Matsui Soft Stretch Clear | Ultra-Soft Silicone-Like Water-Based Clear Mixing Base for Premium Custom Colors on Performance & Stretch Fabric Screen Printing
Matsui
Matsui Soft Stretch Clear (WS0535) is the premium ultra-soft water-based clear mixing base in the Matsui performance lineup — engineered for the softest possible prints on high-stretch and performance fabrics. Delivers a refined silicone-like finish with an extremely soft, barely-there hand feel and excellent elasticity on Dri-Fit, Lycra, activewear blends, and compression garments. Mix with Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments (up to 15%) for precise Pantone color matching. Also functions as a reducer for pigmented Matsui white stretch inks. Zero viscosity modifications required. Cures at 320F. PVC-free, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 compliant.
Price range: $39.99 through $469.99
Description
The Softest Acrylic Clear for Performance Fabrics — Soft Stretch Clear
Matsui Soft Stretch Clear (WS0535) is the premium upgrade from Stretch Clear 301 for shops where hand feel is the #1 specification. Same mesh range, same Neo Pigments, same additives — but with a more refined, ultra-soft silicone-like finish that integrates into fabric more completely than standard stretch clears. When the client specifies softness above all else, this is the base.
Soft Stretch Clear delivers a more refined, ultra-soft silicone-like finish compared to standard Stretch Clear 301. The difference is immediate and tactile — premium brands and their customers notice the difference in hand feel right away.
The silicone-like surface integrates into the performance fabric more completely than standard acrylic clears, producing a barely-there print that moves with every stretch, bend, and twist of the garment without any resistance or cracking.
The optimal mesh range for stretch performance fabrics. At 150-180 mesh the ink deposit is thin enough for excellent elasticity while delivering good color saturation from Neo Pigments.
Soft Stretch Clear can be used as a reducer for pigmented Matsui white stretch inks — thin down the white while maintaining the Soft Stretch system’s softness and elasticity, rather than using water (which compromises binder integrity).
Use without any pigment for a barely-there, silicone-like clear overprint on colored performance garments. The print area changes texture and hand feel without changing color — an ultra-refined technique for premium activewear branding.
Mix Matsui Glow Pigments for ultra-bright fluorescent neon in daylight and intense UV/blacklight reactivity — at maximum softness. For fun run shirts, festival gear, UV-lit event apparel, and premium neon activewear.
Complete System — Everything You Need
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 for Soft Stretch Clear — the softest possible underbase + color system on performance fabrics. Same ultra-soft binder, same mesh range.
Watch: Matsui Soft Stretch Water-Based Ink for Polyester
Soft Stretch Clear vs Stretch Clear 301 — The Premium Decision
Stretch Clear 301 delivers excellent softness — completely appropriate for most activewear jobs. Soft Stretch Clear delivers ultra-soft — a more refined, silicone-like surface that integrates more completely into the fabric. The difference is real and tactile, but it requires a client willing to pay for the premium base.
Use Soft Stretch Clear when: hand feel is the #1 client specification; the client is a premium athletic brand; the garment is premium-priced performance wear; or the price point on the shirt justifies premium decoration. About 20% of jobs. Use Stretch Clear for the other 80%.
Two different premium approaches. Soft Stretch Clear optimizes for how the print FEELS — the softest possible hand on stretch. Acrylicon Clear optimizes for how the print BEHAVES — zero tack with a matte finish. Choose based on which attribute the client prioritizes.
Best Use Cases
When the client is a premium athletic or activewear brand that specifies the absolute softest hand feel, Soft Stretch Clear is the correct base. It delivers the retail-quality softness that commands higher price points.
For compression garments, yoga apparel, and any performance wear where the print must flex with the body without restriction — Soft Stretch Clear’s silicone-like finish is the premium answer.
Mix with Matsui Glow Pigments for neon performance prints with UV/blacklight reactivity. The premium softness from Soft Stretch Clear combined with neon glow effects makes standout performance event apparel.
Thin pigmented Matsui white stretch inks without compromising softness or elasticity. Better than water, which dilutes the binder and weakens the print.
Soft Stretch Clear vs the Stretch Family
| Feature | Soft Stretch Clear ★ This | Stretch Clear 301 | Stretch Mat 301 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand Feel | ★ Ultra-soft premium | Excellent | Excellent |
| Opacity | Clear | Clear | Semi-Opaque / Matte |
| Mesh | 150-180/in | 150-180/in | 150-180/in |
| Elasticity | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Reducer for Stretch Whites | Yes | No | No |
| Glow Pigment Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best For | Premium brand hand feel spec | 80% of stretch jobs | Colored performance fabrics |
| Price | Premium | Standard | Standard |
All three use the same Neo Pigments and Matsui CMS.
Compatible Matsui Additives
All additives below are compatible. Do not exceed 15% total additives by weight. PVC-free, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.
| Additive | Dose | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Additive | 6-9% | All-in-one: open time + hand feel + wash fastness + dot retention |
| Retarder MG | 1-5% | Extends screen open time — prevents ink drying in mesh |
| Fixer WF-N | 1-5% | Wash & crock fastness crosslinker — no pot life — meets all RSLs |
| Softener MG | 1-4% | Soft hand feel — improved fabric penetration and elasticity |
| Thickener B | 0.25-1% | Raises viscosity — halftone dot retention |
| RV Additive | 1-3% | Reduces viscosity — better than water for thinning |
Pro Tips & Critical Notes
For premium activewear where softness AND durability both matter, Fixer WF-N at 1-5% is critical. Soft prints that fade or crack after washing are not premium. Or use Quick Additive at 6-9% for all-in-one production optimization.
Print Under Base Blocker 301 Gray or Blocker Black LG first for dark polyester. Flash, then print Soft Stretch White (if needed), then Soft Stretch Clear + colors on top.
When using Soft Stretch Clear as a reducer for white stretch inks, add 5-20% Soft Stretch Clear to the white by weight. This thins the white while maintaining the Soft Stretch system’s softness properties. Always test the final viscosity and stretch performance before production.
Technical Specifications
Matsui Soft Stretch Clear (WS0535) — Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| SKU | WS0535 |
| Product Type | Premium ultra-soft clear mixing base for performance/stretch fabrics |
| Finish | Silicone-like — ultra-soft |
| Mesh Range | 150-180/inch |
| Cure Temperature | 320F (160C) |
| Elasticity | Excellent |
| Viscosity Modifications | None required |
| Neo Pigment Mix Rate | Up to 15% by weight |
| Glow Pigment | Compatible for UV/blacklight effects |
| Reducer Function | Yes — thins pigmented Matsui white stretch inks without sacrificing softness |
| Color Software | Matsui Color Mixer Software (free) |
| Fabric Compatibility | Performance fabrics: Dri-Fit, Lycra, compression, activewear blends |
| Blocker Required For | Dark polyester — Blocker Gray or Blocker Black LG first |
| Fixer WF-N | Fixer WF-N 1-5% — essential for premium activewear wash durability |
| Quick Additive | Quick Additive 6-9% all-in-one production solution |
| Compliance | OEKO-TEX Standard 100, CPSIA, HR4040, PVC-free, phthalate-free, no co-solvents |
| Dry Clean / Iron Safe | Yes |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
What pigments do I mix with Soft Stretch Clear to create custom colors?
Mix Soft Stretch Clear with Matsui Neo Pigments – concentrated color pigments covering the full Pantone spectrum. Add 5–10% pigment to base by weight, up to 15% maximum. For fluorescent neon effects, use Matsui Glow Pigments. Soft Stretch Clear delivers the same color accuracy as Stretch Clear but with the softest possible hand feel.
What is the difference between Soft Stretch Clear and Stretch Clear?
Same mesh range (150–180), same stretch rating, same Neo Pigment and additive compatibility. The difference is hand feel. Stretch Clear is the workhorse – excellent softness for 80% of performance work. Soft Stretch Clear is the premium upgrade – maximum softness for jobs where hand feel is the #1 specification. The difference is noticeable in a side-by-side comparison.
What white ink pairs with Soft Stretch Clear?
Soft Stretch White (WS0525) is the matched partner. When both the white underbase and the color layer use the Soft Stretch formulation, the entire print achieves maximum softness from bottom to top – the premium benchmark for luxury activewear.
Can I use Soft Stretch Clear as a reducer?
Yes – Soft Stretch Clear functions as a reducer for pigmented Matsui white stretch inks. Unlike water (which can compromise binder integrity and adhesion), Soft Stretch Clear maintains the system’s softness and elasticity properties while thinning the white for a lighter deposit.
Can I create fluorescent neon and blacklight-reactive prints with Soft Stretch Clear?
Yes. Mix Matsui Glow Pigments into Soft Stretch Clear for vivid fluorescent neon at maximum softness. Important: Glow Pigments are fluorescent pigments – ultra-bright neon in normal daylight, NOT phosphorescent glow-in-the-dark. They do not glow on their own in the dark. However, they are naturally UV/blacklight reactive – under blacklight, they absorb UV energy and re-emit intensely bright visible light. Fluorescent yellow, pink, orange, and green produce the strongest reaction.
What additives should I use with Soft Stretch Clear?
For most jobs, use Quick Additive at 6–9%. For individual control, use Retarder MG (1–5%), Fixer WF-N (1–5% – essential for premium garments where softness AND durability both matter), and Softener MG (1–4% – pushes softness even further on a base already optimized for maximum softness). Browse all Matsui additives here.
How do I print on dark polyester with Soft Stretch Clear?
Print Under Base Blocker first, flash, then print Soft Stretch White, flash, then print Soft Stretch Clear + Neo Pigment colors on top. The blocker prevents polyester dyes from migrating into the ink. Always test before production.
When should I use Stretch Clear instead of Soft Stretch Clear?
Use Stretch Clear for standard production work where excellent softness (not absolute maximum) is the requirement – the majority of performance color jobs. Use Soft Stretch Clear when hand feel is the #1 specification, the client is a premium brand, and the price point justifies the premium formulation. Most shops use Stretch Clear 80% of the time and Soft Stretch Clear 20%.
What is the difference between Soft Stretch Clear and Acrylicon Clear?
Two different kinds of premium. Soft Stretch Clear optimizes for how the print FEELS – the softest possible hand on stretch. Acrylicon Clear optimizes for how the print BEHAVES – zero tack with a matte finish. Choose based on which attribute the client prioritizes.
Do all Matsui bases work with Neo Pigments?
Yes – every acrylic Matsui base is designed to mix with Matsui Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments. The base determines substrate, mesh range, and finish. The pigments determine the color. The additives optimize the process.
Which Matsui bases require a blocker on polyester?
All of them. Every Matsui clear and mixing base requires a blocker on polyester to prevent dye sublimation migration. The acrylic bases use Under Base Blocker or Kombat Blocker. The polyurethane 350 Series uses Under Base Blocker 350. Always test before production.
Is Soft Stretch Clear safe for children’s clothing?
Yes. Soft Stretch Clear is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified (suitable for baby products), CPSIA compliant, and HR4040 compliant. PVC-free, phthalate-free, no co-solvents.
What mesh count should I use with Soft Stretch Clear?
The recommended range is 150–180/inch. For maximum softness and the lightest deposit, use 180 mesh. For more coverage and color vibrancy, use 150–156 mesh. The higher the mesh within this range, the softer the print.
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