Monarch VIVID LB Complete Color Mixing System Kit | Pantone Plastisol Starter Kit Screen Printing
Monarch
The Monarch VIVID LB Complete Mixing System is everything you need to match virtually any Pantone color in plastisol — all 23 inter-mixable blending colors plus Stark White LB and Stark Neutral Base LB in one complete starter kit. Backed by the free Monarch Color Match System formulator, this kit gives your shop the tools to dial in accurate Pantone matches from day one.
Available as a Small Kit (blending/neon colors in quarts, Stark White LB in 1 gallon) or a Large Kit (blending/neon colors in gallons, Stark White LB in 3-gallon pail).
25 inter-mixable colors — full Pantone spectrum in plastisol
Backed by the free Monarch Color Match System formulator
Covers standard blending, neon fluorescent, and base ranges
Non-phthalate, lead-free — safe for all garments including kids’
Small Kit (quarts) or Large Kit (gallons) — your choice
Standard cure at 320°F — cotton, 50/50, and tri-blends
● Authorized Monarch Distributor Since 2008
● Non-Phthalate & Lead-Free
● Free Cloud-Based Pantone Color Matching
● San Antonio Warehouse — Same-Day Shipping
● Non-Phthalate & Lead-Free
● Free Cloud-Based Pantone Color Matching
● San Antonio Warehouse — Same-Day Shipping
Price range: $910.52 through $2,478.03
Description
The Complete Monarch VIVID LB Pantone Color Mixing System
The Monarch VIVID LB Complete System Kit is the fastest way to bring Pantone-accurate custom color mixing to your shop. Instead of building your inventory color by color, this kit gives you the full 23-color inter-mixable system in a single order — along with Stark White LB and Stark Neutral Base LB. Backed by the free Monarch Color Match System at formulator.monarchcolor.com.
Small Kit — MXVIVIDLBSM
All 22 blending + neon colors in quarts. Stark White LB in 1 gallon. Stark Neutral Base LB in 1 quart. Best for shops starting out.
Large Kit — MXVIVIDLBLG
All 22 blending + neon colors in gallons. Stark White LB in 3-gallon pail. Stark Neutral Base LB in 1 gallon. Best for high-volume shops.
What’s Included in Every Kit
12 Standard Blending Colors
Cerise — MP6-0140
Mixing Black — MP7-0139
G/S Yellow — MP1-0153
R/S Yellow — MP1-0154
MX Orange — MP2-0130
B/S Red — MP3-0187
Y/S Red — MP3-0188
MX Green — MP4-0153
G/S Blue — MP5-0212
R/S Blue — MP5-0213
Ultra Marine — MP5-0214
Violet — MP6-0139
10 Neon Fluorescent Colors
Neon Yellow — MP1-0142
Neon Rich Yellow — MP1-0143
Neon Orange — MP2-0123
Neon Pink — MP3-0162
Neon Magenta — MP3-0163
Neon Red — MP3-0164
Neon Rocket Red — MP3-0165
Neon Green — MP4-0135
Neon Blue — MP5-0175
Neon Purple — MP6-0132
Base & Neutral — 2
Stark White LB — MP8-0120
Stark Neutral Base LB — MP8-0129
See the Monarch Color Mixing System in Action
All 25 Colors Included in the Monarch VIVID LB System
Click any color to view its individual product page. Every color in this kit is inter-mixable. For exact Pantone formulas, use the free Monarch Color Match System.
Standard Blending Colors — 12
Neon Fluorescent Colors — 10
Base & Neutral — 2
Free Monarch Color Match System — Included With Your Kit
Access thousands of Pantone PMS formulas at formulator.monarchcolor.com. Enter any PMS number, get exact gram weights, mix and print.
Understanding Shade Direction: G/S vs R/S Colors
The Monarch VIVID system includes pairs of the same primary color in two shade directions. Understanding which to use prevents formula errors and off-target Pantone matches.
