Screen Printing Inks :
Matsui Additives
An Additive
An additive refers to a substance introduced in minor quantities to enhance, fortify, or modify something. These additions serve various purposes, such as improving wash fastness or prolonging open time in screen printing ink, as well as adjusting viscosities. In our industry, particularly when working with water-based printing, additives can be highly beneficial when applied correctly and in accordance with recommendations.
QUICK ADDITIVE
Blend 7-10% of the Quick (All in One) Additive into the ink to effectively extend the open time and prevent clogging in the screen. Additionally, this additive enhances both wash and crock fastness simultaneously. If your shop utilizes three additives (Retarder MG, Softener MG, Fixer WF-N), incorporating this additive will significantly streamline and save time in the process.
RETARDER MG
Mix 1-5% of Retarder MG in to ink to help extend the open time and keep the product from clogging in the screen.
FIXER WF-N
Use Fixer WF-N at 1-4% to help with wash fastness. Fixer WF-N lowers the cure temperature to 300°F/150°C. There is no limited pot life with Fixer WF-N. This fixer does meet All RSL’s (Restricted Substance List) of all major brands.
FIXER L
Use Fixer L at 2-3% is an air dry additive and helps improve wash fastness. Fixer L can help when lower cure temperatures or faster belt speeds are needed. The pot life of the ink is roughly 24 hours once mixed. This fixer meets ALL RSL (Restricted Substance List) of all major brands.
SOFTENER MG
Softener MG functions as a silicone softener. It can be incorporated into water-based inks at a 10% ratio to serve as a foil release agent. Moreover, when Softener MG is mixed at a 20% ratio with water, it proves to be an outstanding cleaning solution for screens and mixing utensils.
FIXER V
Use Fixer V at 2-3% to help with wash fastness. This additive is designed for Poly Urethane water based printing binders, it greatly improves washing and crocking fastness. Fixer V does not contain any banned substances such as APEO, Formaldehyde, Organo Tin Compounds.
THICKENER B
Use Carrier B/Thickener B at 0.25-1% to raise the viscosity and help hold your dot for halftone printing. Be sure to use a high speed mixer when adding this product into your ink. Creates a short bodied ink.
DISCHARGE AGENT
Add to activate discharge inks. Recommended use is typically 6%.
RV ADDITIVE
Use Catalyst 3000/RV Additive at 1-3% to help reduce the viscosity and penetrate the ink in to the fabric.