Matsui Catalyst 3000/RV Additive | Viscosity Reducer and Fabric Penetration Enhancer for Water-Based Screen Printing Ink
Matsui
Matsui Catalyst 3000 / RV Additive — RV Additive (also called Catalyst 3000) is a viscosity reducer and fabric penetration enhancer for water-based inks. Unlike simply adding water — which dilutes the acrylic resin and weakens the cured ink film — RV Additive reduces viscosity while maintaining the full resin content and adhesion properties of the ink.
🎯 Problem it solves: Ink too thick for your mesh — poor flow, incomplete prints, and sticking to fine screens — without diluting the resin or weakening the ink.
💊 Dosage: 1–3% by weight of total ink
✓1–3% by weight of total ink
✓Matsui Acrylic Inks Compatible
✓PVC-Free
✓OEKO-TEX® Certified
🚚 FREE Shipping on orders over $200|📦 In-Stock: Usually ships same or next business day|🏪 Free In-Store Pickup · San Antonio, TX
Price range: $19.99 through $229.99
Description
Matsui Catalyst 3000 / RV Additive
RV Additive (also called Catalyst 3000) is a viscosity reducer and fabric penetration enhancer for water-based inks. Unlike simply adding water — which dilutes the acrylic resin and weakens the cured ink film — RV Additive reduces viscosity while maintaining the full resin content and adhesion properties of the ink.
What It Does
📉
Reduces Viscosity
Thins the ink for better flow through fine mesh screens without diluting the acrylic resin. The ink clears the screen more easily and flows more smoothly across the substrate.
🧵
Enhances Fabric Penetration
The same flow improvement that helps ink clear the screen also helps it penetrate more deeply into fabric fibers — improving adhesion and softening hand feel.
🚫
Does NOT Dilute Resin
Unlike water, RV Additive does not reduce the concentration of acrylic binder in the ink. The cured film retains full strength, wash fastness, and adhesion — you are thinning viscosity, not weakening the formula.
When to Use This Additive
When ink is too thick to print cleanly through your mesh — printing light, missing ink, or feeling too much resistance when squeegeeing. Also helpful when switching to higher mesh counts (200+) where lower-viscosity ink flows better. Do NOT use water to thin water-based inks — it dilutes the resin.
💊 Dosage
1–3% by weight of total ink
✅ Compatible Inks
All Matsui acrylic water-based inks. Compatible with most water-based inks from other manufacturers.
⚠️ Limits
Do not exceed 3%. Too much will thin the ink beyond usable viscosity. Keep total additives under 15%.
The Complete Matsui Additive Lineup — All 13
Every water-based printing problem has an additive that fixes it. Here is the full lineup with dosages and what each solves:
| Additive | Dosage | What It Solves |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Additive | 6–9% | All-in-one: open time + wash fastness + soft hand. Best starting point for most jobs. |
| Retarder MG | 1–5% | Prevents ink drying in screen. Extends open time on press. |
| Fixer WF-N | 1–5% | Improves wash fastness. Lowers cure temp to 300°F (150°C). Most common fixer. |
| Softener MG | 1–4% | Improves fabric penetration. Softer hand feel and better adhesion. |
| RV Additive ← This Product | 1–3% | Reduces viscosity without weakening resin. Better flow and fabric penetration. |
| Thickener B | 0.25–1% | Increases viscosity. Controls halftone dot spread. Fine-detail work. |
| Fixer L | 1–3% | Lowers cure temp to 250°F. For electric dryers or heat-sensitive fabrics. |
| Fixer V | 2–3% | ⚠️ For PU binder inks ONLY (Soft-Tex 350 series). NOT interchangeable with Fixer WF-N. |
| Retarder SP-1 / Flow | Varies | Improves flow of thick inks without reducing viscosity. For high-viscosity bases. |
| Emacol R-600-E | Varies | Long-bodied thickener for halftone dot retention. Alternative to Thickener B. |
| Puff Foaming Base HT | Varies | Creates 3D puff effect when flash-heated. Mix with any water-based ink. |
| Phantom Clear | Standalone | Disappears when dry. Reappears when wet (sweat). For activewear specialty prints. |
| Discharge Activator | 3–8% | ⚠️ REQUIRED for discharge mode. Enables chemistry on dark 100% cotton. 12-hr pot life. |
💡 Rule: Do not exceed 15% total additives in any ink batch. Complete additive guide with dosage charts, stacking rules, and FAQ →
Questions about which additive to use?
Call us at (512) 454-0505 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Matsui Catalyst 3000 / RV Additive |
| SKU | Matsui RV Additive |
| Type | Viscosity Reducer and Fabric Penetration Enhancer for Water-Based Screen Printing Ink |
| Dosage | 1–3% by weight of total ink |
| Problem Solved | Ink too thick for your mesh — poor flow, incomplete prints, and sticking to fine screens — without diluting the resin or weakening the ink. |
| Compatible Inks | All Matsui acrylic water-based inks. Compatible with most water-based inks from other manufacturers. |
| Limits | Do not exceed 3%. Too much will thin the ink beyond usable viscosity. Keep total additives under 15%. |
| Available Sizes | Quart, Gallon |
| Formulation | PVC-free, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 certified |
| Storage | 65°F to 95°F (18°C to 35°C). Avoid direct sunlight. |
| Cleanup | Water and mild soap/detergent |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why not just add water to thin the ink?
Adding water dilutes the acrylic resin — reducing the concentration of binder and weakening the cured ink film. You will get poorer wash fastness, weaker adhesion, and a thinner ink deposit. RV Additive reduces viscosity without diluting the resin — the ink stays strong, it just flows better.
What is the difference between RV Additive and Retarder SP-1 / Flow Additive?
RV Additive reduces viscosity (thins the ink). Retarder SP-1 / Flow Additive improves flow and spreadability for thick, high-viscosity inks without significantly reducing their viscosity — it is designed for heavy-body inks and specialty bases that need better press flow. Use RV Additive when the ink is simply too thick. Use Flow Additive when the ink is properly viscous but has poor flow or leveling.
Can I add RV Additive to discharge inks?
Yes. Add before mixing in Discharge Activator if you need to thin a discharge base or Alpha Series color.
Questions about which additive to use?
Call us at (512) 454-0505 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT
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