Monarch VIVID Neon Red MP3-0164 Plastisol | Fluorescent Red Screen Printing Ink
Monarch
Monarch VIVID Neon Red (MP3-0164) is a high-performance fluorescent plastisol blending color for the Monarch VIVID LB mixing system. With its vivid fluorescent red hue, Neon Red is used both as a standalone vivid specialty color and as a key ingredient in the Monarch Color Match System formulas — extending the system’s reach into the fluorescent and neon Pantone color range that standard non-fluorescent blending colors cannot achieve.
Neon Red Fluorescent Plastisol
SKU: MP3-0164
Pantone-Matchable via Color System
Non-Phthalate & Lead-Free
Inter-Mixable with All VIVID Colors
Cure at 320°F
Same-Day Shipping Before 3:30 PM CTFree shipping on orders $200+ | (512) 454-0505
Price range: $49.78 through $269.16
Description
Monarch VIVID Neon Red – MP3-0164 Plastisol Blending Color for Screen Printing
Monarch VIVID Neon Red (MP3-0164) is a high-performance fluorescent plastisol blending color for the Monarch VIVID LB mixing system. With its vivid fluorescent red hue, Neon Red is used both as a standalone vivid specialty color and as a key ingredient in the Monarch Color Match System formulas — extending the system’s reach into the fluorescent and neon Pantone color range that standard non-fluorescent blending colors cannot achieve.
Available in Quart, Gallon, and 3-Gallon Pail. Non-phthalate and lead-free. Part of the 23-color Monarch VIVID LB mixing system.
Authorized Monarch Distributor Since 2008
Non-Phthalate & Lead-Free
Free Cloud-Based Pantone Color Matching
San Antonio Warehouse — Same-Day Shipping
New to the Monarch VIVID System?
Get all 23 inter-mixable colors + Stark White LB in one complete kit — the fastest way to start Pantone-accurate custom color mixing. Backed by the free Monarch Color Match System.
Is This the Right Color for Your Job?
Use This When You Need…
✓
Your Pantone formula calls for Neon Red as a mixing ingredient
✓
Need a standalone vivid fluorescent {cname} plastisol ink
✓
Printing neon-forward designs where maximum color energy is the goal
✓
Running the Monarch VIVID color match system — neons are required for fluorescent PMS ranges
Consider Something Else If…
✗
Looking for a standard non-fluorescent color — use the standard VIVID blending colors instead
✗
Printing on dark garments without a white underbase (neons are semi-transparent without a base)
Key Features
Vivid Fluorescent Red Hue
Pure, high-chroma vivid fluorescent red with the fluorescent brightness that only neon plastisol formulations can achieve. More vivid and energetic than standard spot color equivalents.
Pantone Color System Ingredient
Neon Red is a required blending color for fluorescent and neon Pantone formulas in the Monarch Color Match System. Without the neon colors, the system cannot accurately match fluorescent PMS codes.
Inter-Mixable with All VIVID Colors
Fully compatible with all 12 standard VIVID blending colors, other neon colors, and Stark White LB. Use in Monarch Color Match System formulas or blend custom neon shades manually.
Non-Phthalate Compliance
Non-phthalate, lead-free formula. Passes CPSC, HR-4040, CA Prop 65, and CPSIA. Safe for children’s garments and compliant with major retailer chemical requirements.
Best on White or Light Backgrounds
Neon fluorescent inks are most vivid when printed on white or light-colored garments. On dark garments, a Stark White LB underbase is required for the neon color to read correctly.
Soft Hand Matte Finish
Consistent with the VIVID LB system — lightweight with good drape and a matte finish. No heavy plastisol surface feel.
Free Monarch Color Match System
The Monarch Color Match System is a free, cloud-based Pantone formulator that tells you exactly how to blend your VIVID LB colors to hit any Pantone color. Enter a PMS number, get the exact mixing formula — no guesswork, no wasted ink.
