Matsui Softener MG Additive | Soft Hand for Water-Based Screen Printing Ink
Matsui
Matsui Softener MG — Softener MG improves the penetration of water-based ink into fabric fibers during printing — helping the ink flow deeper into the textile structure rather than sitting on the surface. The result is a softer, more integrated hand feel and improved adhesion, especially on tight-weave fabrics and performance synthetics.
🎯 Problem it solves: Stiff, plasticky hand feel — prints that sit on top of the fabric rather than integrating with the fibers.
💊 Dosage: 1–4% by weight of total ink
✓1–4% 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: $29.99 through $449.99
Description
Matsui Softener MG
Softener MG improves the penetration of water-based ink into fabric fibers during printing — helping the ink flow deeper into the textile structure rather than sitting on the surface. The result is a softer, more integrated hand feel and improved adhesion, especially on tight-weave fabrics and performance synthetics.
What It Does
🧵
Improves Fabric Penetration
Reduces surface tension, allowing ink to flow deeper into fabric fibers rather than building up on the surface. Creates a hand feel where the print feels like part of the garment.
🤲
Softens Hand Feel
By integrating the ink more deeply into fibers, Softener MG reduces the ‘on top’ feel that can make water-based prints feel stiff or heavy. Particularly effective on coarser or tighter-weave fabrics.
⚙️
Improves Adhesion
Better fiber penetration means better mechanical adhesion — the ink anchors into the fabric structure rather than relying purely on surface-level bonding.
When to Use This Additive
When hand feel is a priority — premium apparel, retail decoration, or any job where the customer will notice the difference between a print that feels soft and one that feels like ink sitting on fabric. Also helpful on tight-weave fabrics where water-based ink tends not to penetrate as well.
💊 Dosage
1–4% by weight of total ink
✅ Compatible Inks
All Matsui acrylic water-based inks. Also included as a component in Quick Additive.
⚠️ Limits
Do not exceed 4%. Too much Softener MG can reduce ink viscosity and affect print definition at high mesh counts. 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 ← This Product | 1–4% | Improves fabric penetration. Softer hand feel and better adhesion. |
| RV Additive | 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 Softener MG |
| SKU | Matsui Softener MG |
| Type | Soft Hand Additive for Water-Based Screen Printing Ink |
| Dosage | 1–4% by weight of total ink |
| Problem Solved | Stiff, plasticky hand feel — prints that sit on top of the fabric rather than integrating with the fibers. |
| Compatible Inks | All Matsui acrylic water-based inks. Also included as a component in Quick Additive. |
| Limits | Do not exceed 4%. Too much Softener MG can reduce ink viscosity and affect print definition at high mesh counts. Keep total additives under 15%. |
| Available Sizes | Quart, Gallon, 5 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
When should I use Softener MG vs Quick Additive?
Quick Additive already contains Softener MG as one of its three components. If you need only soft hand improvement without the retarder or fixer benefits, use individual Softener MG. If you want all three benefits (open time + wash fastness + soft hand), use Quick Additive.
Will Softener MG affect my cure temperature or wash fastness?
Softener MG does not crosslink the binder — it does not directly affect cure temperature or wash fastness. It specifically improves fabric penetration and softness. For wash fastness, add Fixer WF-N.
How much should I add?
1–2% for moderate softening on most fabrics. 3–4% for maximum softening on tight-weave or coarser fabrics. Do not exceed 4%.
Questions about which additive to use?
Call us at (512) 454-0505 Mon–Fri 9am–5pm CT
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