MATSUI INFINITY SERIES READY-FOR-USE WATER-BASED INK
Matsui Infinity Series delivers the same Pantone-book color matching as Alpha Series, but optimized for water-based-only printing with a distinctive matte finish and finer 305 mesh capability. 17 spot mixing colors + a dedicated 4-color CMYK process set for photographic prints. Match any Pantone color using your Pantone book — no software required. The go-to water-based ink for shops that want matte-finish prints, ultra-fine detail, and full-color process capability without discharge chemistry.
WHAT MAKES INFINITY DIFFERENT FROM ALPHA SERIES
Alpha does water-based AND discharge. Infinity is water-based ONLY — and that focus gives it three advantages Alpha cannot offer: a matte surface finish, finer 305 mesh printing for sharper detail, and a dedicated 4-color CMYK process set for full-color photographic prints.
Matte Surface Finish
Infinity prints cure to a flat, matte surface — no sheen, no gloss. This is the modern look that fashion brands, streetwear labels, and premium retail accounts increasingly demand. Alpha cures to a semi-gloss finish. If your customer asks for “flat” or “matte” prints, Infinity is the answer.
305 Mesh for Finer Detail
Alpha maxes out at 230 mesh. Infinity prints through 305 mesh — 33% finer resolution. This means sharper halftones, finer text, more precise edges, and better simulated process detail. For photographic or highly detailed artwork, Infinity’s mesh ceiling gives you more headroom than Alpha.
4-Color CMYK Process Set
Infinity includes a dedicated Process Cyan, Process Magenta, Process Yellow, and Process Black formulated specifically for halftone CMYK printing at 305 mesh. Alpha does not have a CMYK set. If you need full-color photographic prints from water-based ink, Infinity is your only RFU option from Matsui.
� Critical Difference: Infinity CANNOT Discharge
Infinity is water-based only. It will NOT discharge garment dye. Adding Discharge Activator to Infinity ink does nothing — the chemistry is not designed for it. If you need to discharge on dark 100% cotton, you must use Alpha Series instead. This is the single most important decision point between the two systems: need discharge? → Alpha. Don’t need discharge? → Infinity gives you matte finish, finer mesh, and CMYK capability.
When to Choose Infinity Over Alpha
Choose Infinity when: your shop does NOT print on dark cotton using discharge. You want a matte/flat finish that Alpha cannot deliver. You need to print fine detail, small text, or halftones that benefit from 305 mesh. You want to offer full-color CMYK process printing using a water-based RFU ink. Your customers spec “matte finish” or “no sheen” in their art approval. You run a high-mesh, detail-focused shop.
How Infinity Handles Dark Garments (Without Discharge)
Since Infinity cannot discharge, dark garments require a white underbase approach: screen print Blocker Gray (or Blocker Black LG for polyester), flash, then 301W-B HO White, flash, then Infinity color on top. The result is a surface-deposit print with Infinity’s signature matte finish. It will have more hand feel than a discharge print, but it works on ANY fabric type — not just cotton.
INFINITY SERIES SPOT COLOR LINEUP
Every color below is ready-for-use. Print as a spot color or blend using Pantone Formula Guide ratios. Black C is a mixing black (dark gray) — use Spot Black for solid black prints.
Black C
Mixing Black (Dark Gray)DARKENS other colors. Prints dark gray. Use Spot Black for true black.
Starter Kit + Pantone Book
Complete SystemAll 15 mixing colors + Retarder MG + Coated & Uncoated Pantone Book.
Starter Kit (No Book)
Inks + Retarder OnlyAll 15 mixing colors + Retarder MG. For shops that already own a Pantone Guide.
INFINITY 4-COLOR CMYK PROCESS SET
Dedicated Process Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black — formulated for halftone dot accuracy at 305 mesh. Print full-color photographs, complex gradients, and unlimited-color artwork from just four screens. The only ready-for-use water-based CMYK process set from Matsui.
4-Color Process Print Settings
Mesh: 305 required for halftone dot integrity.
Print order: Yellow → Cyan → Magenta → Black (Y-C-M-K). Print lightest to darkest.
Screen angles: Yellow 90°, Cyan 15°, Magenta 75°, Black 45°. These angles prevent moiré patterns.
Halftone frequency: 45-55 LPI recommended for water-based on textile.
Substrate: Best results on white or light garments. For dark garments, print a white underbase first, flash, then CMYK on top.
When to Use CMYK Process vs. Spot Colors
Use CMYK process when: The artwork has photographic elements, complex gradients, or more than 6-8 colors. CMYK reproduces unlimited colors from just 4 screens, which is far more efficient than burning a separate screen for each spot color.