✓ Covers the full Pantone range ✓ Free to use ✓ Updated formulations available within 24 hours on request
See the Monarch Color Mixing System in Action
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.
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%
Add colors from your Monarch formula above, then click Calculate.
How to Use Monarch VIVID Neon Red in Your Printing System
Pantone Color Match System Formulas
The primary use of Neon Red is as an ingredient in Monarch Color Match System Pantone formulas for fluorescent and neon PMS codes. Enter your target PMS number in the Monarch formulator to get the exact formula — Neon Red appears as a required ingredient whenever the target color falls in the neon/fluorescent Pantone range.
Standalone Neon Spot Color Printing
Use Neon Red as a ready-to-print standalone spot color for designs requiring vivid neon red without mixing. Works on white and light garments directly. On dark garments, print a Stark White LB underbase and flash cure before applying Neon Red.
Custom Neon Blending
Blend Neon Red with adjacent VIVID colors to create custom neon transition colors — e.g., Neon Yellow + Neon Green for lime, Neon Red + Neon Orange for hot coral, Neon Blue + Neon Purple for vivid violet. All VIVID colors are inter-mixable for unlimited custom color creation.
Step-by-Step Press Guide
1
Shake / Stir the Ink
Stir the VIVID LB ink thoroughly before use — from the bottom of the container. Consistent stirring ensures uniform color and texture across the print run.
2
Coat Screen with Emulsion
Use emulsion suitable for plastisol inks. Choose mesh count appropriate for your design detail level — 160–230 mesh for standard spot color, 230–305 for halftone/simulated process.
3
Set Up Press and Load Screen
Load the screen onto the print head and ensure proper alignment. For multi-color jobs, register all screens before starting production.
4
Position Garment on Platen
Lay the garment flat on the printing platen. Apply pallet adhesive to hold the garment flat and in registration. Ensure no wrinkles in the print area.
5
Print with 70–80 Durometer Squeegee
Flood the screen with ink first, then pull the squeegee across in a smooth, even stroke. The low-tack VIVID formula allows printing through finer mesh without viscosity modifier.
6
Flash Between Colors (Multi-Color Jobs)
Flash cure between colors at minimum time and temperature to gel the ink without fully curing. Confirm the flashed layer is tack-free before overprinting.
7
Final Cure at 320°F
Run garments through a conveyor dryer set to achieve 320°F at the ink surface. Verify with temp tape or a donut probe on the garment — not dryer air temperature.
8
Wash Test Before Production Release
Machine wash a test garment at hot water, 3–5 cycles. Inspect for cracking, peeling, or color change. Properly cured VIVID prints show no change.
Troubleshooting Guide
Common issues and how to fix them before your next run.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Color looks different after cure than when wet | Plastisol always shifts color on cure — this is normal | Always evaluate mixed colors in the cured state. Cure a test swatch on the actual garment fabric before finalizing your Pantone match formula. |
| Pantone formula not matching | Wrong formula used or inaccurate weighing | Use the Monarch Color Match System (https://formulator.monarchcolor.com/users/sign_in) to pull the exact formula. Weigh ingredients on a scale accurate to 0.1 grams — do not estimate by volume. |
| Ink too stiff / hard to print through fine mesh | Ink cold or out of balance | Allow ink to reach room temperature. VIVID LB is low tack — no viscosity modifier should be needed. If still stiff, verify ink is within shelf life and properly stored. |
| Color washing out or fading after washing | Under-cure | Verify 320°F at the garment surface with temp tape or donut probe. Increase dwell time and re-test with a 3–5 wash cycle test before releasing production. |
| Bleed on polyester or poly-cotton garments | Polyester dye migration during cure | Use Monarch LB series on poly-cotton blends — the Low Bleed designation provides bleed resistance. For 100% polyester, use Monarch Apocalypse Low-Cure series instead. |
| Ink deposit too heavy / stiff hand feel | Mesh count too coarse or squeegee pressure too high | Use a finer mesh count (160–230 for standard spot color). Reduce squeegee pressure. VIVID LB low tack formula is designed for good penetration at fine mesh. |
| Color inconsistent across print run | Ink settling in screen or container between prints | Flood the screen consistently before every print stroke. Stir the container at the start of each run. On long runs, re-stir the ink in the screen every 15–20 minutes. |
Complete Monarch VIVID LB Mixing System — All 23 Colors
All colors are non-phthalate, inter-mixable, and formulated for Pantone-accurate color matching via the free Monarch Color Match System. Click any color to view its full product page.
