MATSUI NEO PIGMENTS & BASES THE PRO COLOR MIXING SYSTEM
The most flexible water-based screen printing ink system available. Matsui Neo Pigments are 13 super-concentrated eco-friendly color pigments that you mix into any of 20+ Matsui printing bases to create custom Pantone® colors for any fabric type. Print on cotton, polyester, stretch athletic wear, nylon windbreakers, and dark garments with discharge — all from one set of pigments. Match any Pantone color with free Matsui CMS color matching software. Choose your base by garment type for total control over hand feel, stretch, opacity, and finish. PVC-free. OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified. The professional screen printer’s color mixing system.
NEO PIGMENTS ARE NOT INK — THEY ARE CONCENTRATED COLOR THAT YOU MIX INTO A BASE
This is the critical difference between Neo Pigments and Alpha or Infinity Series. Alpha and Infinity are complete, ready-for-use inks. Neo Pigments are super-concentrated color that MUST be mixed into a separate Matsui base before printing. The pigment provides color. The base provides adhesion, hand feel, stretch, durability, and finish. You choose both independently.
Why Choose Neo Over Alpha or Infinity?
Flexibility. Alpha gives you one base (built in). Neo gives you 20+ bases. Want the same Pantone color on standard cotton AND stretch athletic AND discharge on dark cotton? With Neo, use the same pigment and switch the base.
Control. Every base produces different hand feel, finish, opacity, and stretch. 301C Clear = gloss. 301M Matte = flat. Stretch Clear = flexes with fabric. Brite Discharge = removes garment dye. You control the result by choosing the right base.
Efficiency at scale. Keep 13 pigments + a few bases and mix any color for any garment type on demand. Instead of stocking 16 Alpha AND 16 Infinity colors, stock 13 pigments and switch bases.
When Alpha or Infinity Is Better
Simplicity. If you print mostly spot colors on cotton and want the simplest workflow, Alpha is faster. Open the bucket, print. No base selection, no software, no pigment calculations.
No software. Alpha and Infinity use Pantone book formulas directly. Neo requires Matsui CMS software for pigment-to-base ratios.
Bottom line: Alpha = simplest. Infinity = matte + finer mesh. Neo = maximum flexibility + requires software. All three produce the same ultra-soft Matsui hand feel.
THE 13 NEO PIGMENT CONCENTRATES
Each is a pure, single-pigment concentrate. Mix up to 10-15% into any Matsui base. Higher load = more intense color. Lower = pastels. Use Matsui CMS software for exact Pantone formulas.
Complete 13-Color Set
All 13 PigmentsAll 13 Neo Pigments together. Available in .25lb sample, 2lb quart, or 9lb gallon.
MATSUI GLOW PIGMENTS — FLUORESCENT NEON CONCENTRATES
Glow Pigments are NOT glow-in-the-dark. They produce intense fluorescent colors under daylight and UV/blacklight. Mix up to 20% into any Matsui base. Can be blended with Neo Pigments for custom fluorescent-tinted shades.
Neo vs. Glow Pigment Mixing Rules
Neo Pigments: Up to 10-15% into the base. Standard Pantone matching.
Glow Pigments: Up to 20%. Higher = more intense fluorescent effect. Most vibrant on white/light garments.
Blending Neo + Glow: Yes. Add Glow to a Neo formula for fluorescent-tinted Pantone shades.
Total pigment max: Keep combined Neo + Glow below 20%. Beyond that, insufficient binder for wash fastness.
EVERY MATSUI BASE — WHAT IT DOES AND WHICH FABRICS IT WORKS ON
The base binds pigment to fabric. It determines hand feel, finish, stretch, mesh compatibility, and whether ink sits on the surface (water-based) or replaces garment dye (discharge). Choose the wrong base = wrong result.
WATER-BASED BASES — Ink Sits on the Fabric Surface
301C Clear
Gloss Finish • Up to 305 Mesh • TranslucentThe default, most popular Matsui base. Translucent clear carrier, gloss finish. Mix with Neo Pigments up to 15%. Prints through finest mesh (305+) for maximum detail.
