Matsui Water-Based & Discharge Ink Custom Pantone® Color Mixing | Choose Your Base, Tell Us Your Pantone Code — We Mix It and Ship It Ready to Print — Precision-Mixed In-House Using the Matsui Dispenser System
River City Supply
Tell us your Pantone® code. Choose your Matsui base. We mix it in-house using the Matsui Dispenser System and ship it ready to print. No mixing on your end — open the container and go. Choose from any Matsui base: 301C Clear, 301M Matte, EasyPrint Clear, EasyPrint Mat, Stretch Clear, Stretch Mat, Soft Stretch Clear, Brite Discharge Base, HM Discharge Base, and more. Every custom color is precision-mixed using Matsui Neo Pigments and the Matsui CMS (Color Matching Software) formula for your exact Pantone code — matched to the printed and dried ink color, not the wet ink in the container. ⚠️ Custom colors are mixed in-house — allow an extra day for shipping. No refunds on custom colors. Always test before production.
Price range: $69.99 through $649.99
Description
You Choose the Base and the Pantone Color — We Do the Rest
This is the simplest way to get a precise Pantone®-matched Matsui water-based or discharge ink: tell us what Pantone code you need, select the Matsui base that fits your job, and we mix it in-house using the Matsui Dispenser System and ship it ready to print.
No pigment calculations. No CMS software. No buying Neo Pigments and bases separately. No mixing on your end. Open the container and print.
How to Order
Step 1: Select your Matsui base from the dropdown on this page. Not sure which base? See the base guide below.
Step 2: Enter your Pantone® code (e.g., PMS 186 C, PMS 294 C, PMS 349 C) in the order notes.
Step 3: Select your size and add to cart.
Step 4: We mix your custom color in-house using the Matsui Dispenser System with Neo Pigments and your selected base, matched to the official Matsui CMS formula for your Pantone code.
Step 5: We ship it. You open the container and print.
The Matsui Dispenser System — How Your Color Gets Mixed
River City Supply uses the Matsui Dispenser System — a precision ink dispensing system that automatically measures and dispenses exact quantities of Neo Pigments into your selected base according to the CMS (Color Matching Software) formula for your Pantone code. This is the same technology used by Matsui dealers worldwide for repeatable, accurate Pantone matching. The system eliminates human measurement error and ensures batch-to-batch consistency — every container of the same Pantone code mixed in the same base will match.
Which Base Should I Choose?
The base determines the ink’s finish, stretch, opacity, mesh range, and substrate compatibility. Choose the base that matches your job requirements:
| Matsui Base | Finish | Best For | Mesh | Substrates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STANDARD ACRYLIC 301 BASES — Softest Hand, Highest Mesh | ||||
| 301C Clear | Clear / translucent | Softest possible hand. Fine detail. Tone-on-tone. Fashion prints. | Up to 305 | Light cotton, cotton-poly (w/ blocker) |
| 301M Matte | Semi-opaque matte white | Higher opacity than 301C. Matte finish. Custom colors with more coverage. | Up to 305 | Light cotton, cotton-poly (w/ blocker) |
| STRETCH / PERFORMANCE BASES — Athletic Wear, Dri-Fit, Spandex Blends | ||||
| Stretch Clear | Clear / translucent | Performance wear. Athletic. Stretch recovery. Soft hand. | Up to 305 | Performance fabrics, Dri-Fit, cotton-poly |
| Stretch Mat | Semi-opaque matte | Same stretch as Stretch Clear, with more coverage/opacity. | Up to 305 | Performance fabrics, Dri-Fit, cotton-poly |
| EasyPrint Clear | Clear / translucent | Printer-friendly performance base. Smooth printability. High stretch. | Up to 305 | Performance fabrics, Dri-Fit, cotton-poly |
| EasyPrint Mat | Semi-opaque matte | Same printability as EasyPrint Clear, with more coverage. | Up to 305 | Performance fabrics, Dri-Fit, cotton-poly |
| Soft Stretch Clear | Clear / translucent | Softest stretch base. Premium athletic and fashion applications. | Up to 230 | Performance fabrics, high-stretch garments |
| DISCHARGE BASES — Dark 100% Cotton, Dye Removal, Softest Hand | ||||
| Brite Discharge Base | Clear discharge | Brightest, most vibrant discharge colors. Low mesh. Dark 100% cotton. | Up to 160 | 100% cotton (dischargeable dyes only) |
| HM Discharge Base | Clear discharge | High mesh discharge. Finer detail than Brite. Dark 100% cotton. | Up to 230 | 100% cotton (dischargeable dyes only) |
Not sure? Start with 301C Clear for soft prints on light cotton. Start with EasyPrint Clear for athletic/performance fabrics. Start with Brite Discharge Base for dark cotton.
Need a clear vs. matte base? Clear bases (301C, Stretch Clear, EasyPrint Clear, Soft Stretch Clear) are translucent — colors appear vibrant but show the garment color through the ink. Matte bases (301M, Stretch Mat, EasyPrint Mat) are semi-opaque — more coverage, more color density, with a matte finish.
⚠️ Important — Read Before Ordering
Pantone color is based on the PRINTED AND DRIED ink color, not the wet ink in the container. The ink in the container will appear darker than the final printed result. This is normal. To verify accuracy, print a test swatch on your actual garment, cure it fully at 320°F (160°C), and compare the dried print to your Pantone book.
Always test before production. Garment type, fabric color, mesh count, ink deposit, and cure settings all affect the final printed color. A test print on your actual garment is essential.
Custom colors are mixed in-house. Allow an additional day for shipping beyond our standard shipping policy. We make every effort to ship promptly, but immediate dispatch is not guaranteed.
No refunds on custom colors. Custom Pantone mixes are specifically tailored to your order and cannot be returned or refunded.
Discharge Base Orders — What You Need to Know
If you select Brite Discharge Base or HM Discharge Base, your custom Pantone color will be mixed into the discharge base with Neo Pigments — but it will NOT include Discharge Activator. You must add Discharge Activator (3-8%) yourself before printing.
⚠️ Discharge rules apply:
100% cotton with dischargeable (reactive) dyes only.
12-hour pot life once activator is added. Only activate what you need for the day’s production.
Cure at 320°F (160°C). Colors shift during curing — the dried color will differ from the wet ink.
Ventilation recommended.
Water-resistant emulsions required. Chromaline CPTex or Hydro-X recommended.
Custom Mixed vs. DIY — Why Order Custom?
| Spec | Custom Mixed (This Product) | DIY with Neo Pigments + Base | DIY with Alpha Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixing required? | NONE — ships ready to print | Yes — you buy base + pigments + mix yourself | Yes — you weigh and blend Alpha colors |
| Equipment needed? | NONE | Gram scale, CMS software, clean mixing tools | Gram scale, Pantone book, clean mixing tools |
| Software needed? | NONE — we use CMS for you | CMS Software required | No — uses Pantone book formulas |
| Base selection? | Choose ANY Matsui base | Choose any Matsui base | N/A — Alpha IS the ink (no base choice) |
| Color accuracy | Matsui Dispenser System — automated precision | Depends on your scale accuracy and technique | Depends on your scale accuracy and technique |
| Best for | One-off jobs. Quick turnaround. No inventory. Guaranteed accuracy. | High-volume shops mixing daily. Full inventory of pigments + bases. | Shops that want simplicity + flexibility to mix on demand. |
Prefer to Mix Your Own?
If you prefer to mix Pantone colors yourself, two Matsui systems are available:
Neo Pigment Set — 13 pigment concentrates. Mix into any Matsui base. Use CMS Software for Pantone formulas. Maximum flexibility — 20+ bases, custom finishes, stretch, discharge.
Alpha Series Starter Kit — 16 ready-for-use mixing inks. Use Pantone book formulas directly. No software, no separate base. Simplest possible workflow.
⚠️ Contamination Warning
All custom Pantone colors are mixed in clean vessels using clean equipment. Do NOT contaminate the ink after delivery by mixing with non-Matsui products, non-approved additives, or using dirty tools. Contamination may cause the ink to test positive for restricted PVCs.
