% — at 200+ mesh, Retarder MG is essential. Or use Quick Additive at 6–9% for open time, wash fastness, and softness in one shot. Browse all Matsui additives here.

“I print athletic apparel that needs to survive 50+ wash cycles without fading.”
Add Fixer WF-N at 1–5% to crosslink the acrylic binder. Athletic garments get washed more frequently and more aggressively — Fixer WF-N is not optional on performance work.

Key Features

• Highest mesh of any semi-opaque stretch-rated Matsui base (225/inch) — Resolves fine lines, small text, halftone gradients, and intricate logos with semi-opaque coverage and full elasticity for performance fabrics.
• Semi-opaque coverage on colored performance fabrics — The milky carrier partially covers garment color, allowing Neo Pigment colors to remain visible on medium and dark stretch garments where transparent bases disappear.
• Excellent elasticity for performance fabrics — Stretch-rated for Dri-Fit, athletic wear, compression garments, and high-stretch synthetics. Prints flex and rebound without cracking.
• Premium custom color creation with Neo Pigments — Mix with up to 15% Matsui Neo Pigments for Pantone-accurate custom colors with fine detail, semi-opacity, and stretch.
• Fluorescent neon and blacklight-reactive capability with Glow Pigments — Mix with Matsui Glow Pigments for vivid fluorescent neon colors that are naturally UV/blacklight reactive — with semi-opacity for impact on dark performance fabrics.
• Production-optimized with Matsui additives — Compatible with the full Matsui additive lineup — Retarder MG for open time (especially at high mesh), Fixer WF-N for wash fastness, Softener MG for fabric penetration, or Quick Additive for all three in one shot.
• Soft hand feel despite semi-opacity — At 225 mesh, deposits a thin ink film that delivers soft, lightweight prints — dramatically softer than plastisol or PVC inks.
• Compatible with polyester (with blocker) — Usable on polyester when paired with a sublimation blocker to prevent dye migration.
• Zero viscosity modifications required — Prints straight from the container on manual and automatic presses.
• PVC-free and eco-compliant — OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, CPSIA, HR4040 compliant. Free of PVC, phthalates, and co-solvents.

Recommended Additives for EasyPrint Mat Production

Browse the complete Matsui additive collection here.