Fabric: 100% cotton, cotton-poly blends. On polyester, use with underbase blocker.
Best for: Standard cotton tees, light garments, high-detail prints. The base most shops start with.
301M Matte
Matte Finish • Up to 305 Mesh • Semi-OpaqueSame performance as 301C but flat matte finish. Semi-opaque milky appearance. Fashion brands increasingly prefer matte.
Fabric: Cotton, cotton-poly. Blocker required for polyester.
Best for: Fashion-forward designs, matte aesthetic, tone-on-tone prints.
EasyPrint Clear
Gloss Finish • Up to 230 Mesh • ForgivingMore forgiving than 301C. Slower drying = longer open time on screen. Designed for performance/stretch fabrics and beginners transitioning from plastisol.
Fabric: Cotton, blends, Dri-Fit, performance, stretch fabrics.
Best for: Shops new to water-based. Hot/dry environments. Manual press operators.
EasyPrint Matte
Matte Finish • Up to 230 Mesh • ForgivingMatte version of EasyPrint Clear. Same forgiving, slow-drying formula with a flat finish.
Fabric: Cotton, blends, performance fabrics.
Best for: Beginners who want matte finish. Hot environments.
Stretch Clear
Gloss Finish • Up to 230 Mesh • ElasticInk film stretches with garment without cracking. Standard 301C/301M will crack on stretch fabrics. Required for any athletic/spandex fabric.
Fabric: Athletic wear, spandex, Dri-Fit, yoga, compression garments.
Best for: Athletic brands. Non-negotiable for stretch fabrics.
Stretch Matte
Matte Finish • Up to 230 Mesh • ElasticMatte version of Stretch Clear. Same stretch with flat finish.
Fabric: All stretch/performance fabrics.
Best for: Athletic brands wanting matte-finish stretch prints.
Soft Stretch Clear
Ultra-Soft • Up to 230 Mesh • ElasticPremium stretch base with softest hand feel in the stretch lineup. Can also reduce white stretch inks to soften them.
Fabric: Premium activewear, baby apparel, luxury stretch basics.
Best for: High-end retail activewear. Premium price point.
Acrylicon Clear
Premium Color • High Opacity • Up to 305 MeshPremium acrylic-based clear with superior color brightness, high opacity, and outstanding wash fastness. Sharper print definition and more vivid colors than 301C Clear. 305 mesh capable for fine detail work.
Fabric: 100% cotton, cotton-poly blends. Light and medium garments.
Best for: Shops that want the best color pop and durability. Premium retail. Jobs requiring maximum wash fastness and color vibrancy.
DISCHARGE BASES — Ink Replaces the Garment Dye (100% Cotton Only)
Brite Discharge Base
Discharge • Up to 160 Mesh • Brightest ColorsDischarge carrier for bold spot-color work. Low mesh (160) = heavier deposit, brighter colors. Blend 50/50 with HM for higher mesh + bright colors.
Requires: 100% cotton with reactive dyes only. Requires 3-8% Discharge Activator. 12-hour pot life.
Best for: Bold spot-color discharge. Large fills. Maximum vibrancy on dark cotton.
HM Discharge Base
Discharge • Up to 230 Mesh • Fine DetailHigh-mesh discharge for halftones, simulated process, fine detail on dark cotton. Sharper detail but lighter deposit than Brite.
Requires: Same as Brite. 100% cotton, reactive dyes, Activator required.
Best for: Halftones, fine lines, small text, simulated process discharge.
MATSUI CMS COLOR MATCHING SOFTWARE — HOW IT WORKS
Unlike Alpha and Infinity (which use Pantone book formulas directly), Neo Pigments require software because the pigment-to-base ratio changes depending on which base you choose. The Matsui CMS is a free cloud-based app at app2.matsui-color.com. No download required.
Sign up free at app2.matsui-color.com. Works on any device — computer, tablet, phone. Cloud-based, auto-updates.
