Chromaline CP Tex Diazo Emulsion – Versatile, Durable Screen Printing Emulsion for Water-Based, Discharge & Plastisol Inks
Chromaline
Chromaline CP-Tex is the diazo emulsion built for durability above all else — reporting up to 75,000 impressions on demanding water-based and discharge print runs. If you’re running high-volume jobs with chemically aggressive inks and need a stencil that simply refuses to break down mid-run, CP-Tex is what the industry has relied on for decades. The diazo sensitizer is included, and CP-Tex’s legendarily wide exposure latitude means it’s forgiving of operator error — difficult to over- or under-expose compared to pure photopolymers.
Exceptional durability on WB and discharge — stencil integrity through the longest runs
Forgiving and hard to over-expose — ideal for shops without precise exposure calibration
Compatible with all major textile ink systems
Sensitizer packet included — no separate purchase required
Long shelf life before mixing — sensitize only what you need
Decades of use in demanding textile screen rooms worldwide
Price range: $38.75 through $5,558.40
Description
The Durability Standard for WB & Discharge — Chromaline CP-Tex
When shops ask what emulsion they should use for long-run water-based and discharge printing, CP-Tex comes up time and time again. Its diazo chemistry creates a chemically cross-linked stencil that resists the aggressive penetration and chemical activity of water-based and discharge inks far longer than most photopolymer alternatives — with reported print runs reaching 75,000 impressions. For shops running production-scale garment dye jobs, discharge prints, or high-volume water-based work, CP-Tex sets the benchmark for how long a stencil can hold up. The wide exposure latitude is a production advantage too: CP-Tex is genuinely forgiving of slight exposure variation, making it a reliable choice for shops that don’t have tightly calibrated exposure setups.
Why Diazo Lasts Longer on WB/Discharge
Diazo emulsions undergo a deeper chemical cross-linking during exposure than pure photopolymers. This produces a harder, denser stencil wall that resists the penetration and swelling caused by water-based and discharge inks. That’s why high-run WB/discharge printers keep coming back to diazo when run count matters most.
Wide Exposure Latitude — Built-In Forgiveness
CP-Tex has one of the widest exposure windows in Chromaline’s lineup. A photopolymer that’s slightly overexposed can lose fine detail; CP-Tex holds both extremes well. This makes it particularly valuable in shops running metal halide units without precise timers, or in environments where screen room conditions vary.
Sensitized Shelf Life — Temperature Matters
Once mixed with diazo sensitizer, CP-Tex lasts 4–6 weeks at 72°F. In a hot shop running at 90–100°F, the sensitized shelf life drops to under one week. Only sensitize what you’ll use in the near term, and refrigerate sensitized emulsion if possible to extend shelf life. The unsensitized product keeps 24 months.
Metal Halide Recommended
CP-Tex is a diazo emulsion optimized for metal halide exposure units, which produce broad-spectrum UV output well-matched to diazo’s spectral sensitivity. LED units can work but may require longer exposure times. If you’re on LED, consider Hydro X Blue or Red for all-purpose WB/discharge use.
What You Receive
Which Size Is Right for You?
Yield estimates based on standard 1+1 coating; actual yield varies with mesh count and frame size.
How to Use CP-Tex
Dissolve the included diazo packet in distilled water per instructions. Stir into emulsion. Allow 30 minutes for de-gas before use. Only sensitize what you’ll use within the sensitized shelf life window.
Clean mesh with Chroma/Clean. Apply 1+1 with a scoop coater in yellow safelight conditions. Additional coats increase EOM and run durability.
Dry horizontally in a dark cabinet. Must be completely dry before exposure. Sensitized screens are best used within a few days of coating.
Metal halide recommended. CP-Tex’s wide latitude means it is forgiving — run a step wedge to establish your baseline, but don’t stress over minor variation.
Rinse with room-temperature water. CP-Tex washes out cleanly. Inspect on a light table before printing.
Apply Chroma/Strip, dwell, and pressure wash. Use Chroma/Haze for ghost stain removal.
Having emulsion issues? Visit our emulsion troubleshooting guide or call (512) 454-0505.
Watch: Screen Making 101
New to making screens? This step-by-step Chromaline video covers mesh prep, emulsion coating, exposure, and washout from start to finish.
⚠ Not Freeze/Thaw Stable
Frozen emulsion is permanently damaged. Ships from warm San Antonio, TX.
⚠ Sensitized Shelf Life Is Temperature-Dependent
4–6 weeks at 72°F; under 1 week at 90–100°F. Hot shops must use sensitized emulsion quickly. Refrigerate to extend shelf life.
⚠ Allow 30 Min De-Gas After Mixing
After mixing diazo into emulsion, allow 30 minutes for air bubbles to dissipate before coating. Bubbles in the coating cause pinholes.
