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

Benefits at a Glance

• The workhorse semi-opaque for colored performance fabric color work — handles the majority of colored-garment stretch jobs
• Semi-opaque coverage makes Neo Pigment colors bold and visible on colored and dark performance garments
• Wet-on-wet capable — print multiple colors without flashing between each, saving time and production complexity
• Excellent elasticity for Dri-Fit, Lycra, compression garments, and high-stretch performance fabrics
• Bold color coverage — heavier deposit at 150-180 mesh means more saturated, more impactful colors on dark garments
• Fluorescent neon effects with Matsui Glow Pigments — brighter neon and stronger blacklight reaction on dark stretch garments
• Production-optimized with Matsui additives — Fixer WF-N highly recommended for athletic garments
• Quick Additive provides all-in-one production enhancement in a single measurement
• Compatible with dark polyester when used with a sublimation blocker
• Zero viscosity modifications — prints straight from the container
• PVC-free, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, CPSIA and HR4040 compliant
• Matsui Color Mixer Software provides free, exact Pantone formulas

Matsui Stretch Mat 301

What pigments do I mix with Stretch Mat to create custom colors?

Mix Stretch Mat with Matsui Neo Pigments — concentrated color pigments covering the full Pantone spectrum. Add 5–10% pigment to base by weight, up to 15% maximum. The 150–180 mesh range means a heavier deposit than higher-mesh bases — more coverage and visibility on dark garments. For fluorescent neon effects, use Matsui Glow Pigments.

What is the difference between Stretch Mat and Stretch Clear?

Same mesh range (150–180), same stretch rating, same Neo Pigment and additive compatibility, different opacity. Stretch Clear is transparent — for light performance garments with a silicone-like finish. Stretch Mat is semi-opaque — for colored or dark performance garments where you need the color to show. Stretch Mat is also wet-on-wet capable. Stock both.

What is the difference between Stretch Mat and EasyPrint Mat?

Both are semi-opaque, stretch-rated bases for colored performance fabrics. Stretch Mat (150–180 mesh) deposits more ink for bolder, more visible colors — ideal for names, numbers, solid fills, and large logos. EasyPrint Mat (225 mesh) deposits less ink for finer detail such as thin lines, small text, and halftones. Stretch Mat is also wet-on-wet capable. Both mix with the same Neo Pigments and additives.

Can I print wet-on-wet with Stretch Mat?

Yes — Stretch Mat is wet-on-wet capable, meaning you can print multiple colors sequentially without flashing between each color. This saves time, energy, and production complexity on multi-color stretch jobs. This is a significant production advantage over Stretch Clear and other performance bases.

Can I create fluorescent neon and blacklight-reactive prints with Stretch Mat?

Yes. Mix Matsui Glow Pigments into Stretch Mat for vivid fluorescent neon with bold coverage and semi-opacity. 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 darkness. However, they are naturally UV and blacklight reactive. Under blacklight they absorb UV energy and re-emit intensely bright visible light. The heavier deposit at 150–180 mesh means brighter neon and stronger blacklight reaction. Fluorescent yellow, pink, orange, and green produce the strongest reaction.

What additives should I use with Stretch Mat?

For most jobs, use Quick Additive at 6–9%. For individual control, use Retarder MG (1–5%), Fixer WF-N (1–5% — highly recommended for athletic garments), and Softener MG (1–4%). Browse all Matsui additives here.

Can I use Stretch Mat on dark polyester?

Yes, but use a sublimation blocker first to prevent dye migration. Print the blocker, flash, then apply your Stretch Mat mixed with Neo Pigments on top. Always test before production.

What mesh count should I use with Stretch Mat?

The recommended range is 150–180 mesh, with capability up to 225 mesh. For maximum coverage and color vibrancy on dark garments, use 150–156 mesh. For a balance of coverage and detail, use 160–180 mesh. For finer detail with semi-opaque coverage, you can push up to 200–225 mesh.

How does Stretch Mat relate to 301M Matte?

Same concept, different substrates. Stretch Mat is the semi-opaque base for colored performance fabrics at 150–180 mesh with excellent stretch and wet-on-wet capability. 301M Matte is the semi-opaque base for colored cotton at 305 mesh. It is not stretch-rated and produces a matte finish. Each serves the colored-garment role within its specific substrate and mesh tier.

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 Stretch Mat safe for children’s clothing?

Yes. Stretch Mat is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified (suitable for baby products), CPSIA compliant, and HR4040 compliant. It is PVC-free, phthalate-free, and contains no co-solvents.

What is the Stretch Clear / Stretch Mat relationship?

Both share the same mesh range (150–180), stretch rating, and substrate compatibility. Stretch Clear is transparent for light garments with a silicone-like finish. Stretch Mat is semi-opaque for colored garments where you need the ink to show. Stretch Mat also adds wet-on-wet capability. They form the standard-mesh performance pair, just as 301C/301M serve cotton and EasyPrint Clear/EasyPrint Mat serve high-mesh performance printing.