Matsui Stretch Clear 301 | Silicone-Like Water-Based Clear Mixing Base for Custom Colors on Performance & Stretch Fabric Screen Printing

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

Mix 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. The 150–180 mesh range means a heavier ink deposit than higher-mesh bases – more Neo Pigment per square inch, more saturated colors. For fluorescent neon effects, use Matsui Glow Pigments.

What is the difference between Stretch Clear and EasyPrint Clear?

Both are stretch-rated clears for performance fabrics, but different mesh ranges for different design types. Stretch Clear (150–180 mesh) deposits more ink for bolder, more vibrant colors and a silicone-like finish – ideal for solid fills, names, numbers, large logos. EasyPrint Clear (225 mesh) deposits less ink for finer detail – thin lines, small text, halftone gradients. Most performance shops stock both: Stretch Clear for 80% of jobs, EasyPrint Clear for 20% that need fine detail.

What is the difference between Stretch Clear and Soft Stretch Clear?

Same mesh range (150–180), same stretch rating. Soft Stretch Clear is the premium formulation that pushes softness even further – for high-end activewear brands that specify maximum softness. Stretch Clear is the production workhorse for the majority of performance work where excellent softness (not absolute maximum) is the standard.

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

Yes. Mix Matsui Glow Pigments into Stretch Clear for vivid fluorescent neon colors. 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. The heavier deposit at 150–180 mesh means more fluorescent pigment per square inch – brighter neon and stronger blacklight reaction. Fluorescent yellow, pink, orange, and green produce the strongest reaction.

What additives should I use with Stretch Clear?

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.

What is the silicone-like finish?

Stretch Clear produces a smooth, slightly tactile surface that feels like silicone ink – a premium, refined touch that fashion-forward athletic brands and activewear decorators specifically request. Unlike actual silicone ink systems, Stretch Clear uses standard water-based equipment, standard additives, and standard water-and-soap cleanup. You get the silicone feel without the silicone complexity.

Can I use Stretch Clear on cotton?

Stretch Clear is designed for performance fabrics, but it can be used on cotton as well. However, for cotton-only work, 301C Clear at 305 mesh produces a thinner, softer deposit optimized for cotton. Stretch Clear’s elasticity is unnecessary on cotton and the 150–180 mesh range deposits more ink than cotton typically needs.

Can I use Stretch Clear on dark polyester?

Yes, but print an Under Base Blocker first, flash, then apply your Stretch Clear + Neo Pigment color on top. The blocker prevents polyester dyes from migrating into the ink. Always test before production.

What mesh count should I use with Stretch Clear?

The recommended range is 150–180/inch. For maximum color vibrancy and coverage, use 150–156 mesh. For a balance of coverage and detail, use 160–180 mesh. For finer detail on stretch fabrics, step up to EasyPrint Clear at 200–225 mesh.

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 Clear safe for children’s clothing?

Yes. 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 is the Stretch Clear / Stretch Mat relationship?

Same mesh range (150–180), same stretch rating, same substrate compatibility. Stretch Clear is transparent – for light garments and true pigment colors with a silicone-like finish. Stretch Mat is semi-opaque – for colored garments where you need the ink to show up against the fabric. They are the standard-mesh performance counterparts, just as 301C/301M are the cotton pair and EasyPrint Clear/EasyPrint Mat are the high-mesh performance pair.