Select your base. Tell the software which Matsui base you are using (301C, Stretch Clear, Brite Discharge, etc.). The same Pantone color has different formulas in different bases.
Enter the Pantone code. Type any PMS number. Nearly the entire Pantone library is built in. If an exact match is unavailable, the system calculates an imperceptibly close substitution.
Enter batch size. How much total ink you need (grams, kg, or lbs). The software calculates exact weight of each Neo Pigment and base required.
Weigh, mix, print. Follow the formula on a gram scale. Mix in clean vessel. Print test swatch. Compare to Pantone reference. Adjust if needed.
CMS Software Features
Pantone Library: Nearly entire PMS library. Search by number or browse by color family.
Multiple Formula Types: RC (transparent/clear), OW (semi-opaque/matte), Neo formulas for different base types.
Custom Color Storage: Save your formulas. Retrieve from any device.
Cost Calculation: Pre-loaded prices calculate cost per formula for accurate quoting.
Cloud-Based: Shop computer, production tablet, phone at client meetings. Always current.
Free: Sign up here.
Why Neo Requires Software but Alpha Does Not
Alpha and Infinity are complete inks with fixed pigment-to-binder ratios. Pantone book formulas just say which colors to blend. Neo is different: you choose pigment AND base independently, so the ratio changes per base. 301C needs a different pigment % than Brite Discharge for the same Pantone color. CMS handles this calculation.
MATSUI ADDITIVES — WHAT THEY DO AND WHEN TO USE THEM
Same additives work with Neo Pigments in any base. Add to your mixed ink (pigment + base), not to pigment alone. Solve specific problems: drying, wash fastness, stiffness, viscosity.
Quick Additive — All-in-One
6-9% by weightCombines Retarder + Fixer + Softener. Slows drying, improves wash fastness, softens hand feel. The default additive for most jobs.
Solves: Every job. Default additive for Neo mixes.
Retarder MG — Stops Drying on Screen
1-5% by weightSlows water evaporation so ink stays open on screen longer. #1 fix for clogging. Use more in hot/dry environments.
Solves: Ink dries in the screen mid-run.
Fixer WF-N — Wash Fastness
1-5% by weightCross-links ink film during curing for stronger bond. Prints survive 50+ washes instead of fading after 15-20.
Solves: Prints fade or crack after washing.
Softener MG — Softer Hand Feel
1-4% by weightImproves ink penetration into fibers. Less surface ink = softer print, better drape. Especially effective with Soft Stretch Clear.
Solves: Print feels too thick or stiff.
Fixer L — Low-Cure Wash Fastness
1-3% by weightSame cross-linking as Fixer WF-N but for lower cure temps. Use when dryer cannot hold 320°F.
Solves: Dryer can’t reach 320°F or prints wash out.
Thickener B — Increases Viscosity
0.25-1% by weightMakes ink thicker. Reduces bleed-through and spread. A little goes a long way — add in 0.25% increments.
Solves: Ink too runny, bleeds through mesh.
RV Additive — Reduces Viscosity
1-3% by weightThins ink for easier flow through high mesh or fine-detail stencils.
Solves: Ink too thick for high mesh.
Discharge Activator — REQUIRED for Discharge
3-8% by weightTriggers dye-removal reaction in discharge bases. Without it, no discharge happens. 12-hour pot life once mixed.
Solves: Required for every discharge print.
Additive Order of Operations
1. Mix Neo Pigment into base per CMS formula. 2. Add additives. 3. If discharge: add Activator LAST (starts 12-hour clock). 4. Mix thoroughly. 5. Print.
Max total additives: Keep below 15% (including activator). Example: 6% Quick + 5% Activator = 11%. Beyond 15% dilutes ink and weakens color.
