Matsui Crack Base Clear | Water-Based Crackle Effect Ink for Vintage Weathered Distressed Screen Printing on Cotton & Blends — Tintable with Neo Pigments

Matsui

Matsui Crack Base Clear (WB0009 / Binder CB) is a PVC-free, water-based special-effect ink that fractures into a one-of-a-kind weathered crackle pattern when flashed. Print a thick deposit through low mesh, flash, and the surface cracks like aged paint or distressed leather — no two prints alike. Tint it with up to 15% Matsui Neo Pigments for any cracked color you want.

✓Water-based & PVC-free

✓Randomized crackle effect

✓Tintable with Neo Pigments

✓Cotton & blends

✓Cures at 320°F

✓Prints up to 110 mesh

✓Semi-opaque

✓Zero viscosity mods

Same-Day Shipping • Free Shipping Over $200 • Free In-Store Pickup — in-stock inks ship same day on orders by 3:30 PM CT. Questions on the crackle effect? Chat on Tidio, email [email protected], or call (512) 454-0505.

Price range: $29.99 through $339.99

Ink Size

5 Gallon
Gallon
Quart

Clear

Description

Matsui Crack Base Clear — Controlled Chaos on Cotton

Perfect prints are smooth and uniform. Crack Base prints are the opposite — on purpose. This water-based Matsui ink fractures into a randomized pattern that mimics aged paint, dried mud, weathered leather and distressed vintage finishes. The cracking is an organic physical process during flashing, so every garment is unique — the raw, lived-in look that deliberate design can’t replicate.

One-of-a-Kind Crackle

A randomized web of fractures across the ink surface — no two prints crack the same way.

Tint Any Cracked Color

Mix up to 15% Matsui Neo Pigments for cracked red, gold, navy, black or any Pantone shade.

Soft, Water-Based Hand

PVC-free and environmentally safe, with a soft hand on cotton and blends.

Flash-Activated Effect

The crack happens at the flash step — thicker deposits crack bigger and bolder.

What You Get

✓Crack Base Clear in Quart, Gallon or 5 Gallon
✓Ready to print — zero viscosity modifications needed
✓Tintable with up to 15% Matsui Neo Pigments
✓Print standalone for subtle cracks, or over a Matsui white underlay for bold contrast

Pro Tip — Bigger Cracks

For the boldest pattern, run 60–86 low-mesh screens with a thick stencil or capillary film (build it up with extra emulsion), lay down a heavy deposit, and flash fully before curing.

How the Crack Happens

During flashing the outer surface of the thick ink deposit dries and contracts before the inner layers. That tension fractures the surface into the crack pattern — so the flash, not the final cure, creates the effect.

Thicker = More Dramatic

A heavy deposit through low mesh with a thick stencil cracks into bold, wide fractures. A lighter deposit through higher mesh gives finer, subtler cracks. You control the look.

Thick Stencil

Multi-coat emulsion or capillary film deposits more ink and yields bolder cracks.

Low Mesh

Up to 110; drop to 60–86 for maximum ink and the most dramatic cracking.

Flash Before Cure

Critical — the flash triggers the crack. Then cure at 320°F (160°C).

White Underlay

Semi-opaque: cracks expose what’s beneath. Print over white for high contrast.

Variable	Subtle Cracks	Bold Cracks
Mesh	110	60–86
Stencil	Thin	Thick / capillary
Ink Deposit	Light	Heavy

Must be flashed. The crackle only forms if you flash the print before final cure. Skipping the flash means no crack. Cure at 320°F (160°C); no viscosity modifications required.

Need help dialing in your crackle?

Match custom cracked colors fast with the Matsui Color Mixer, browse the full Matsui water-based ink line and Neo Pigments, or grab Matsui additives. Questions? Chat on Tidio (fastest), email [email protected], or call (512) 454-0505.

Technical Specifications

Matsui Crack Base Clear — Technical Specifications
Brand	Matsui
Product	Crack Base Clear
Product Code	WB0009 / Binder CB
SKU	Matsui Crack Base
Ink Type	Water-based special-effect (crackle) base
Finish	Weathered crackle / fractured texture
Opacity	Semi-opaque
Tintable	Up to 15% Matsui Neo Pigments
Substrates	Cotton & blends
Mesh	Up to 110 (43/cm); 60–86 for boldest cracks
Stencil	Thick — multi-coat emulsion or capillary film
Flash	Required — triggers the crack effect
Cure	320°F (160°C)
Viscosity Mods	None required
Chemistry	PVC-free, environmentally safe
Sizes	Quart, Gallon, 5 Gallon
Price Range	$29.99 – $339.99

Need an exact cracked Pantone color? Use the Matsui Color Mixer or tint with Neo Pigments.

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

Matsui Crack Base Technical Data Sheet

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What makes Crack Base crack?

When you flash a thick deposit, the surface dries and contracts faster than the ink underneath. That tension fractures the surface into a random crackle pattern. Thicker deposits crack bigger; thinner deposits crack finer.

Do I need a special additive or reducer?

No. Crack Base Clear is ready to print with zero viscosity modifications. The only thing you add is up to 15% Matsui Neo Pigments if you want a colored crackle.

What mesh and stencil should I use?

Print up to 110 mesh; drop to 60–86 mesh with a thick stencil or capillary film for the boldest cracks. More ink on the shirt means a more dramatic pattern.

Can I get colored cracks instead of clear?

Yes. Tint with up to 15% Neo Pigments for any Pantone-range color, or print over a white underlay so the cracks show high contrast. Match colors quickly with the Matsui Color Mixer.

Do I have to flash it?

Yes — flashing is what creates the crack. Flash the print to set the surface, then cure at 320°F (160°C). Skip the flash and you won’t get the effect.

What garments does it work on?

Cotton and blends. It’s ideal for streetwear, vintage-inspired fashion, distressed band tees, aged logos and edgy graphic art.

Still have questions?

We print with it too. Chat on Tidio (fastest), email [email protected], or call (512) 454-0505. Match cracked colors with the Matsui Color Mixer.

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Matsui Crack Base Clear | Water-Based Crackle Effect Ink for Vintage Weathered Distressed Screen Printing on Cotton & Blends — Tintable with Neo Pigments

Description