What “Shade Direction” Means
No pigment is a pure single hue — every pigment leans slightly toward an adjacent color. A Green-Shade (G/S) yellow leans toward green. A Red-Shade (R/S) yellow leans toward red/orange.
This matters because: G/S Yellow + Blue = clean green. R/S Yellow + Blue = muddy/brown. The wrong shade direction produces a contaminated, off-target color.
VIVID Shade Pairs
G/S Yellow MP1-0153 → greens, limes, cool yellows
R/S Yellow MP1-0154 → oranges, warm yellows, golds
G/S Blue MP5-0212 → teals, ceruleans, cyan-blues
R/S Blue MP5-0213 → royals, navys, warm blues
B/S Red MP3-0187 → crimsons, cool reds, magentas
Y/S Red MP3-0188 → scarlets, warm reds, orange-reds
The rule: Let the Monarch Color Match System specify the shade. Never substitute G/S for R/S — the formula accuracy depends on the specific shade direction specified.
Monarch VIVID LB vs Monarch Apocalypse — Which System Is Right for You?
Monarch makes two Pantone-matchable plastisol systems. Here is how to choose the right one for your shop.
| Factor | VIVID LB | Apocalypse |
|---|---|---|
| Cure Temperature | Standard — 320°F | Low-temp — cures as low as 280°F |
| Primary Fabric | Cotton, 50/50, tri-blends | Universal — polyester, cotton, all blends |
| Polyester Bleed Resistance | Good — LB designation, suitable for 50/50 and tri-blends | Excellent — designed for 100% polyester performance wear |
| Opacity on Dark Garments | High opacity — prints on dark garments | Very high opacity — no underbase needed on many dark garments |
| Simulated Process / Halftone | Excellent — vertical stack retention, low tack, fine mesh | Good — also calibrated for color system accuracy |
| Hand Feel | Ultra soft, matte finish | Ultra soft, matte finish, good drape |
| Color System | 23 blending colors + Pantone mixing system | 38 standard + 12 blending + 10 neons + 4 process colors |
| Choose This When… | Cotton and blend garments are your primary substrate; simulated process; Pantone accuracy is priority | Athletic jerseys, polyester, heat-sensitive tri-blends; need one ink that works on any fabric |
How to Mix Custom Pantone Colors with the Monarch VIVID System
The complete workflow from Pantone number to production-ready ink — follow these steps every time.
1
Pull Your Formula from the Color Match System
Go to https://formulator.monarchcolor.com/users/sign_in — log into the free Color Match System. Enter your target Pantone PMS number. The formulator returns each VIVID LB color by code and its percentage of the total batch weight. Print or save the formula before moving to the scale.
2
Set Up Your Digital Scale
Use a scale accurate to 0.1 grams. Tare (zero) the scale with your empty mixing container on it before adding any ink. VIVID formulas are calibrated by weight — do not measure by volume.
3
Weigh the Largest Ingredient First
Start with the highest-percentage ingredient (usually Stark White LB). Pour slowly, stop at the target weight, tare, then add the next. Largest first minimizes compounding weighing errors.
4
Mix Thoroughly Between Major Additions
For formulas with 3+ ingredients, stir after each major component rather than adding all then mixing. This ensures even integration and prevents pigment pockets.
5
Print a Test Swatch and Cure It
Never evaluate a mixed color wet. Print on the actual garment substrate and run through the dryer at 320°F. The cured color on the intended fabric is the only accurate reference.
6
Compare to Pantone Chip Under D50 Light
Compare the cured swatch to your Pantone chip under D50 (daylight-equivalent) lighting. Under-cure, incorrect substrate, or off-balance formula each show differently — diagnose before adjusting.
7
Document Your Final Formula
Record the exact gram weights, not just percentages. Include garment substrate. For repeat jobs, documented weights save re-calculation time and ensure cross-order consistency.
Formula Not in the Database?
Email [email protected] with the PMS number. Monarch updates the formulator within 24 hours. PMS codes ending in “r” have revised formulas available on request.