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Matsui Water-Based & Discharge Ink — Custom Pantone® Color |
| Service | Custom in-house Pantone color mixing using Matsui Dispenser System |
| Pigments | Matsui Neo Pigments — dispensed by automated Matsui Dispenser System |
| Color Matching | Matsui CMS (Color Matching Software) formula for your Pantone® code |
| Base Options | 301C Clear, 301M Matte, EasyPrint Clear, EasyPrint Mat, Stretch Clear, Stretch Mat, Soft Stretch Clear, Brite Discharge Base, HM Discharge Base |
| Cure | 320°F (160°C). Flash at 160°F. |
| Mesh | Depends on base selected — see base guide above. |
| Substrates | Depends on base selected. Cotton, cotton-poly, performance fabrics. Discharge: 100% cotton only. |
| Discharge Mode | Available with Brite Discharge Base or HM Discharge Base. Discharge Activator sold separately (3-8%). 12-hour pot life. |
| Storage | 65°F to 95°F (18°C to 35°C). Avoid direct sunlight. |
| Cleanup | Water and mild soap/detergent |
| Formulation | PVC-free |
| Shipping | ⚠️ Custom mixed in-house — allow an additional day for shipping. |
| Returns | ⚠️ No refunds on custom colors. |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I order a custom Pantone color?
Select your Matsui base from the dropdown, enter your Pantone® code (e.g., PMS 186 C) in the order notes, choose your size, and add to cart. We mix it in-house and ship it ready to print.
Which base should I choose?
For soft prints on light cotton: 301C Clear (translucent) or 301M Matte (semi-opaque). For athletic/performance fabrics: EasyPrint Clear, EasyPrint Mat, Stretch Clear, or Stretch Mat. For dark 100% cotton (discharge): Brite Discharge Base or HM Discharge Base. See the base comparison chart on this page for a detailed breakdown.
Why does the ink in the container look darker than my Pantone swatch?
This is completely normal. Pantone color accuracy is based on the PRINTED AND DRIED ink color — not the wet ink in the container. The wet ink will always appear darker. To verify accuracy: print a test swatch on your actual garment, cure it fully at 320°F (160°C), and compare the dried print to your Pantone book.
Do I need to add anything before printing?
For water-based bases (301C, 301M, Stretch, EasyPrint, Soft Stretch): No — the ink ships ready to print. Optional additives like Retarder MG (1-3%) or Quick Additive (6-9%) can be added for improved screen open time and wash fastness. For discharge bases (Brite, HM): You MUST add Discharge Activator (3-8%) before printing. Activator is not included.
How long does shipping take?
Custom Pantone colors are mixed in-house, which may require an additional day beyond standard shipping. We make every effort to ship promptly, but immediate dispatch is not guaranteed since each color is mixed to order.
Can I return or get a refund on a custom color?
No — custom Pantone mixes are specifically tailored to your order and cannot be returned or refunded. Always test on your actual garment before committing to a production run.
Can I print this on dark garments?
Yes, three ways: (1) Discharge base — order with Brite or HM Discharge Base, add activator, print on dark 100% cotton. (2) Water-based over white underbase — order in any base, print over a white underbase with appropriate blocker. (3) Print-flash-print — two hits with a flash in between for added opacity.
What is the difference between Clear and Matte bases?
Clear bases (301C Clear, Stretch Clear, EasyPrint Clear, Soft Stretch Clear) are translucent — the ink color is vibrant but the garment color shows through. Best for light-colored garments. Matte bases (301M Matte, Stretch Mat, EasyPrint Mat) are semi-opaque — more ink coverage, more color density, with a flat matte finish. Better for medium garments or when you need more opacity.
Can I reorder the same custom color later?
Yes — order the same Pantone code in the same Matsui base, and we will mix it using the same CMS formula on the same Matsui Dispenser System. The formula is standardized, so batch-to-batch consistency is built into the system.
What if I want to mix my own colors instead?
Two options: (1) Neo Pigment Set — buy pigments and bases separately, mix with CMS software. Maximum flexibility. (2) Alpha Series Starter Kit — ready-for-use inks, mix using Pantone book formulas directly. No software, no separate base.
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