Use spot colors when: The design has flat, solid areas of specific Pantone colors. Spot colors produce more vivid, saturated results than CMYK halftones. Logos, text, simple graphics, and designs with fewer than 6 colors are better as spot prints. Many jobs combine both: spot colors for key brand elements + CMYK for photographic areas.
HOW TO MATCH ANY PANTONE COLOR WITH INFINITY SERIES
The workflow is identical to Alpha Series. Open your Pantone Formula Guide, follow the formula, weigh, mix, print. No computer needed.
Customer provides a Pantone number. Open your Pantone Formula Guide to that swatch.
Read the formula. Every swatch lists which Infinity colors to combine and at what percentages.
Weigh on a gram scale. Calculate the weight of each color for your batch size. Weigh into a clean vessel.
Mix thoroughly. Stir until completely uniform. No streaks.
Print a test swatch. Pull a test on your production garment. Dry and cure fully. Compare cured print to the Pantone swatch. Adjust 1-3% if needed.
Pantone Matching Notes for Infinity
Pantone formulas are designed for ink on paper. Minor adjustments are normal on fabric.
Infinity’s matte finish affects color perception. The same Pantone formula will appear slightly different in Infinity (matte) vs. Alpha (semi-gloss). Matte surfaces reflect less light, so colors can appear slightly darker or more muted. This is a finish property, not a color accuracy issue.
Garment color matters. Infinity is a surface-deposit ink, so the fabric color shows through on anything other than white. Use a white underbase on medium and dark garments for accurate color reproduction.
INFINITY SERIES TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
| Specification | Infinity Spot Colors | Infinity 4-Color CMYK Process |
|---|---|---|
| Mesh Count | Up to 305 (120 cm) | 305 required (120 cm) |
| Cure Temperature | 320°F (160°C) | 320°F (160°C) |
| Flash Temperature | 160°F (71°C) | 160°F (71°C) |
| Discharge Capable? | NO — Infinity is water-based ONLY. Cannot discharge. | |
| Surface Finish | Matte / Flat | Matte / Flat |
| Fabric Compatibility | Cotton, cotton-poly, polyester (with blocker underbase) | |
| Wet-on-Wet | Yes | Not recommended — flash between CMYK layers |
| Print Order (CMYK) | N/A | Yellow → Cyan → Magenta → Black |
| Screen Angles (CMYK) | N/A | Y 90° / C 15° / M 75° / K 45° |
| Storage | 65°F to 95°F (18°C to 35°C). Avoid sunlight. Keep sealed. | |
| Cleanup | Water and mild soap. Clean immediately after use. | |
| Certifications | PVC-free. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100. CPSIA. HR4040. No phthalates, heavy metals, or formaldehyde. | |
Critical Handling Rule
Infinity Colors MUST be mixed in clean vessels using clean mixing blades and utensils. Any contamination from other ink sources or non-approved additives could cause Infinity Colors to test positive for restricted PVCs. Use dedicated containers for Matsui products.
MATSUI ADDITIVES — THE COMPLETE GUIDE FOR INFINITY SERIES
The same Matsui additives that work with Alpha Series also work with Infinity. Start with Quick Additive (the all-in-one), then add individual additives as needed.
Quick Additive — The All-in-One
Add 6-9% by weightWhat it does: Combines Retarder, Fixer, and Softener into one product. Slows drying, improves wash fastness, and softens hand feel simultaneously.
Start here. The default additive for every job.
Retarder MG — Prevents Drying on Screen
Add 1-3% by weight (up to 5% in extreme heat)What it does: Slows evaporation to keep ink open on the screen longer. The #1 complaint from shops new to water-based is “ink dries in my screen.” Retarder MG solves that. Essential in hot, dry environments and for manual presses where print speed is slower.
Problem it solves: “My ink keeps drying in the screen.”
Fixer WF-N — Improves Wash Fastness
Add 1-3% by weightWhat it does: Cross-links the ink film during curing for stronger fabric-to-ink bond. Prints survive 50+ washes vs. 15-20 without it. Critical for athletic wear, uniforms, children’s clothing.
Problem it solves: “My prints fade after a few washes.”
Softener MG — Softer Hand Feel
Add 1-5% by weightWhat it does: Improves ink penetration into fibers, reducing surface deposit. Less surface ink = softer feel. Particularly effective with Infinity’s already-soft matte finish.
Problem it solves: “The print feels too thick or stiff.”
Fixer L — Low-Cure Wash Fastness
Add 1-3% by weightWhat it does: Same cross-linking as Fixer WF-N but engineered for lower cure temperatures. For electric dryers that can’t hold 320°F, heat-sensitive fabrics, or heat press curing.
Problem it solves: “My dryer can’t reach 320°F consistently.”
Thickener B — Increases Viscosity
Add 0.25-1% by weightWhat it does: Makes ink thicker. Reduces bleed-through and spread. Increases opacity. Use sparingly — 0.25% increments.
Problem it solves: “My ink is too thin / bleeds through the screen.”
RV Additive — Reduces Viscosity
Add 1-3% by weightWhat it does: Makes ink thinner and more fluid. Helps ink flow through high mesh (200-305) and fine-detail stencils. Particularly useful for Infinity since it runs through 305 mesh for CMYK process work.
Problem it solves: “My ink won’t push through 305 mesh cleanly.”
Additive Stacking
Multiple additives can be combined. Typical combination: 2% Retarder + 2% Fixer WF-N + 2% Softener = 6% total. Or use 6-9% Quick Additive alone. Do not exceed 15% total additives — beyond that, color saturation suffers. Note: Infinity does NOT use Discharge Activator since it cannot discharge.
UNDERBASE BLOCKERS FOR INFINITY ON DARK FABRICS
Since Infinity cannot discharge, dark garments always require a white underbase. Blocker prevents garment dye from migrating through and staining your white layer.
Under Base Blocker Gray
Default. Dark cotton garments. Blocker Gray → flash → 301W-B HO White → flash → Infinity color on top.
Under Base Blocker Black LG
Polyester, poly-blends, aggressive dye migration. Stronger block than Gray.
Kombat Blocker / Kombat Black
Sublimation-printed polyester. Maximum dye migration blocking.
48-Hour Dye Migration Test
Print, cure at 320°F, then wait 48 hours before evaluating. Dye migration develops over 24-48 hours after curing. If any bleed-through appears, escalate blocker level.
INFINITY vs. ALPHA — WHICH SYSTEM IS RIGHT FOR YOUR SHOP?
| Feature | Infinity Series | Alpha Series |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Ready-for-Use | Ready-for-Use |
| Discharge? | L NO | YES |
| Finish | Matte / Flat | Semi-Gloss |
| Max Mesh | 305 (finer detail) | 230 |
| 4-Color CMYK? | Yes | L No |
| Colors | 17 spot + 4 CMYK | 16 + Trans White + Spot Black |
| Pantone Matching | Book — no software | Book — no software |
| Cure Temp | 320°F | 320°F |
| Best For | WB-only shops. Matte finish. CMYK process. Fine detail. | Shops needing WB + discharge. Simplest plastisol transition. |
MATSUI INFINITY SERIES — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. Infinity is water-based only. Adding Discharge Activator to Infinity ink will not trigger a discharge reaction. If you need discharge capability, use Alpha Series instead — Alpha is the only Matsui RFU ink that works as both water-based and discharge.
Infinity is water-based only with a matte finish, 305 mesh capability, and a 4-color CMYK process set. Alpha does both water-based AND discharge, has a semi-gloss finish, and maxes at 230 mesh with no CMYK set. Both use Pantone book formulas with no software. Choose Infinity for matte finish, fine detail, and CMYK capability. Choose Alpha if you need discharge on dark cotton.
No. Open your Pantone Formula Guide to any swatch. The formula tells you which Infinity colors to combine and at what percentages. Weigh on a gram scale, mix, and print. No computer or CMS software needed.
Yes, using a white underbase. Print Blocker Gray (cotton) or Blocker Black LG (polyester) first, flash, then 301W-B HO White, flash, then Infinity color on top. You cannot discharge with Infinity, so the underbase approach is the only option for dark fabrics.
305 mesh is required for 4-color CMYK process with Infinity. Lower mesh will not hold halftone dots at the resolution needed for photographic reproduction. For spot color printing, any mesh up to 305 works — choose based on your detail level and desired ink deposit.
Yellow first, then Cyan, then Magenta, then Black (Y-C-M-K). Print lightest to darkest. Screen angles: Yellow 90°, Cyan 15°, Magenta 75°, Black 45°. Flash between each color for cleanest results.
Infinity cures to a matte finish while Alpha cures semi-gloss. Matte surfaces reflect less light, so the same color formula can appear slightly darker or more muted in Infinity. This is a finish difference, not a color accuracy issue. Both match the Pantone swatch — they just present it with different surface characteristics.
Add 1-3% Retarder MG. In hot or dry environments, go up to 5%. Keep screens flooded between prints. Consider Quick Additive (6-9%) which includes retarder plus fixer and softener.
Yes. PVC-free, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified (safe for infant skin contact), CPSIA and HR4040 compliant. No phthalates, heavy metals, or formaldehyde.
Black C is a mixing black — it prints dark gray and is used to darken other colors in Pantone formulas. Spot Black is dedicated opaque true black for solid prints, text, and logos. Mixing = Black C. Printing black = Spot Black.
READY TO PRINT WITH MATSUI INFINITY SERIES?
Matte finish. 305 mesh. 4-color CMYK process. Pantone matching with no software. PVC-free. OEKO-TEX certified. Free shipping over $200. Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT.