CCI W-Base Water-Based Ink | EnviroLine® Clear Mixing Base for CCI CMS Color System & Pigment Concentrates — Vivid Custom Colors with Soft Hand on Cotton

CCI

CCI W-Base

CCI EnviroLine® W-Base is a versatile, clear water-based mixing base designed for the CCI CMS Color Mixing System and compatible pigment concentrates. The foundation of the CCI water-based color system — W-Base is the carrier that transforms CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates into ready-to-print custom colors with strong, vivid color reflection and an exceptionally soft hand feel on cotton. Also functions as an extender to lighten or stretch standard water-based colors. Standard mixing ratio: 10% pigment to 90% W-Base — do not exceed 30% pigment by weight or curing and wash fastness will be affected. Medium viscosity for easy handling and smooth printability. Excellent rheology and flow characteristics allow long production runs without drying in the screen. Prints through mesh 86-305 for fine image detail with a soft finish. Use CCI’s free online Color Management Software for precise Pantone formula calculations. Designed for non-coated cotton fabrics. Add CCI EnviroLine® Retarder (up to 5%) for extended open time. Cure at 320°F (160°C). PVC-free. Phthalate-free. CPSIA compliant.

Price range: $24.99 through $279.99

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Description

CCI EnviroLine® W-Base — The Clear Base That Becomes Every Color

W-Base is not an ink. It is the ink before it has a color.

It is the clear, colorless carrier at the center of the CCI water-based color system. By itself, it is a transparent base with a soft hand feel and excellent flow. Add CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates — any of the concentrated color pigments in the CMS system — and W-Base becomes whatever color you need. Red, blue, green, black, process yellow, warm red, violet, reflex blue, or any Pantone shade that the CCI formula guide or CCI Color Management Software can calculate.

This is the real advantage of a mixing system versus premixed inks. Instead of buying a different container for every color you print, you stock one base and one set of pigment concentrates. Mix what you need, when you need it, in the exact quantity the job calls for. That means less waste from leftover premixed colors, less inventory bloat from shelves full of partial containers, and no waiting for a specific premixed shade to arrive.

One base. Fourteen pigments. Thousands of colors. Mix on demand. Print immediately.

How the CCI CMS Color Mixing System Works

The CCI CMS Color Mixing System is a water-based Pantone color matching system built around three components.

Component 1: W-Base

This is the clear carrier that provides the print characteristics — flow, hand feel, adhesion, cure properties, and screen stability. W-Base is the foundation of every mixed color.

Component 2: CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates

CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates are the color portion of the system. Each pigment is a high-strength concentrate, so a relatively small amount produces a vivid, saturated color when mixed into W-Base.

Component 3: CCI Color Management Software

The free CCI Color Management Software calculates the exact pigment formula for any Pantone color. Enter the Pantone code, get the mixing recipe, weigh the ingredients, mix, and print.

The standard starting ratio is 10% pigment concentrate to 90% W-Base by weight. Some colors require slightly more or less pigment, and the software calculates the exact formula.

Important: do not exceed 30% pigment by weight. Overloading the base with pigment can cause curing and wash-fastness problems. The base needs enough volume relative to the pigment to cure properly and bind the color to the fabric.

Dual Function — Mixing Base and Color Extender

Role 1: Mixing Base for CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates

This is the primary function. Mix W-Base with CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates to create Pantone-matched custom colors. The CMS system produces bright, vivid colors with a soft hand feel on cotton, at a per-print cost that is highly competitive on light garments.

Role 2: Extender for Standard Water-Based Colors

W-Base can also be added to an existing water-based color to lighten it, stretch it, or reduce color intensity for pastel and tinted effects. If a premixed color is too intense or too dark, W-Base lets you dial it back without completely changing how the ink prints.

W-Base is also compatible with pigments from other manufacturers, but the CCI formula guide and Color Management Software are calibrated specifically for CCI CMS pigments in W-Base. Using the matched system gives you the most accurate Pantone results.

CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates — The Color Partners

The CCI CMS system includes concentrated pigments that mix with W-Base. The full lineup available from River City Supply includes:

  • CMS Mixing Black
  • CMS Mixing White
  • CMS Mixing Yellow
  • CMS Mixing Warm Red
  • CMS Mixing Rhodamine Red
  • CMS Mixing Red
  • CMS Mixing Orange
  • CMS Mixing Green
  • CMS Mixing Blue
  • CMS Mixing Reflex Blue
  • CMS Mixing Violet
  • CMS Mixing Purple
  • CMS Mixing Process Blue
  • Additional shades in the CCI concentrate lineup

These pigments are high-strength concentrates, so a little goes a long way. The standard 10% pigment ratio means a gallon of W-Base produces more than a gallon of finished mixed ink. The concentrates last through many gallons of base, making the cost per print very competitive.

Browse the full CCI CMS Pigment Concentrate collection here.

W-Base vs. D-Base — Water-Based vs. Discharge

CCI makes two mixing bases for the CMS system. They serve different garment colors and different workflows.

Spec W-Base D-Base
Type Water-based clear mixing base that prints color on top of the garment Discharge base that removes garment dye and replaces it with CMS pigment color
Best Garment Color Light-colored garments such as white, cream, pastels, and light gray Dark garments where the fabric dye must be removed
How It Works Deposits pigmented color as a layer on the fabric surface Chemically discharges garment dye during curing and replaces it with color
Activator Required? No Yes — requires discharge activator
Fabric Non-coated cotton 100% cotton with dischargeable dyes
Hand Feel Soft — thin ink layer on the surface Ultra-soft — the print becomes part of the fabric
CMS Pigment Compatible? Both use the same CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates
Stock Strategy Stock both — W-Base for light garments and D-Base for dark garments

The simple rule is easy: light garments use W-Base, dark garments use D-Base with discharge activator. The same CCI CMS pigments tint both systems.

Production Tips for W-Base

Mesh selection

Use 86–305 mesh. Lower mesh gives heavier coverage. Higher mesh gives finer detail and softer hand. W-Base’s rheology handles the full range cleanly.

Long run stability

W-Base is formulated to resist drying in the screen during extended production runs. For the longest runs or hot and dry shop environments, add CCI EnviroLine® Retarder up to 5% for additional open time.

Squeegee

Use a 70–80 durometer squeegee at about a 45-degree angle. Light to moderate pressure with a fast stroke keeps print consistency strong.

Keep ink in the screen

Always keep an ample amount of ink in the screen to prevent drying. Mist a light spray of water over the ink during pauses, and keep lids on containers whenever possible, especially in hot shop conditions.

Emulsions

Use water-resistant emulsions such as CCI WR-14, WR-25, or Absolute. Standard emulsions may break down during production runs with water-based inks.

Cure

Cure at 320°F (160°C) for a minimum of 90 seconds. Always wash test before full production to confirm complete cure and wash fastness.

Cleanup

Use water for wet ink, CCI EnviroSolv® for on-press cleaning, and CCI WB-1 for dried ink and haze stains.

How CCI Additives and Modifiers Improve Your Production

Modifier Dosage Production Problem It Solves
CCI EnviroLine® Retarder (WB-Retarder) Up to 5% Ink drying in the screen during long runs or hot and dry shop conditions — extends wet ink open time
Water As needed in small amounts Ink too thick — reduces viscosity. Use sparingly to avoid over-thinning
Water mist (spray bottle) As needed during pauses Ink beginning to skin over during pauses — lightly rehydrates the surface

Cleanup: Water for wet ink. CCI EnviroSolv® for on-press cleaning. CCI WB-1 for dried ink and haze stains.

Recommended Emulsions: CCI WR-14, WR-25, or Absolute water-resistant emulsions.

Why Screen Printers Choose CCI W-Base

I want to mix my own Pantone-matched water-based colors instead of buying premixed inks.

This is the core W-Base use case. Stock W-Base, stock CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates, and use the free CCI Color Management Software. Mix any Pantone color on demand without waiting for premixed colors to ship.

I want to reduce my water-based ink inventory and waste.

One base and 14 pigments can replace shelves full of partial premixed colors. Mix only what you need for each job, which cuts down on leftover waste and makes inventory easier to manage.

I want the lowest cost per print on light cotton garments.

The CMS system is very cost-effective on light garments. Because the concentrates are high-strength, the standard 10% pigment to 90% base ratio gives a strong return per gallon of mixed ink.

I need a clear base that does not dry in the screen during long runs.

W-Base is formulated with flow characteristics and rheology that resist in-screen drying. Add CCI EnviroLine® Retarder up to 5% for the longest runs or the hottest conditions.

I want to extend or lighten an existing water-based color.

Add W-Base to an existing water-based ink to stretch it, lighten it, or reduce intensity for pastel shades. It works as a universal water-based extender.

I print on light cotton and want the softest hand feel possible.

W-Base produces fine detail with an exceptionally soft hand on cotton. Through higher mesh counts, the print stays light, breathable, and comfortable.

Key Features

  • Clear mixing base for the CCI CMS Color System
  • Produces bright, saturated colors when mixed with CCI CMS pigments
  • Works with the free CCI CMS online tool for Pantone formulas
  • Also functions as an extender for existing water-based colors
  • Long run stability with excellent rheology and flow
  • Wide mesh range from 86–305
  • Soft-hand feel with minimal surface buildup
  • Medium viscosity with easy handling and printability
  • Part of the CCI EnviroLine® system
  • PVC-free, phthalate-free, and CPSIA compliant

Technical Specifications

Specification Detail
Product Name CCI EnviroLine® W-Base
Type Water-based clear mixing base for pigment systems and color extender
Ink System CCI EnviroLine® / CCI CMS Color Mixing System
Appearance Clear / translucent
Viscosity Medium — easy handling and smooth printability
Pigment System CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates (14 colors). Also compatible with other pigment systems.
Standard Mixing Ratio 10% pigment to 90% W-Base by weight
⚠️ Maximum Pigment Load Do NOT exceed 30% pigment by weight — overloading causes curing and wash fastness problems
Color Matching CCI Color Management Software — free online Pantone formula tool
Finish Matte
Hand Feel Soft — comfortable, breathable prints on cotton
Long Run Stability Excellent — resists drying in the screen during extended runs
Recommended Mesh Count 86-305 mesh
Squeegee 70-80 durometer, 45-degree angle, light to moderate pressure
Cure Temperature 320°F (160°C). Minimum 90 seconds. Wash test before production.
Bleed Resistance None — designed for light-colored garments
Primary Substrates Non-coated cotton fabrics. Test substrate before production.
Retarder CCI EnviroLine® Retarder / WB-Retarder (up to 5%)
Thinner Water (use sparingly)
Companion Base CCI D-Base — discharge base for dark garments using the same CCI CMS pigments
Companion Black CCI Spot Black — ready-to-use high-opacity black in the same CCI EnviroLine® system
Recommended Emulsions CCI WR-14, WR-25, or Absolute water-resistant emulsions
Cleanup (Wet Ink) Water
Cleanup (On-Press) CCI EnviroSolv®
Cleanup (Dried Ink/Haze) CCI WB-1
Formulation PVC-free, phthalate-free, APEO/NPEO-free, CPSIA compliant
Available Sizes Quart, Gallon

Benefits at a Glance

  • The foundation of the CCI CMS Color Mixing System — one base + 14 pigments = thousands of Pantone-matched colors
  • Strong, vivid color reflection when mixed with CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates
  • Free CCI Color Management Software for precise Pantone formula calculations
  • Also functions as a water-based color extender — lighten, stretch, or adjust any water-based color
  • Long run stability — resists drying in the screen during extended production runs
  • Soft-hand feel with fine image detail on cotton
  • Wide mesh range (86-305) for both heavy coverage and fine detail
  • Standard 10% pigment ratio — high-strength concentrates last through many gallons of base
  • ⚠️ Do not exceed 30% pigment by weight — overloading causes curing and wash fastness problems
  • Per-print cost competitive with plastisol on light cotton
  • Part of the CCI EnviroLine® eco-friendly system
  • PVC-free, phthalate-free, APEO/NPEO-free, CPSIA compliant

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

CCI W-Base Water-Based Ink Safety Data Sheet

CCI W-Base Water-Based Ink Technical Data Sheet

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is CCI W-Base?

W-Base is a clear water-based mixing base that serves as the foundation of the CCI CMS Color Mixing System. Mix W-Base with CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates to create Pantone-matched colors. It also functions as an extender to lighten or stretch standard water-based colors.

How do I mix colors with W-Base?

The standard ratio is 10% CCI CMS Pigment Concentrate to 90% W-Base by weight. Use the free CCI Color Management Software to calculate exact Pantone formulas. Weigh the pigment and base, mix thoroughly with a spatula or drill mixer, and print. For small batches, use a scale that measures fractions of a gram, since pigment amounts can be very small.

What is the maximum pigment I can add?

Do not exceed 30% pigment by weight. Overloading pigment beyond 30% can cause curing problems and wash fastness failure. The base needs enough volume to cure properly and bond the color to the fabric. More pigment does not always create a better print, so follow the CCI formulas.

What is the difference between W-Base and D-Base?

W-Base is a standard water-based clear mixing base for light-colored garments, and it deposits color on top of the fabric. D-Base is a discharge base for dark-colored garments, and it removes the garment dye and replaces it with the CMS pigment color. Both use the same CCI CMS Pigment Concentrates. D-Base requires a discharge activator at 3–6%.

What fabrics work with W-Base?

W-Base is designed for non-coated cotton fabrics. Always test your specific substrate before production because coated, treated, or heavily finished fabrics may not accept the ink properly.

Can I use W-Base with pigments from other manufacturers?

Yes. W-Base is compatible with other pigment systems. However, the CCI formula guide and CCI Color Management Software are calibrated specifically for CCI CMS pigments in W-Base, so the matched CCI system produces the most accurate Pantone results.

Does W-Base dry in the screen?

W-Base is formulated with excellent rheology and flow characteristics that resist in-screen drying during extended runs. For the longest runs or hot and dry environments, add CCI EnviroLine® Retarder at up to 5%. Keep ample ink in the screen, mist with water during pauses, and keep containers covered when not in use.

What mesh count should I use?

Use 86–305 mesh. Lower mesh counts such as 86–156 give heavier coverage and more opacity. Higher mesh counts such as 200–305 give finer detail and a softer hand. W-Base flows cleanly across the full range.

How do I cure W-Base?

Cure at 320°F (160°C) for a minimum of 90 seconds. Always wash test before full production to confirm complete cure and wash fastness. Undercuring is the most common reason for wash failure.

What emulsions should I use?

Use water-resistant emulsions such as CCI WR-14, WR-25, or Absolute. Standard emulsions may break down during extended production runs with water-based inks.

How do I clean up W-Base?

There are three levels of cleanup. Use water for wet ink that has not dried. Use CCI EnviroSolv® for on-press screen cleaning during production. Use CCI WB-1 for dried ink and haze stains.

Is W-Base eco-friendly?

Yes. It is PVC-free, phthalate-free, APEO/NPEO-free, and CPSIA compliant. It is part of the CCI EnviroLine® eco-friendly ink system.

Is the CCI CMS system cost-effective compared to premixed water-based colors?

Yes, especially for shops that print many different Pantone colors. One base and 14 concentrates can produce thousands of colors. The high-strength concentrates last through many gallons of base, and the per-print cost is competitive with plastisol on light cotton. It also reduces waste from leftover premixed colors and cuts down on inventory overhead.

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