Abstract: A water base flexographic dye ink concentrate comprising a laked alkali stable basic dye containing at least one amino group, the laking agent being an acidic resin, dispersed in a liquid medium consisting essentially of butyl carbitol, water, dissolved sodium benzoate, a nonionic surfactant, a defoamer, a dissolved acrylic acid resin, and sufficient aminoalcohol to give a slightly acidic pH. The ink concentrate is cut back with a mixture of propylene glycol and water and the pH adjusted to about 8.0-9.0 with an aminoalcohol to give a water base flexographic dye ink suitable for printing on paper towels, facial tissues, and tiolet tissues.