Matsui Thickener B | Viscosity Thickener for Halftone Dot Retention in Water-Based Screen Printing Ink
Matsui
Matsui Thickener B โ Thickener B is a precision viscosity-building agent for water-based inks. It increases ink body and viscosity in very small doses โ 0.25โ1% โ making it the correct tool when ink is too fluid for fine halftone work or when low-viscosity inks are flooding the mesh. A little goes a very long way.
๐ฏ Problem it solves: Ink too thin โ halftone dots spreading, losing sharpness, or ink flooding the stencil.
๐ Dosage: 0.25โ1% by weight of total ink
โ0.25โ1% by weight of total ink
โMatsui Acrylic Inks Compatible
โPVC-Free
โOEKO-TEXยฎ Certified
๐ FREE Shipping on orders over $200|๐ฆ In-Stock: Usually ships same or next business day|๐ช Free In-Store Pickup ยท San Antonio, TX
Price range: $29.99 through $349.99
Description
Matsui Thickener B
Thickener B is a precision viscosity-building agent for water-based inks. It increases ink body and viscosity in very small doses โ 0.25โ1% โ making it the correct tool when ink is too fluid for fine halftone work or when low-viscosity inks are flooding the mesh. A little goes a very long way.
What It Does
๐
Increases Viscosity
Builds ink body and resistance to flow โ ink holds its shape on screen rather than flooding or spreading across the stencil.
๐ฏ
Controls Halftone Dots
Thicker ink holds dot geometry more precisely โ reducing dot gain and maintaining halftone sharpness. Essential for process printing and fine-detail halftone work.
๐
Prevents Flooding
Higher viscosity ink stays where it is squeegeed rather than creeping through the mesh during pauses โ reducing off-contact flooding and improving print definition.
When to Use This Additive
When halftone dots are spreading (dot gain), when ink is flooding the stencil, or when a low-viscosity ink needs more body for better print definition. Use very small doses โ start at 0.25% and increase in tiny increments.
๐ Dosage
0.25โ1% by weight of total ink
โ
Compatible Inks
All Matsui water-based inks. Also available as Emacol R-600-E for situations requiring more body or a different rheological profile.
โ ๏ธ Limits
Start at 0.25% and work up in 0.25% increments. Do not exceed 1% โ over-thickening causes ink to become too stiff, difficult to squeegee, and can cause mesh clogging. Keep total additives under 15%.
The Complete Matsui Additive Lineup โ All 13
Every water-based printing problem has an additive that fixes it. Here is the full lineup with dosages and what each solves:
| Additive | Dosage | What It Solves |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Additive | 6โ9% | All-in-one: open time + wash fastness + soft hand. Best starting point for most jobs. |
| Retarder MG | 1โ5% | Prevents ink drying in screen. Extends open time on press. |
| Fixer WF-N | 1โ5% | Improves wash fastness. Lowers cure temp to 300ยฐF (150ยฐC). Most common fixer. |
| Softener MG | 1โ4% | Improves fabric penetration. Softer hand feel and better adhesion. |
| RV Additive | 1โ3% | Reduces viscosity without weakening resin. Better flow and fabric penetration. |
| Thickener B โ This Product | 0.25โ1% | Increases viscosity. Controls halftone dot spread. Fine-detail work. |
| Fixer L | 1โ3% | Lowers cure temp to 250ยฐF. For electric dryers or heat-sensitive fabrics. |
| Fixer V | 2โ3% | โ ๏ธ For PU binder inks ONLY (Soft-Tex 350 series). NOT interchangeable with Fixer WF-N. |
| Retarder SP-1 / Flow | Varies | Improves flow of thick inks without reducing viscosity. For high-viscosity bases. |
| Emacol R-600-E | Varies | Long-bodied thickener for halftone dot retention. Alternative to Thickener B. |
| Puff Foaming Base HT | Varies | Creates 3D puff effect when flash-heated. Mix with any water-based ink. |
| Phantom Clear | Standalone | Disappears when dry. Reappears when wet (sweat). For activewear specialty prints. |
| Discharge Activator | 3โ8% | โ ๏ธ REQUIRED for discharge mode. Enables chemistry on dark 100% cotton. 12-hr pot life. |
๐ก Rule: Do not exceed 15% total additives in any ink batch. Complete additive guide with dosage charts, stacking rules, and FAQ โ
Questions about which additive to use?
Call us at (512) 454-0505 MonโFri 9amโ5pm CT
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Matsui Thickener B |
| SKU | Matsui Thickener B |
| Type | Viscosity Thickener for Halftone Dot Retention in Water-Based Screen Printing Ink |
| Dosage | 0.25โ1% by weight of total ink |
| Problem Solved | Ink too thin โ halftone dots spreading, losing sharpness, or ink flooding the stencil. |
| Compatible Inks | All Matsui water-based inks. Also available as Emacol R-600-E for situations requiring more body or a different rheological profile. |
| Limits | Start at 0.25% and work up in 0.25% increments. Do not exceed 1% โ over-thickening causes ink to become too stiff, difficult to squeegee, and can cause mesh clogging. Keep total additives under 15%. |
| Available Sizes | Quart, Gallon |
| Formulation | PVC-free, OEKO-TEXยฎ Standard 100 certified |
| Storage | 65ยฐF to 95ยฐF (18ยฐC to 35ยฐC). Avoid direct sunlight. |
| Cleanup | Water and mild soap/detergent |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much Thickener B should I add?
Start very small โ 0.25% of total ink weight. Mix thoroughly and test before adding more. Increase in 0.25% increments up to a maximum of 1%. Thickener B is potent โ it is easy to over-thicken.
What is the difference between Thickener B and Emacol R-600-E?
Both are viscosity builders, but with different rheological characteristics. Thickener B provides precise, clean thickening. Emacol R-600-E is a longer-bodied thickener that some printers prefer for specific halftone or process printing applications. Both are effective โ Thickener B is the standard recommendation; Emacol R-600-E is for shops with specific rheology requirements.
Can I use Thickener B with discharge inks?
Yes. Add before mixing Discharge Activator. Thickener B helps heavy discharge formulas hold halftone dots more precisely.
Questions about which additive to use?
Call us at (512) 454-0505 MonโFri 9amโ5pm CT
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