Printers Choice Emulsion Hardener – Water-Resistance Booster for Screen Printing Emulsions
Printers Choice
Printers Choice Emulsion Hardener is a one-part, water-based hardener that dramatically increases the water resistance and durability of photo and dual-cure emulsions. Applied with a cloth, brush, or sponge to both sides of the dry screen after exposure and washout — the high-visibility pink color makes even coverage easy to see and control. Ideal for water-based and discharge printing and for shops dealing with high-humidity environments or long production runs. Water-based, VOC-free, non-flammable, biodegradable, and drain-safe.
Price range: $29.99 through $64.99
Description
One-Part Hardener. High-Visibility Pink. Easy to Apply.
Printers Choice Emulsion Hardener strengthens photo and dual-cure emulsions for water-based and discharge printing — without complicated two-part mixing or specialized equipment. Apply with a cloth or brush, let it dry, and your stencils will better withstand moisture, long runs, and high-humidity conditions.
Key Features
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High-Visibility Pink
The pink color provides strong contrast against the screen mesh and emulsion, making it easy to see your coverage and confirm the entire screen surface has been treated evenly.
🖌️
Simple Application — No Scoop Coater
Apply with a clean lint-free cloth, soft brush, or sponge. No scoop coater or coating trough required — simpler application compared to hardeners that require specialized tools.
💧
Increases Water & Moisture Resistance
Significantly improves stencil resistance to water, moisture, and ink penetration — especially valuable for water-based and discharge printing where untreated emulsions can soften or break down prematurely.
🌿
Water-Based, VOC-Free, Non-Flammable
The formula is water-based, low odor, VOC-free, and non-flammable — supporting safer shop conditions for daily use without harsh fumes or flammability concerns.
How to Apply
Complete exposure and full washout of the image area. Allow the screen to dry completely before applying hardener — the screen must be free of moisture.
Shake the bottle thoroughly before use to ensure the contents are fully mixed.
Using a clean lint-free cloth, soft brush, or sponge, apply a thin, even layer of hardener to both sides of the screen. The pink color provides clear visual confirmation of coverage.
Allow the hardener to dwell on the screen until it has completely dried and evaporated. This typically takes a few minutes — drying time varies with ambient humidity and temperature. Avoid over-application.
Once fully evaporated and dry, the screen is ready for press. The hardened stencil is now fortified against the demands of water-based and discharge inks.
Also Available from Murakami
Murakami MS Reclaimable Hardener
Reclaimable one-part hardener compatible with diazo, dual-cure, and SBQ photopolymer emulsions across all brands. Requires scoop coater application and curing step.
Murakami A&B Permanent Hardener Kit
Two-part permanent hardening system for maximum stencil durability in the most demanding water-based and discharge environments.
Available Sizes
| Size | SKU |
|---|---|
| Quart | RC PC Hardener-QT |
| 1 Gallon | RC PC Hardener-GL |
Ready to Order?
Order before 3:30 PM CT for same-day shipping. Free shipping on orders $200+.
The Complete Printers Choice Product Line at River City Supply
Printers Choice (PC) offers a complete integrated screen printing chemical system available at River City Supply. Each PC product is designed to work together — from mesh prep through emulsion removal.
| Process Step | Product | What It Does | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 — Mesh Prep | PC Degreaser (1:3 Concentrate) | 1:3 concentrate mesh degreaser. Removes oils and contamination before emulsion coating. | Shop |
| Step 1 — Emulsion Hardener | PC Emulsion Hardener This Product | Increases emulsion durability and resistance to solvents and press washes. Applied after coating. | Shop |
| Step 2 — Pallet Adhesive | PC Liquid Pallet Adhesive | Water-based aerosol-free pallet adhesive for standard cotton, poly, and blended fabrics. | Shop |
| Step 2 — Heavy Fabric Adhesive | PC Thick Liquid Pallet Adhesive | Heavy-duty adhesive formula for fleece, hoodies, and sweatshirts. | Shop |
| Step 3 — On-Press Cleanup | PC Press Wash / Screen Opener | Fast-acting on-press plastisol ink remover. Also reopens clogged mesh areas during production. | Shop |
| Step 4 — Ink Removal | PC Ink Degradent | Liquid plastisol ink degradent for daily-use screen reclaim. | Shop |
| Step 4 — Anti-Foam | PC De-Foaming Agent | Controls foam in recirculating wash systems and dip tanks. Prevents nozzle clogs. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Dip Tank | PC 30-Gallon Dip Tank | Professional dip tank for screen reclaiming. Accommodates standard screen sizes. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Dip Tank Solution | PC Dip Tank Solution | Chemical solution for dip tank screen reclaim. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Dip Tank Kit | PC Dip Tank Start-Up Kit | Complete dip tank kit — everything needed to start a professional dip tank reclaim operation. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Emulsion Removal | PC Emulsion Remover Concentrate | Concentrated emulsion remover for standard screen printing emulsions. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Emulsion Removal | PC Part C Emulsion Remover | Part C emulsion removal component for the PC reclaim system. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Auto Reclaim | PC ECO-STRIP Part A | Combined ink and haze remover for automated reclaim systems. | Shop |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | One-Part Emulsion Hardener |
| Hardener Type | Post-exposure hardener |
| Color | Pink (high-visibility) |
| Application Method | Lint-free cloth, soft brush, or sponge — both sides |
| Application Timing | After exposure, washout, and full drying |
| Curing Required | No — allow to dwell until fully evaporated |
| Emulsion Compatibility | Photo and dual-cure emulsions |
| Inks | Water-based and discharge |
| Formula | Water-based |
| Odor | Low odor |
| VOCs | None |
| Flammable | No |
| Biodegradable | Yes |
| Drain Safe | Yes |
| Sizes | Quart, 1 Gallon |
| SKU | RC PC Hardener |
| Brand | Printers Choice |
Questions? (512) 454-0505 or [email protected]
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What emulsion types does the Printers Choice Hardener work with?
It is formulated for photo-emulsions and dual-cure emulsions used in water-based and discharge screen printing.
How do I apply it?
After the screen is exposed and fully washed out and dried, shake the bottle well. Apply with a clean lint-free cloth, soft brush, or sponge to both sides of the screen. Apply a thin, even layer — the pink color makes coverage easy to see. Allow to dwell until fully evaporated before printing.
Does it require a curing step like Murakami MS Hardener?
The product instructs you to allow it to dwell until fully evaporated. It does not require a hot box or sunlight curing step — the drying/evaporation process is the activation step.
Is it non-flammable and low odor?
Yes. The formula is water-based, low odor, non-flammable, and VOC-free — making it safer and more comfortable for daily use in indoor shop environments.
What sizes are available?
Available in Quart and 1-Gallon sizes.
Ready to order? Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT.
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