Standard Blending Colors (12)
Neon Colors (10)
Base / Neutral (1)
Mix any combination to match virtually any Pantone color:
Which Size Is Right for Your Shop?
VIVID LB mixing colors are typically purchased in smaller sizes since they are blended to match specific Pantone formulas — you use what you need per job.
| Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| Quart (32 oz) | Starting out with the system, shops blending a wide range of colors, lower-volume Pantone matching work |
| Gallon (128 oz) | Production shops running the color match system regularly, high-volume custom color work |
| 3 Gallon (384 oz) | Contract printers, high-volume shops, colors used heavily in many custom mixes |
What You’ll Also Need
Complete your Monarch VIVID mixing system setup — shop these related products at River City Supply.
Required for the Monarch VIVID system — the neutral base used in most Pantone formulas
All 23 VIVID LB colors + Stark White in one kit — best value for shops starting the Monarch color matching system
110–230 mesh for standard VIVID color work; 230–305 for simulated process and halftone
70–80 durometer recommended for Monarch VIVID LB inks
Dual-cure or photopolymer emulsion for plastisol printing
Spray adhesive or pallet gel for garment registration during printing
White Underbase Required on Dark Garments
Neon plastisol inks are semi-transparent and will not achieve full neon brightness on dark fabrics without a white underbase. Print and flash cure Stark White LB before applying Neon Red on any garment darker than a medium light gray.
Cure Verification Required
Like all plastisol inks, verify cure temperature at the garment surface with temp tape — not dryer air temperature. Neon inks that are under-cured lose their fluorescent brightness faster through washing than properly cured prints.
Questions about Monarch VIVID inks?
Call (512) 454-0505 or email [email protected] — Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT
River City Supply · Authorized Monarch Distributor Since 2008
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications — Monarch VIVID Neon Red
| Product Information | |
| Product Name | Monarch VIVID LB Blending Colors – Neon Red MP3-0164 |
| Brand | Monarch Color Corporation |
| SKU / Color Code | MP3-0164 |
| Color Type | Neon fluorescent plastisol |
| Formula | Non-phthalate, lead-free |
| Available Sizes | Quart, Gallon, 3-Gallon Pail |
| Ink Characteristics | |
| Opacity | High opacity — performs on dark garments |
| Finish | Matte finish with soft hand |
| Tack | Low tack — prints through finer mesh without viscosity modifier |
| Mixing System | 23 inter-mixable colors for Pantone-accurate blending |
| Color Matching Software | Free Monarch Color Match System (cloud-based) |
| Printing Parameters | |
| Recommended Mesh | 110–230 mesh for standard spot color; 230–305 for simulated process |
| Squeegee Durometer | 70–80 durometer |
| Press Type | Manual and automatic presses |
| Viscosity Modifier | Not required — low tack formula prints cleanly at fine mesh |
| Suitable Substrates | Cotton, cotton/poly blends, tri-blends, 50/50 blends |
| Curing | |
| Cure Temperature | 320°F (160°C) |
| Cure Time | 60 seconds at full cure temperature |
| Cure Verification | Use temp tape or donut probe on garment surface — not dryer air temp |
| Compliance | |
| Phthalate Status | Non-phthalate |
| Lead Status | Lead-free |
| Standards Passed | CPSC, HR-4040, CA Prop 65, CPSIA |
| Child Garments | Safe for use on children’s apparel |
| Storage | |
| Storage | Store at room temperature, tightly sealed. Avoid freezing and prolonged heat above 100°F. |
| Shelf Life | Approximately 2 years from manufacturing date when properly stored |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I use the Monarch Color Match System to get a Pantone formula?