Chromaline Full Emulsion Line — Find Your Match
| Emulsion | Type | Ink Compatibility | Exposure | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChromaBlue ↗ | Pure Photopolymer (SBQ) | Plastisol | Very Fast | High-volume plastisol, LED shops |
| ChromaLime ↗ | Pure Photopolymer (SBQ) | Plastisol | Very Fast | Inkjet positives, humidity, registration |
| Hydro X Blue ↗ | Hybrid Photopolymer | Plastisol, WB, Discharge | Very Fast | All-purpose, water-based/discharge |
| Hydro X Red ↗ | Hybrid Photopolymer | Plastisol, WB, Discharge | Very Fast | Halftone/fine detail, LED units |
| CP-TexYOU ARE HERE | Diazo | Plastisol, WB, Discharge | Moderate | High-run WB/discharge durability |
| UDC-2 ↗ | Dual-Cure | Plastisol, Solvent, UV | Fast | Graphic + textile, halftone detail |
| UDC-HV ↗ | Dual-Cure | Plastisol, Solvent, UV | Fast | All mesh counts, forgiving shops |
| GSR ↗ | Pure Photopolymer (SBQ, solvent-resistant) | UV, Solvent, Plastisol | Fast | UV/solvent inks, freeze/thaw stable |
| Chromaline PL ↗ | Pure Photopolymer (SBQ) | Plastisol | Very Fast | High-build plastisol, thick deposits |
Why Buy from River City Supply?
Authorized distributor pricing. Free shipping over $200.
Order by 3:30 PM Central, ships same day. Free on orders over $200.
Warmer climate = more safe winter shipping days for freeze-sensitive emulsions.
17+ years. Genuine Chromaline product and real screen printing expertise.
Frequently Bought Together
All-in-one screen wash — cleans, degrease and prep in one formula.
Degreaser and reclaiming aid for clean mesh and better adhesion.
Dial in your exposure unit fast. LED or metal halide.
Required for applying emulsion — a sharp scoop coater ensures an even, consistent coating on every screen.
The Long-Run Standard — Ship Today
Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT. Free shipping over $200. Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected]. Emulsion issues? See our troubleshooting guide.
Technical Specifications
Chromaline CP-Tex — Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Emulsion Type | Diazo |
| Color | Blue |
| Pre-Sensitized | No — diazo sensitizer must be mixed in before use |
| Sensitizer Required | Diazo sensitizer (included in box) |
| Compatible Ink Systems | Plastisol, Water-Based, Discharge |
| Exposure Speed | Moderate |
| Exposure Unit Compatibility | LED and traditional metal halide / UV fluorescent |
| Run Life | Up to 75,000+ impressions with proper exposure |
| Sensitized Shelf Life | 4–6 weeks (refrigerate after mixing) |
| Unsensitized Shelf Life | 24 months at room temperature |
| Freeze/Thaw Stability | NOT freeze/thaw stable — frozen emulsion is permanently damaged |
| Recommended Coating | 1+1 (one coat squeegee side, one coat print side) |
| Screen Yield — Quart | ~20–25 screens (based on standard 1+1 coating) |
| Screen Yield — Gallon | ~80–100 screens (based on standard 1+1 coating) |
| Screen Yield — 3.5 Gallon | ~280–350 screens (based on standard 1+1 coating) |
| Reclaim Chemistry | Chroma/Strip emulsion remover; Chroma/Haze for ghost stain removal |
| Manufacturer | Chromaline Corporation |
| Distributed By | River City Supply — Authorized Chromaline Distributor since 2008 |
Yield estimates based on standard 1+1 coating; actual yield varies with mesh count and frame size.
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions — Chromaline CP-Tex
Is the diazo sensitizer included with CP-Tex?
Yes — the diazo sensitizer packet is included with every size of CP-Tex. There is no separate sensitizer purchase required. Dissolve the packet in distilled water, stir into the emulsion, and allow 30 minutes for de-gassing before use.
Why choose CP-Tex over a photopolymer for water-based and discharge printing?
Diazo chemistry produces a deeper chemical cross-link during exposure than pure photopolymers, creating a harder, denser stencil wall that resists the penetration and swelling caused by water-based and discharge inks. CP-Tex reports up to 75,000 impressions — significantly higher than most photopolymers on demanding WB/discharge jobs.
How long does CP-Tex last after mixing the sensitizer?
Sensitized CP-Tex lasts 4–6 weeks at 72°F. In hot shops (90–100°F), the sensitized shelf life drops to under one week. Only mix what you’ll use within the window. Refrigerating sensitized emulsion extends shelf life. The unsensitized product has a 24-month shelf life at room temperature.
What exposure unit works best with CP-Tex?
Metal halide exposure units are recommended for CP-Tex — their broad-spectrum UV output is well-matched to diazo chemistry. LED units can work but may require longer exposure times than photopolymer emulsions. If you’re primarily using LED, consider Hydro X Blue or Hydro X Red for WB/discharge applications.
Is CP-Tex freeze/thaw stable?
No — CP-Tex is NOT freeze/thaw stable. Frozen emulsion is permanently damaged. River City Supply ships from San Antonio, Texas, for more safe winter shipping days than northern or midwestern distributors.
I’m having emulsion problems. Where can I get help?
Visit our emulsion troubleshooting guide or call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected].
Questions? We’re here to help.
(512) 454-0505 | [email protected] | Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT
Reviews
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.






Reviews