Why Monarch VIVID Is Engineered for Simulated Process Screen Printing
Simulated process reproduces photorealistic, multi-tone designs using a limited number of spot color halftone screens. It is the most technically demanding production method in screen printing — and Monarch VIVID LB is specifically engineered for it.
Vertical Stack Retention
VIVID colors retain halftone dot shape when overprinted — they stack vertically rather than spreading. This minimizes dot gain and preserves tonal accuracy across the full print area.
Low Tack for Wet-on-Wet
Low-tack formula prints cleanly through fine mesh (230–305) without sticking to screen undersides. Wet-on-wet through 6, 8, or 10 screens without flash is achievable with proper setup.
Accurate Color in Mix
Simulated process requires every ink color to accurately represent its hue — a slightly off-tone station corrupts the entire tonal range. VIVID colors are calibrated to Pantone standard for formula predictability.
Fine Mesh Performance
230–305 mesh halftone screens require lower viscosity and tack. VIVID LB flows cleanly through fine mesh without viscosity modifier — preserving halftone dot fidelity from film to garment.
Recommended Mesh Counts for Simulated Process with Monarch VIVID LB
Underbase white: 110–160 mesh
Standard color stations: 160–230 mesh
Halftone / fine detail: 230–305 mesh
Squeegee: 70–80 durometer
Color Family Map — What Each Blending Combination Produces
Use this to understand which VIVID LB colors you need to stock for your target color families. For exact Pantone formulas, always use the free Monarch Color Match System.
| Color Family | Example VIVID LB Combinations |
|---|---|
Warm Reds & Pinks | Cerise + Y/S Red | Cerise + Neon Pink | B/S Red + Cerise |
Cool Reds & Crimsons | B/S Red + Violet | B/S Red + Ultra Marine | Cerise + Violet |
Oranges & Corals | Y/S Red + R/S Yellow | MX Orange + Neon Orange | MX Orange + Cerise |
Warm Yellows & Golds | R/S Yellow + MX Orange | R/S Yellow + Mixing Black | R/S Yellow + Cerise |
Cool Yellows & Limes | G/S Yellow + MX Green | Neon Yellow + MX Green | G/S Yellow + G/S Blue |
Greens | MX Green + G/S Yellow | MX Green + G/S Blue | MX Green + Ultra Marine |
Teals & Cyan | G/S Blue + MX Green | G/S Blue + Ultra Marine | Neon Blue + MX Green |
Royal & Warm Blues | R/S Blue + Ultra Marine | R/S Blue + Violet | R/S Blue + Mixing Black |
Navys & Deep Blues | Ultra Marine + Mixing Black | Ultra Marine + Violet | R/S Blue + Ultra Marine |
Purples & Violets | Violet + B/S Red | Violet + R/S Blue | Neon Purple + Violet |
Neutrals & Grays | Mixing Black + Stark White LB | Mixing Black + R/S Blue (cool gray) | Cerise + MX Green + R/S Yellow (neutral brown) |
Neon Fluorescent Range | Neon Yellow + Neon Orange | Neon Pink + Neon Magenta | Neon Green + Neon Blue |
Remember: These are directional guides only. For production Pantone matching, always pull the exact formula from the Monarch Color Match System.
Pantone Batch Size Mixing Calculator
Enter your total batch size and each color percentage from your Monarch Color Match formula. Get exact gram/oz weights for every ingredient — no math required at the scale.
%
%
Add colors from your Monarch formula above, then click Calculate.
