Matsui RC 301 Spot Black | Ready-to-Use High-Mesh Water-Based Black Ink for Ultra-Soft Spot Color Screen Printing on Cotton
Matsui
Matsui RC 301 Spot Black (WB0312) is a premium ready-to-use water-based black ink that delivers deep, rich, saturated black with an ultra-soft hand feel — straight from the container with zero mixing required. Part of the Matsui RC 301 Ready-For-Use series, Spot Black is a premixed spot color engineered for precision black printing on light to medium cotton and cotton/poly blend garments. Prints through mesh up to 305/inch (120/cm) for the softest, thinnest deposit achievable in textile screen printing — with excellent penetration and saturation even through fine mesh counts. No pigment mixing needed. No viscosity modifications needed. No Color Mixer Software formulas needed. Open the container and print. Enhance production with Matsui additives — Retarder MG for open time, Fixer WF-N for wash fastness, Softener MG for penetration, or Quick Additive for all three in one shot. Can be dry cleaned and ironed. Cures at 320°F (160°C). PVC-free. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, CPSIA, and HR4040 compliant.
Price range: $29.99 through $3,284.99
Description
Matsui RC 301 Spot Black — Deep Black. Soft Hand. Ready to Print.
Matsui RC 301 Spot Black (WB0312) is a premium ready-to-use water-based black ink that delivers deep, rich, saturated black with an ultra-soft hand feel — straight from the container with zero mixing required. Part of the Matsui RC 301 Ready-For-Use series, Spot Black is a premixed spot color engineered for precision black printing on light to medium cotton and cotton/poly blend garments. Prints through mesh up to 305/inch (120/cm) for the softest, thinnest deposit achievable in textile screen printing — with excellent penetration and saturation even through fine mesh counts. No pigment mixing needed. No viscosity modifications needed. No Color Mixer Software formulas needed. Open the container and print. Enhance production with Matsui additives — Retarder MG for open time, Fixer WF-N for wash fastness, Softener MG for penetration, or Quick Additive for all three in one shot. Can be dry cleaned and ironed. Cures at 320°F (160°C). PVC-free. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, CPSIA, and HR4040 compliant.
Why Screen Printers Choose Matsui RC 301 Spot Black
Black is the most-used color in screen printing, and the black ink a shop runs every day says a lot about its print quality. Matsui RC 301 Spot Black is designed for shops that want a deep, rich, production-ready black without spending extra time on pigment formulas, weighing, or mixing. It is a finished spot color, not a clear base that requires Neo Pigments and Color Mixer Software. Open the container and print.
At high mesh counts, Spot Black delivers an extremely soft hand because the ink penetrates into the cotton fibers instead of leaving a heavier deposit sitting on top of the garment. The result is a premium black print with a soft, breathable feel that high-end retail customers notice immediately. Whether you are printing bold black graphics, fine text, detailed logos, or everyday spot color jobs on cotton tees, this ink is built to keep production moving fast while maintaining quality.
For shops that need custom black shades or want to print black on stretch and performance fabrics, a custom mix using Matsui Neo Pigments in a base like 301C Clear, Stretch Clear, or Simple Clear is the better route. But for the vast majority of everyday cotton black printing, Spot Black is the faster, simpler, more efficient choice.
How Spot Black Fits in the Matsui System
Spot Black is part of the Matsui RC 301 Ready-For-Use series. It uses the same acrylic binder chemistry as the Matsui 301 Series mixing bases, which means it works with the same additives, prints through the same high mesh range, and cures at the same temperature. The difference is that Spot Black is already finished and ready to run.
| System Feature | Matsui RC 301 Spot Black | What It Means for Your Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Binder Chemistry | Acrylic — same family as Matsui 301 Series | Compatible with familiar Matsui water-based production methods |
| Additive Compatibility | Works with Retarder MG, Fixer WF-N, Softener MG, Quick Additive, Thickener B, and RV Additive | You can fine-tune open time, wash durability, softness, and viscosity as needed |
| Max Mesh Capability | Up to 305/inch (120/cm) | Excellent for soft prints, fine lines, and detailed spot color work |
| Cure Temperature | 320°F (160°C), or 300°F (150°C) with Fixer WF-N | Consistent cure profile across the Matsui acrylic lineup |
| Certifications | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, CPSIA, HR4040 | Compliant for shops that need safer, retail-ready printing chemistry |
| Mixing Requirement | None — ready to print | No scale weighing, no pigment math, no prep time |
Ready-to-Use vs. Custom-Mixed Black
Spot Black gives shops a fast, repeatable black for daily production. A custom-mixed black gives more control over shade and substrate performance. This comparison helps show where each approach fits.
| Approach | RC 301 Spot Black (WB0312) | Custom-Mixed Black (Base + Neo Pigment Black) |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Required | None — open the container and print | Yes — mix Neo Pigment Black into a Matsui base |
| Prep Time | Zero | Requires formula lookup, weighing, and mixing |
| Color Consistency | Factory-premixed for batch consistency | Depends on accurate measuring and mixing |
| Shade Control | Deep, production-ready black | Can be adjusted warmer, cooler, or customized |
| Maximum Mesh | Up to 305/inch | Depends on the base selected |
| Stretch / Performance Option | Not stretch-rated | Use a stretch-rated base like Stretch Clear or EasyPrint Clear |
| Best Use | Everyday black printing on cotton and cotton/poly blends | Custom black shades or special substrate requirements |
The bottom line: For most black printing on cotton, Spot Black is the faster and simpler choice. For custom shade control or stretch/performance applications, mixing Neo Pigment Black into the right Matsui base gives more flexibility.
How Matsui Additives Improve Production with Spot Black
Spot Black is ready to use as-is, but the right additive can make production smoother depending on the job, press conditions, and garment type.
| Additive | Dosage | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Retarder MG | 1–5% | Extends open time to help prevent the ink from drying in the screen during pauses and long runs |
| Fixer WF-N | 1–5% | Improves wash fastness and lowers cure temperature to 300°F (150°C) |
| Softener MG | 1–4% | Improves penetration into the fibers for better adhesion and an even softer hand feel |
| Thickener B | 0.25–1% | Raises viscosity for improved halftone dot control and specialty detail work |
| RV Additive | 1–3% | Reduces viscosity for smoother flow and better fabric penetration |
| Quick Additive | 6–9% | All-in-one solution for open time, wash durability, and penetration in one easy measurement |
Browse the complete Matsui additive collection here.
Why Shops Use Spot Black
I print black on cotton every day and need the fastest workflow.
Spot Black is built for that exact job. It removes the need for pigment math, software formulas, and weighing. Open the container and print deep black immediately.
I want the softest possible black print on cotton.
At high mesh counts, Spot Black lays down an extremely thin deposit and penetrates into the fibers for a soft, breathable print that feels more like part of the garment than a layer sitting on top.
I need black that still looks rich through fine mesh screens.
Spot Black maintains excellent penetration and saturation even at fine mesh counts, making it a strong choice for small text, thin lines, and detailed black artwork.
My water-based ink dries in the screen during production.
Use Retarder MG or Quick Additive to extend open time and keep production moving more smoothly.
My black prints lose strength after washing.
Add Fixer WF-N to improve wash durability and make sure the print is fully cured. Proper cure is critical with water-based printing.
I need black on performance fabrics like Dri-Fit.
Spot Black is best for cotton and cotton/poly blends. For stretch or performance garments, mix black with a performance-rated base like Stretch Clear or EasyPrint Clear.
Matsui RC 301 Spot Black Key Features
- Ready-to-use premixed black — open the container and print with no pigment mixing required
- Deep, rich, saturated black — strong color density for premium spot color printing
- Ultra-soft hand feel — ideal for soft retail-style black prints on cotton
- High mesh capability — prints through mesh up to 305/inch for detail and softness
- Excellent fine-detail performance — strong black saturation through fine mesh counts
- Smooth surface finish — clean, premium-looking prints with a soft touch
- Compatible with Matsui additives — optimize open time, wash fastness, and penetration
- Production-ready viscosity — no modifications required for normal printing conditions
- Works on cotton and cotton/poly blends — ideal for everyday black jobs
- PVC-free and compliant — OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, CPSIA, and HR4040
- Ironing and dry cleaning safe — durable enough for garment finishing and care needs
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Matsui RC 301 Spot Black |
| Product Code | WB0312 |
| Type | Ready-to-use premixed spot color black |
| Series | RC 301 Ready-For-Use |
| Binder Chemistry | Acrylic |
| Mixing Required | None |
| Color | Deep, rich, saturated black |
| Opacity | High |
| Surface Finish | Smooth |
| Hand Feel | Ultra-soft |
| Recommended Mesh Count | Up to 305/inch (120/cm) |
| Cure Temperature | 320°F (160°C), or 300°F (150°C) with Fixer WF-N |
| Primary Substrates | Light to medium cotton, cotton/poly blends |
| Stretch Rating | Not stretch-rated |
| Compatible Additives | Retarder MG, Fixer WF-N, Softener MG, Quick Additive, Thickener B, RV Additive |
| Viscosity Changes Required | None for standard use |
| Certifications | OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, CPSIA, HR4040 |
| Formulation | PVC-free, phthalate-free, no co-solvents |
| Ironing / Dry Cleaning | Safe for both |
| Storage | 65°F to 95°F (18°C to 35°C), avoid direct sunlight |
| Cleanup | Water and mild soap or detergent |
| Available Sizes | Quart, Gallon |
Benefits at a Glance
- Ready-to-use black ink — no prep time, no mixing, no formula lookup
- Deep, rich black color — strong saturation for premium spot color printing
- Soft retail-style hand feel — especially effective through high mesh counts
- Fine-detail friendly — handles thin lines, text, and detailed artwork well
- Batch-consistent — factory-premixed for repeatable production results
- Works with Matsui additives — tailor open time, wash durability, and flow
- Runs on cotton and cotton/poly blends — great for common garment printing jobs
- Compliant chemistry — PVC-free, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, CPSIA, and HR4040
- Prints straight from the container — less labor and faster setup
- Built for everyday black production — one of the fastest ways to run water-based black ink on cotton
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to mix anything with Spot Black?
No. Spot Black is a ready-to-use premixed spot color. Open the container and print. No pigment mixing, no scale weighing, and no Color Mixer Software formulas are required.
What additives should I use with Spot Black?
For most jobs, Quick Additive at 6–9% is the easiest all-in-one choice. It helps with open time, wash fastness, and penetration. If you want separate control, use Retarder MG, Fixer WF-N, and Softener MG individually.
What mesh count should I use with Spot Black?
Spot Black can be printed through mesh up to 305/inch (120/cm). For maximum softness and detailed work, higher mesh counts are ideal. For solid fills, lower production meshes can still give excellent coverage.
Can I use Spot Black on performance fabrics like Dri-Fit?
Spot Black is not stretch-rated and is best for cotton and cotton/poly blends. For performance or stretch garments, use Neo Pigment Black in a base like Stretch Clear or EasyPrint Clear.
Can I use Spot Black on polyester?
It works on cotton/poly blends. For dark polyester or high-poly garments where dye migration is a concern, test before production and use an appropriate blocker system when needed.
What is the difference between Spot Black and mixing Neo Pigment Black into a base?
Spot Black is faster and simpler because it is factory-premixed and production-ready. Mixing Neo Pigment Black into a base gives more control over the final black shade and allows you to choose the right base for stretch, performance, or other special requirements.
Is Spot Black the same binder chemistry as the 301 Series mixing bases?
Yes. Spot Black uses the same acrylic binder family as the Matsui 301 Series, which is why it shares the same additive compatibility, high mesh capability, cure temperature, and compliance standards.
My black prints fade after washing. How do I fix that?
Add Fixer WF-N at 1–5% and make sure the print is fully cured. Undercuring is one of the most common reasons water-based prints fail in wash testing.
Can I print halftones with Spot Black?
Yes. Spot Black works well for detail printing and can be adjusted with Thickener B if you need more dot control for halftones.
Is Spot Black safe for children’s clothing?
Yes. It is OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified, CPSIA compliant, and HR4040 compliant. It is also PVC-free and phthalate-free.
Can Spot Black be dry cleaned and ironed?
Yes. Properly cured prints made with Spot Black can be dry cleaned and ironed.
How does Spot Black compare to plastisol black?
Spot Black produces a much softer and more breathable print because the ink penetrates into the garment fibers instead of leaving a heavier layer on top. The tradeoff is that water-based printing requires correct curing and benefits from proper additive selection.
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