ROQ is helping spotlight the future of screen printing education through its connection to the Sport PrintLab Waterbase Festival, a hands-on training event focused on water-based printing techniques and modern production workflows.
Hosted by Sport PrintLab in the Netherlands, the Waterbase Festival is designed to give decorators real-world experience working with water-based inks, one of the fastest-growing segments in textile printing today.
A Hands-On Approach to Water-Based Printing
The Waterbase Festival is structured as an immersive, two-day training that blends theory with practical application. Participants gain direct experience working with water-based inks while learning how to manage the nuances of the process on press.
The training focuses on:
- Understanding how water-based inks behave
- Learning proper setup and production techniques
- Developing consistency and print quality
- Applying knowledge in real production scenarios
This format reflects a growing demand among decorators for hands-on education, rather than purely classroom-based learning.
Why Water-Based Printing Matters for Decorators
Water-based inks continue to gain traction as brands and consumers prioritize softer hand feel, sustainability and premium print quality.
For apparel decorators, however, water-based printing can present challenges from ink management and curing to environmental conditions and press setup.
That’s where training initiatives like the Waterbase Festival play a critical role.
By providing structured, in-person learning environments, events like this help decorators:
- Reduce trial-and-error in production
- Improve print consistency
- Expand service offerings
- Stay competitive in evolving markets
According to Sport PrintLab, the course is particularly suited for decorators with some experience who want to deepen their understanding of water-based techniques.
Building a Community Around Screen Printing
Beyond technical training, the Waterbase Festival reflects a broader shift in the industry toward community-driven learning.
Sport PrintLab positions itself as a hub “created by screen printers, for screen printers,” with a mission to share knowledge, showcase technology and inspire the next generation of decorators.
The event brings together printers, educators and technology partners, creating opportunities for collaboration and idea-sharing that extend beyond the classroom.
ROQ’s Role in Industry Education
For ROQ, supporting initiatives like the Waterbase Festival aligns with its broader focus on advancing the screen printing industry through education and hands-on training.
The company has continued to invest in training environments such as its ROQ Tech Centers, where decorators can learn automation, production workflows and equipment optimization in real-world settings.
By participating in and supporting educational events, ROQ reinforces its position not just as an equipment manufacturer, but as a partner in helping decorators improve their operations and grow their businesses.
Looking Ahead
The next Waterbase Festival is scheduled for May 6–7, with additional training opportunities and events planned throughout the year at Sport PrintLab.
As interest in water-based printing continues to grow, initiatives like this are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping how decorators learn, innovate and compete.