Technical Specifications
Kit Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Kit SKUs | MXVIVIDLBSM (Small) / MXVIVIDLBLG (Large) |
| Total Colors | 25 — 12 Standard Blending + 10 Neon + Stark White LB + Stark Neutral Base LB |
| Small Kit | Blending/Neon colors in Quarts; Stark White LB in 1 Gallon; Neutral Base in 1 Quart |
| Large Kit | Blending/Neon colors in Gallons; Stark White LB in 3-Gallon Pail; Neutral Base in 1 Gallon |
| Cure Temperature | 320°F (160°C) |
| Primary Substrates | Cotton, 50/50 poly-cotton, tri-blends |
| Ink Type | Plastisol — low bleed (LB) formula |
| Flash Temperature | 240°F–260°F |
| Recommended Squeegee | 70°–80° durometer |
| Mesh Range | 86–305 mesh |
| Formulation | Non-phthalate, lead-free |
| Color Match System | Free cloud-based — formulator.monarchcolor.com |
| Shipping | Same-day before 3:30 PM CT from San Antonio, TX |
Complete Color List with SKUs
| Color Name | SKU |
|---|---|
| Cerise | MP6-0140 |
| Mixing Black | MP7-0139 |
| G/S Yellow | MP1-0153 |
| R/S Yellow | MP1-0154 |
| MX Orange | MP2-0130 |
| B/S Red | MP3-0187 |
| Y/S Red | MP3-0188 |
| MX Green | MP4-0153 |
| G/S Blue | MP5-0212 |
| R/S Blue | MP5-0213 |
| Ultra Marine | MP5-0214 |
| Violet | MP6-0139 |
| Neon Yellow | MP1-0142 |
| Neon Rich Yellow | MP1-0143 |
| Neon Orange | MP2-0123 |
| Neon Pink | MP3-0162 |
| Neon Magenta | MP3-0163 |
| Neon Red | MP3-0164 |
| Neon Rocket Red | MP3-0165 |
| Neon Green | MP4-0135 |
| Neon Blue | MP5-0175 |
| Neon Purple | MP6-0132 |
| Stark White LB | MP8-0120 |
| Stark Neutral Base LB | MP8-0129 |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between the Small Kit and Large Kit?
The Small Kit includes all 22 blending and neon colors in quarts, Stark White LB in 1 gallon, and Stark Neutral Base LB in 1 quart — ideal for shops starting out or evaluating the system. The Large Kit includes all 22 colors in gallons, Stark White LB in a 3-gallon pail, and Stark Neutral Base LB in 1 gallon — best for high-volume shops running regular custom Pantone color work.
Do I need to buy anything else to start mixing Pantone colors?
You need a digital scale accurate to 0.1 grams, empty mixing containers, and access to the free Monarch Color Match System at formulator.monarchcolor.com. All ink colors are included in the kit. The Color Match System is free to register and use — it provides exact gram-weight formulas for thousands of Pantone PMS codes.
How many Pantone colors can I match with this system?
The Monarch Color Match System covers thousands of Pantone PMS codes. The 23-color VIVID LB mixing system is engineered to reproduce the full Pantone spectrum achievable in plastisol. If a PMS number is not yet in the database, email [email protected] and a formula is typically added within 24 hours.
What garments can I print these inks on?
Monarch VIVID LB inks are designed for cotton, 50/50 poly-cotton blends, and tri-blends. The LB (Low Bleed) designation means they perform well on 50/50 and tri-blend fabrics. For 100% polyester performance wear, consider the Monarch Apocalypse system, which cures at a lower temperature.
Can I use the individual colors as straight spot colors — not just for mixing?
Yes. All 23 blending colors work as high-opacity spot colors straight from the container. They are calibrated for Pantone mixing accuracy, which also makes them highly accurate, saturated individual spot colors for standard screen printing.
What happens if I run out of one color?
Every color in the kit is available for individual reorder on this site. Click any color in the grid on the Description tab to go to its individual product page. All colors ship same-day from our San Antonio warehouse before 3:30 PM CT.
What is Stark White LB used for?
Stark White LB (MP8-0120) is required for the majority of Pantone formulas in the Color Match System. Most Pantone colors include a significant percentage of white to achieve correct value and opacity on dark garments. The kit includes a larger size of Stark White LB because it is consumed at a higher rate.
What is the Stark Neutral Base LB for?
Stark Neutral Base LB (MP8-0129) is a clear carrier used to reduce the value of mixed colors for pastels and soft tints without adding white pigment. It is an essential component of a complete Pantone mixing system.
Ready to start mixing?
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