Why FreedomBuilt Switched to Water-Based Inks

At FreedomBuilt, every decision we make comes down to one simple question:

Is this better for our customers, our team, and the country we love?

That’s why we made the decision to transition our apparel printing from traditional plastisol inks to water-based and discharge inks. While plastisol inks have been widely used in the apparel industry for decades, we believe there is a better way to print.

This change improves comfort, reduces environmental impact, and creates a safer working environment for the people who produce your apparel.

Our Don't Tread On Me Shirt is now printed using our new water-based ink process. 

The Problem With Plastisol Ink

Plastisol inks are made from petroleum-based plastics. When printed onto fabric, the ink sits on top of the garment, creating a thick layer that many people recognize as the classic “plastic” feeling print.

While durable, plastisol comes with several drawbacks:

• It creates a heavy print that doesn’t breathe well
• It can feel like wearing a layer of plastic on your shirt
• Screen cleaning and reclaiming requires strong chemical solvents
• Those solvents can expose print shop workers to harsh chemicals
• Petroleum-based plastics are less environmentally friendly

For us, the biggest concern was the working environment for the people who make our products.

Traditional plastisol printing often requires reclaim chemicals and solvents to clean screens and equipment. That means workers regularly handle chemicals that are not ideal for long-term exposure.

We knew there had to be a better option.

The FreedomBuilt Difference: Water-Based Printing

Water-based and discharge inks work very differently than plastisol.

Instead of sitting on top of the fabric, the ink actually bonds with the fibers of the shirt. The result is a much softer, breathable print that feels like part of the garment itself.

Even better, cleanup requires simple soap and water, eliminating the need for harsh solvents.

This creates major benefits across the board.

Our To Die For is now printed using our new water-based ink process.

Better for Our Team

Our team members work hard every day to create apparel that reflects American pride and craftsmanship.

By switching to water-based inks, we dramatically reduce exposure to chemical solvents in our shop. Cleaning screens and equipment now requires nothing more than soap and water, creating a safer and healthier work environment.

FAQ: Water-Based Screen Printing

Is water-based ink better than plastisol?
Water-based ink produces a softer and more breathable print because it bonds with the fabric fibers instead of sitting on top like plastisol.

Does water-based printing last as long as plastisol?
Yes. When properly cured, water-based prints are very durable and can last the lifetime of the garment.

Why do water-based prints feel softer?
Because the ink absorbs into the fabric instead of creating a thick layer on top of the shirt.

What is discharge printing?
Discharge printing removes the dye from darker shirts and replaces it with pigment, creating an incredibly soft, vintage-style print.

Water-based inks bond with the fabric, creating a softer and more breathable print compared to traditional plastisol inks

Better for Our Customers

If you’ve ever worn a thick plastisol print, you know the feeling.

The design sits on top of the shirt like a layer of plastic. On hot days it can trap heat and reduce breathability.

Water-based prints are different.

They are:

• Softer to the touch
• More breathable
• Lighter weight
• More comfortable for everyday wear

Instead of feeling like a plastic patch on your shirt, the design becomes part of the fabric.

Better for the Environment

Reducing chemical use and petroleum-based plastics is a step toward more responsible manufacturing.

Water-based printing uses fewer harsh chemicals and produces a lighter environmental footprint compared to traditional plastisol printing methods.

It’s a smarter approach for modern apparel production.

The FreedomBuilt Standard

At FreedomBuilt, we believe quality and responsibility should go hand in hand.

Switching to water-based inks reflects our commitment to:

• Better products
• Safer workplaces
• Responsible manufacturing
• Apparel that feels as good as it looks

Because when you wear FreedomBuilt, you’re not just wearing a design.

You’re wearing something made with purpose.

Wear Freedom. Wear Comfort. Wear American Pride.

Every FreedomBuilt shirt represents craftsmanship, integrity, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

And that includes how it’s printed.

Shop FreedomBuilt Water-Based Printed Shirts

• Celebrating America's 250th 
• Come and Take It Shirt
• Freedom Rings