Champion Inks® Water-Based Ink Retarder & Hardening Additive
Champion Inks® Water-Based Ink Retarder & Hardening Additive is a pro-grade additive developed to extend open time, stabilize print flow, and maintain printability during long or detailed production runs. Formulated for use with Champion Inks® water-based textile inks, this additive slows surface drying in the screen so ink stays workable longer instead of skinning, locking up, or clogging mesh.
Built for high-detail halftones, tight-registration multi-color jobs, and long continuous runs, this retarder helps reduce stoppage, minimize screen wiping, and keep output consistent from first print to last.
Key Benefits
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Slows Drying Time – Extends open time on screen to prevent premature drying of water-based inks during production.
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Keeps Mesh Clear – Reduces ink skinning and clogging, cutting down on mid-run cleanup and downtime.
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Better Flow, Cleaner Edges – Promotes smoother application for crisp detail and controlled deposit, especially on fine lines and halftones.
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Dialed for Champion Inks® Systems – Optimized to perform with Champion Inks® water-based textile inks for predictable, repeatable results.
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Easy Ratio Control – Add approximately 1–2% by weight directly into the ink to fine-tune open time based on shop conditions.
Recommended Use Cases
- Long production runs where ink tends to dry in the mesh
- High-detail work, halftones, micro text, and fine line art
- Complex multi-color prints with long on-screen dwell time
- Hot, dry shop environments where water-based ink skins fast
Technical Specifications
| Product Type |
Water-Based Ink Retarder & Hardening Additive |
| Primary Function |
Slows surface drying and extends open time on screen |
| Mix Ratio |
1–2% by weight (adjust to environment and run length) |
| Use With |
Champion Inks® water-based textile ink systems |
| Finish Impact |
Maintains smooth laydown and clarity in fine detail |
| Application |
Stir thoroughly into ink before printing |
Application Tips
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Weigh Your Mix: Base the 1–2% addition on total ink weight for consistent behavior.
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Do Not Overload: Using too much retarder can slow cure and affect print durability.
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Stir Completely: Mix until fully uniform before loading the screen.
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Ideal For: Long runs, multi-station jobs, and designs where the screen sits open between pulls.
Storage & Handling
- Store at 65°F–90°F (18°C–32°C) in a sealed container away from direct sunlight.
- Keep lid closed when not in use to avoid contamination or evaporation.
- Use gloves when handling and avoid direct contact with skin or eyes.
- Maintain standard shop ventilation during printing and curing.
Safety & Compliance
- Water-based, low-VOC chemistry
- Phthalate-free formulation
- Shop-safe when used as directed
- Wear gloves and eye protection for best practice
Available Sizes
Why Printers Choose Champion Inks®
- ✔ Keeps water-based ink printable longer with fewer stoppages
- ✔ Reduces mesh lockup on long or complex jobs
- ✔ Delivers smoother ink flow and sharper detail
- ✔ Integrates cleanly into existing Champion Inks® water-based systems
Champion Inks® Water-Based Ink Retarder & Hardening Additive is the go-to control additive for professional shops running long CMYK sets, soft-hand water-based production, and high-resolution multicolor work. It keeps your ink alive on screen so you can keep printing instead of cleaning.
Champion Inks® — built for modern apparel.