WHICH BASE DO I NEED? — CHOOSE BY GARMENT TYPE
| Base | Finish | Max Mesh | Max Pigment | Best For | Why Choose This Base |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 301C Clear | Gloss | 305 | Up to 15% | Standard cotton tees | The default starting point. Brightest colors, glossy finish. Most popular Matsui base. Use this when no special requirements exist. |
| 301M Matte | Matte | 305 | Up to 15% | Standard cotton, flat finish | Same performance as 301C but with a flat matte finish. For customers who want no sheen on their prints. |
| Acrylicon Clear | Gloss | 305 | Up to 15% | Premium cotton, high detail | Premium acrylic-based clear with excellent color brightness, high opacity, and outstanding wash fastness. Sharper print definition than 301C. Ideal for shops that want the best color pop and durability. |
| EasyPrint Clear | Gloss | 230 | Up to 15% | Beginners, hot climates | More forgiving than 301C. Slower drying = longer open time on screen. Ideal for shops new to water-based or printing in hot environments. |
| EasyPrint Matte | Matte | 230 | Up to 15% | Beginners, matte finish | Same forgiving printability as EasyPrint Clear but with matte finish. Great for shops transitioning from plastisol to water-based. |
| Stretch Clear | Gloss | 230 | Up to 15% | Athletic / stretch fabrics | Ink film stretches with the garment without cracking. REQUIRED for spandex, performance fabrics, and athletic wear. Standard bases will crack on stretch fabrics. |
| Stretch Matte | Matte | 230 | Up to 15% | Athletic + matte finish | Stretch performance + matte look. Modern athletic aesthetics with full stretch recovery. |
| Soft Stretch Clear | Soft Gloss | 230 | Up to 15% | Premium retail / luxury | Softest stretch base. Ultra-soft hand feel + full stretch recovery. Premium price point for baby apparel, luxury activewear. |
| Brite Discharge Base | Discharge | 160 | Up to 15% | Dark 100% cotton (bold) | Discharge base for bold designs, large fills. Brighter colors than HM. Heavier ink deposit through lower mesh. Requires Discharge Activator. 12-hour pot life once mixed. |
| HM Discharge Base | Discharge | 230 | Up to 15% | Dark 100% cotton (detail) | Discharge base for fine detail, halftones, small text. Higher mesh for sharper results. Requires Discharge Activator. 12-hour pot life once mixed. |
| SWR Clear | Water-Repellent | 135 | Up to 15% | Nylon / DWR-treated | For water-repellent fabrics (nylon windbreakers, DWR-treated outerwear, coated polyester). Standard inks will NOT adhere. SWR is the only option. Drop ships from Matsui Gardena, CA. |
NEO PIGMENTS — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. Neo Pigments will not adhere to fabric alone. They MUST be mixed into a Matsui base. The base is the binder that carries pigment to fabric and locks it during curing. Without a base, pigment washes off on first wash.
Standard Neo Pigments: up to 10-15%. Glow fluorescent pigments: up to 20%. The exact percentage depends on the Pantone color and base — use the free Matsui CMS software for precise formulas.
Yes, for Pantone matching. The free Matsui CMS at app2.matsui-color.com calculates pigment-to-base ratios. You can mix by scratch (trial and error) without software, but this wastes more ink.
Alpha = complete ready-for-use inks. Open and print. No base, no software. Neo = concentrated pigment mixed into a separate base. Neo gives 20+ base choices for different finishes and fabrics. Neo = maximum flexibility. Alpha = maximum simplicity.
Yes. Add Glow Pigment to a Neo formula for fluorescent-tinted shades. Keep total pigment (Neo + Glow) under 20%.
301C Clear. Most popular, most versatile, finest mesh (305). Add Stretch Clear for athletic and Brite Discharge for dark cotton as needed.
Yes. Mix into Brite Discharge Base or HM Discharge Base, add 3-8% Discharge Activator. 100% cotton only. 12-hour pot life.
Yes. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified (safe for infant skin contact). CPSIA, HR4040 compliant. PVC-free, phthalate-free, heavy-metal-free, formaldehyde-free.
READY TO MIX WITH NEO PIGMENTS?
13 concentrated pigments + 8 Glow fluorescents + 20+ bases = unlimited colors for any garment type. Free CMS software. Pantone matching. PVC-free. OEKO-TEX certified. Free shipping over $200. Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT.