Matsui Stretch Mat 301 | Semi-Opaque Water-Based Mixing Base for Custom Colors on Colored Performance & Stretch Fabric Screen Printing

Matsui Stretch Mat 301 — Bold Colors That Show Up on Colored Performance Fabrics

Here is the problem Stretch Clear cannot solve: your client hands you a dark charcoal Dri-Fit team jersey and wants bold Pantone team colors printed on it. You mix the colors into Stretch Clear, print them at 156 mesh, and the result is washed out — because Stretch Clear is transparent, and the dark garment color absorbs the ink color underneath.

Stretch Mat 301 exists to solve that problem.

It is the semi-opaque counterpart to Stretch Clear in the Matsui standard-mesh performance system. Same 150–180 mesh range. Same excellent elasticity for Dri-Fit, Lycra, and high-stretch synthetics. But instead of a transparent carrier, Stretch Mat uses a milky, semi-opaque carrier that partially covers the garment color — allowing your mixed colors to remain visible and accurate on medium and dark-colored performance garments where a clear base would vanish.

Stretch Mat is the 80% base for colored performance garments, just as Stretch Clear is the 80% base for light performance garments. It handles the majority of colored-garment performance work: bold team colors, large logos, solid fills, names, numbers — any design where you need visible color coverage on a dark stretch garment at production speed.

And it does something the other Matsui bases cannot: wet-on-wet printing. Stretch Mat can be printed wet-on-wet for multi-color production runs — no flashing between colors. That saves time, energy, and production complexity on multi-color stretch work.

Think of the Matsui standard-mesh performance system as two complementary halves. Stretch Clear is for light-colored performance garments — transparent base, true pigment colors, silicone-like finish. Stretch Mat is for colored performance garments — semi-opaque base, visible colors, milky appearance, wet-on-wet capable. Both stretch. Both flex. Both rebound.

For fine-detail work on colored stretch garments (thin lines, small text, halftones at 200+ mesh), step up to EasyPrint Mat at 225 mesh. Stretch Mat is the bold-coverage base. EasyPrint Mat is the fine-detail base. Both are semi-opaque. Both have stretch.

How Stretch Mat Works with Matsui Neo Pigments and Glow Pigments

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

Stretch Mat + Neo Pigments = Bold Visible Custom Colors on Colored Performance Fabrics. Add up to 15% Matsui Neo Pigments (concentrated color pigments) to Stretch Mat to create virtually any color in the Pantone spectrum — with the semi-opacity needed for the color to show up on medium and dark performance garments AND the elasticity to flex and rebound without cracking. 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 advantage of Stretch Mat over higher-mesh semi-opaque bases: the 150–180 mesh range deposits more ink, which means more coverage on dark garments, more saturated colors, and more visual impact. If your client wants a bold team color on a dark Dri-Fit jersey, Stretch Mat delivers more opacity and vibrancy than EasyPrint Mat at 225 mesh. The tradeoff is less fine-detail resolution — but for bold graphics, names, numbers, and solid fills, Stretch Mat’s coverage wins.

Stretch Mat + Glow Pigments = Fluorescent Neon on Colored Performance Fabrics. For high-impact specialty applications, mix Matsui Glow Pigments into Stretch Mat to create vivid fluorescent neon prints on colored stretch garments with bold coverage and the semi-opacity needed for neon to pop against a dark background. 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 heavier ink deposit at 150–180 mesh means more fluorescent pigment per square inch — brighter neon and stronger blacklight reaction than higher-mesh bases. Ideal for fun run shirts, concert tees, festival merch, nightclub and rave apparel, and any colored performance garment designed for UV-lit environments.

Stretch Mat Alone = Semi-Opaque Milky White on Colored Performance Garments. Print Stretch Mat by itself for a subtle, semi-opaque milky white on colored stretch garments — useful as a light tonal overlay, a primer underlay before printing detailed color layers, or a standalone understated white on dark performance garments.

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

How Matsui Additives Improve Your Production with Stretch 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.
The additive solution: Retarder MG (1–5%) extends open time in the screen, giving you more working time between prints.

The problem: Prints fade or crack after repeated washing — especially on athletic garments that see heavy, frequent 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 — athletic wear gets washed more aggressively and more frequently than casual wear.

The problem: The ink sits on top of 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. RV Additive (1–3%) reduces viscosity for better flow and fabric penetration.

Browse the complete Matsui additive collection here.

Where Stretch Mat 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.

Stretch Mat occupies the workhorse position for colored performance garments — the standard-mesh, stretch-rated, semi-opaque base that handles the majority of colored-garment performance work. It is the colored-garment counterpart to Stretch Clear, and the bold-coverage counterpart to EasyPrint Mat.

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.

Stretch Mat vs. Stretch Clear — Semi-Opaque vs. Transparent at Standard Mesh

This is the decision for every performance shop. Same mesh range. Same stretch. Different opacity for different garment colors.

The bottom line: Stock both. Stretch Clear handles light performance garments — true colors, silicone-like finish. Stretch Mat handles colored performance garments — visible colors, bold coverage, wet-on-wet capable. Same Neo Pigments, same additives, same stretch. Different opacity for different garment colors.

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

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

Why Screen Printers Choose Stretch Mat

“I print bold team colors on dark Dri-Fit jerseys and athletic wear.”
This is the core Stretch Mat use case. Mix with up to 15% Matsui Neo Pigments using Matsui’s Color Mixer Software for exact Pantone formulas. The semi-opaque carrier provides the coverage needed for bold team colors to pop on dark charcoal, navy, forest green, and other dark performance garments. Add Fixer WF-N — athletic garments get washed hard and often.

“I need to print multiple colors wet-on-wet on stretch garments to save production time.”
Stretch Mat can be printed wet-on-wet — no flashing between colors. On a multi-color team jersey or multi-color logo on stretch fabric, this eliminates flash steps between each color station, saving time, energy, and production complexity. This is a significant production advantage that Stretch Clear and the other performance clears do not offer.

“Stretch Clear colors disappear on my dark-colored performance garments.”
That is exactly the problem Stretch Mat solves. Same mesh range, same stretch, same elasticity. The semi-opaque carrier provides the coverage that transparent Stretch Clear cannot deliver on dark garments.

“I want fluorescent neon prints on dark performance garments with bold coverage — that react under blacklight.”
Mix Matsui Glow Pigments into Stretch Mat for vivid fluorescent neon colors with bold coverage and the semi-opacity needed to pop against a dark background. The heavier deposit at 150–180 mesh means more fluorescent pigment per square inch — brighter neon and stronger blacklight reaction. Ideal for fun run shirts, concert tees, festival merch, and any dark performance garment for UV-lit environments.

“My water-based ink keeps drying in the screen during production.”
Add Retarder MG at 1–5% to extend open time. 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 a production necessity on performance work.

Key Features

• The workhorse semi-opaque for colored performance fabrics — The standard semi-opaque mixing base most shops reach for on colored Dri-Fit, athletic, and stretch-fabric jobs.
• Semi-opaque coverage on colored performance garments — The milky carrier partially covers garment color, allowing Neo Pigment colors to remain visible and bold on medium and dark stretch garments.
• Wet-on-wet capable — Print multiple colors wet-on-wet without flashing between colors, saving time, energy, and production complexity on multi-color stretch work.
• Excellent elasticity — Stretch-rated for Dri-Fit, Lycra, compression garments, athletic wear, and high-stretch performance fabrics.
• Bold color coverage with Neo Pigments — The 150–180 mesh range deposits more ink for more saturated, higher-impact colors on dark garments.
• Fluorescent neon & blacklight-reactive with Glow Pigments — Mix with Matsui Glow Pigments for vivid fluorescent neon on dark stretch garments with strong blacklight reaction.
• Production-optimized with Matsui additives — Compatible with Matsui additives including Retarder MG, Fixer WF-N, Softener MG, or Quick Additive.
• Compatible with dark polyester (with blocker) — Use a sublimation blocker on polyester 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.

Recommended Additives for Stretch Mat Production

Browse the complete Matsui additive collection here.