Matsui Soft-Tex Base 350 | Polyurethane Rubber-Binder Water-Based Clear Mixing Base for Extreme-Stretch Silicone-Like Custom Colors on Performance Fabrics
Matsui
Matsui Soft-Tex Base 350 (WS0540) is a polyurethane (PU rubber binder) water-based clear mixing base engineered for extreme-stretch performance fabrics that demand maximum elasticity beyond what acrylic bases can deliver. Part of the Matsui 350 Series — a completely different binder chemistry from the acrylic 301 and Stretch Series. Dual purpose: mix with Neo Pigments for extreme-stretch custom colors, OR use as a clear undercoat before Soft-Tex White 350 for enhanced texture and flexibility. CRITICAL: Uses Fixer V (2-3%) for wash fastness — NOT Fixer WF-N. Not compatible with: Fixer WF-N, Softener MG, or Quick Additive.
Price range: $109.99 through $4,499.99
Description
Maximum Elasticity for the Most Demanding Stretch Fabrics — 350 Series
⚠ IMPORTANT ADDITIVE NOTE: Soft-Tex Base 350 uses the polyurethane binder chemistry. Do NOT use Fixer WF-N, Softener MG, or Quick Additive with 350 Series products. Use Fixer V at 2-3% for wash fastness. Compatible additives: Retarder MG, Thickener B, and RV Additive only.
Soft-Tex Base 350 uses a polyurethane (PU rubber) binder — fundamentally different from the acrylic binder in all other Matsui bases. This chemistry delivers the rubber-like stretch and recovery that acrylic cannot match, but it requires different additives: Fixer V, NOT Fixer WF-N.
The PU rubber binder delivers rubber-like stretch and recovery that rebounds completely even on compression, yoga, swim, and extreme-stretch garments that would crack acrylic-based inks.
Use 1: Mix with Neo Pigments for extreme-stretch custom colors. Use 2: Print as a clear undercoat before Soft-Tex White 350 to enhance texture and flexibility in the 350 Series white system.
Like acrylic stretch bases, Soft-Tex Base 350 produces a silicone-like surface — but with the maximum elasticity of a polyurethane binder system rather than acrylic elastomers.
For dark polyester, use Under Base Blocker 350 (NOT Blocker Gray or Black LG). The 350 Series has its own blocker formulated for the PU chemistry.
Prints through 110-160 mesh for the appropriate ink deposit that supports maximum PU elasticity.
Additive Compatibility — CRITICAL for 350 Series
Retarder MG (1-5%) for screen open time. Thickener B (0.25-1%) for viscosity. RV Additive (1-3%) to reduce viscosity. These three are compatible with the PU binder system.
Fixer WF-N — formulated for acrylic chemistry, will not crosslink PU binder effectively. Softener MG — not compatible with PU system. Quick Additive — contains Fixer WF-N and Softener MG, both incompatible.
Fixer V at 2-3% is the wash fastness additive for the 350 Series. It is specifically formulated to crosslink with PU binder chains. Use ONLY Fixer V for wash fastness in 350 Series products — never Fixer WF-N.
Best Use Cases
Mix with Neo Pigments for custom Pantone-matched colors on compression garments, yoga apparel, swim fabric, and any extreme-stretch synthetic that cracks acrylic-based inks.
Print Soft-Tex Base 350 as a clear undercoat, flash, then print Soft-Tex White 350 on top for enhanced texture and a more refined, flexible 350 Series white system.
For printing on compression shorts, leggings, sports bras, yoga tops, and other extreme-stretch garments where even premium acrylic stretch bases crack under repeated wear.
Print Under Base Blocker 350, flash, then Soft-Tex White 350, flash, then Soft-Tex Base 350 + Neo Pigments for extreme-stretch colors on dark polyester.
Matsui Color Matching System
Get exact Neo Pigment mixing ratios for any Pantone® color — instantly, for free. Enter your Pantone code, select your base (301C, Stretch Clear, Discharge, etc.), and the CMS returns the precise formula. Consistent color across runs, operators, and months. No guessing. No waste. No rework.
The companion white in the 350 Series system. Same PU binder chemistry, same Fixer V requirement, same extreme-stretch elasticity.