Go to the Monarch Color Match System at https://formulator.monarchcolor.com/users/sign_in and register for a free account. Enter your target Pantone PMS number in the formulator. The system returns an exact formula showing which VIVID LB blending colors to mix and in what proportions by weight. Weigh the ingredients on a digital scale accurate to 0.1 grams for formula accuracy. If your target PMS number is not in the database, email [email protected] — updated formulas are typically available within 24 hours.
Are Monarch VIVID LB inks safe for children’s apparel?
Yes. Monarch VIVID LB inks are non-phthalate and lead-free, and pass CPSC, HR-4040, CA Proposition 65, and CPSIA requirements. The non-phthalate formula makes them suitable for printing on children’s garments without additional compliance testing. They are also no-odor inks, making them more suitable for garment printing facilities with ventilation considerations.
What fabrics can I print Monarch VIVID LB inks on?
Monarch VIVID LB inks are formulated for cotton, cotton/poly blends, tri-blends, and 50/50 blends. The LB designation stands for Low Bleed, meaning they have bleed resistance suitable for poly-cotton blends. For 100% polyester performance wear requiring maximum dye migration resistance, Monarch recommends the Apocalypse series. Always test on the specific garment substrate before production.
What mesh count should I use for Monarch VIVID LB inks?
Use 110–230 mesh for standard spot color printing. The low-tack VIVID LB formula is specifically engineered to print through finer mesh counts without requiring a viscosity modifier — a significant advantage for fine-detail work. For simulated process and halftone printing, 230–305 mesh is appropriate. Squeegee durometer of 70–80 is recommended for consistent ink deposit.
Do I need any additives or modifiers with VIVID LB inks?
No — the VIVID LB low-tack formula is designed to print cleanly through fine mesh without viscosity modifiers. Adding reducers or extenders would dilute the color and compromise the Pantone formula accuracy. Use the inks as mixed from the formulator, weighed accurately by weight.
What is the cure temperature for Monarch VIVID LB inks?
Monarch VIVID LB inks cure at a standard 320°F (160°C). This is the same cure temperature as most standard plastisol inks, so no dryer setting changes are required. Always verify cure by checking actual garment surface temperature with temp tape or a donut probe — not dryer air temperature. Run a wash test (3–5 hot water wash cycles) to confirm cure before releasing production.
How accurate is the Pantone color match?
The Monarch Color Match System is a professional-grade PMS formulation system, and VIVID LB colors are calibrated specifically for accurate Pantone matching. Real-world accuracy depends on: weighing accuracy (use a scale accurate to 0.1 grams), proper mixing, correct cure, and printing on the intended substrate. Slight variation between substrate types (cotton vs. poly-cotton) is normal and expected. Always print and cure a test swatch on the actual garment before confirming a Pantone match for critical brand-color applications.
Can I use Neon Red as a standalone color without mixing?
Yes — Neon Red can be used straight from the container as a standalone spot color. Use it on white or light garments for maximum fluorescent vibrancy. For dark garments, print a flash-cured Stark White LB underbase first. As a standalone neon, it delivers the electric vivid fluorescent red hue that standard non-fluorescent inks cannot match.
Do neon inks fade faster than standard plastisol?
Neon/fluorescent pigments are generally less lightfast than standard pigments, meaning they can fade with prolonged UV exposure over time. For garments intended for extended outdoor use, inform customers. For standard wear and washing, properly cured Monarch VIVID neon inks perform well within the expected lifetime of a printed garment.
Still have questions?
(512) 454-0505 · [email protected] · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT
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