350 Series Additive Quick Reference
| Additive | 350 Series | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Fixer V | ✓ Required | Use at 2-3% for wash fastness. PU-specific crosslinker. |
| Retarder MG | ✓ Compatible | 1-5% for screen open time |
| Thickener B | ✓ Compatible | 0.25-1% for viscosity |
| RV Additive | ✓ Compatible | 1-3% to reduce viscosity |
| Fixer WF-N | ✗ NOT Compatible | Acrylic crosslinker — does not work with PU binder |
| Softener MG | ✗ NOT Compatible | Not compatible with PU chemistry |
| Quick Additive | ✗ NOT Compatible | Contains Fixer WF-N and Softener MG — both incompatible |
Pro Tips & Critical Notes
This is the most critical rule for 350 Series printing. Fixer WF-N is formulated for acrylic chemistry and will NOT crosslink the PU binder effectively. Use Fixer V at 2-3% for wash fastness.
Do NOT use Blocker 301 Gray or Blocker Black LG with the 350 Series. Use Under Base Blocker 350 — it is formulated for the PU chemistry system.
Always run test prints on the specific garment before production. Extreme-stretch fabrics vary significantly in their composition and stretch behavior.
Technical Specifications
| Product Name | Matsui Soft-Tex Base 350 |
| Product Code | WS0540 |
| Type | Polyurethane rubber-binder clear mixing base and clear undercoat |
| Appearance | Translucent / clear |
| Opacity | Transparent |
| Finish | Rubber / silicone-like surface |
| Recommended Mesh | 110-160/inch |
| Cure Temperature | 320°F (160°C) |
| Elasticity | Maximum rubber-like stretch and rebound |
| Primary Substrates | Extreme-stretch performance fabrics, compression garments, yoga wear, technical base layers |
| Polyester Use | Compatible with Under Base Blocker 350 on dark polyester |
| White Ink Pairing | Soft-Tex White 350 |
| Pigment Mixing | Matsui Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments |
| Wash Fastness Additive | Fixer V at 2-3% |
| Compatible Additives | Retarder MG, Fixer V, Thickener B, RV Additive |
| Not Compatible | Fixer WF-N, Softener MG, Quick Additive |
| Viscosity Modifications | None required |
| Formulation | PVC-free and 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 |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes Soft-Tex Base 350 different from acrylic Matsui bases like Stretch Clear?
Soft-Tex Base 350 uses a polyurethane rubber binder instead of an acrylic binder. That gives it more stretch and rebound for garments that move beyond standard performance fabric limits.
Can I mix Neo Pigments with Soft-Tex Base 350?
Yes. It works with Matsui Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments and uses the same Matsui color formulas.
What wash-fastness additive do I use with Soft-Tex Base 350?
Use Fixer V at 2-3%. Do not use Fixer WF-N.
Can I use Quick Additive with Soft-Tex Base 350?
No. Quick Additive is made for acrylic binder systems and is not the correct choice for the 350 Series.
What is the undercoat workflow for the 350 Series?
Print Soft-Tex Base 350 as a clear undercoat, flash it, then print Soft-Tex White 350 on top.
How do I print on dark polyester with the 350 Series?
Print Under Base Blocker 350, flash, print Soft-Tex White 350, flash, then print Soft-Tex Base 350 mixed with Neo Pigment colors and cure at 320°F.
What garments need the 350 Series instead of acrylic bases?
Compression leggings, four-way stretch yoga pants, technical base layers, and other garments where acrylic systems may crack under extreme stretch.
Can I create fluorescent neon with Soft-Tex Base 350?
Yes. Mix in Matsui Glow Pigments for fluorescent neon effects that react strongly under UV or blacklight.
What mesh count should I use with Soft-Tex Base 350?
The recommended range is 110-160 mesh. A 135-160 mesh works well for standard coverage, while 110-135 mesh gives a heavier deposit.
Do all Matsui bases work with Neo Pigments?
Yes. Matsui bases are designed to work with Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments. The base controls substrate fit, finish, and elasticity.
Which Matsui bases require a blocker on polyester?
All Matsui bases should be tested with the proper blocker when printing polyester. The 350 Series uses Under Base Blocker 350.
Is Soft-Tex Base 350 safe for children’s clothing?
Yes. It is PVC-free and environmentally safe.
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