WB Thickener
Water-based thickener is a rheology modifier — typically an associative urethane or acrylic alkali-swellable emulsion — that increases the viscosity and body of water-based ink systems to achieve the correct print paste consistency for the application and mesh count in use. It prevents ink from flooding through open mesh areas, improving edge definition and reducing ink pickup on non-printing areas. Compatible with acrylic, PUD, and discharge water-based systems without affecting fixation or washfastness.
Key Applications
- Adjusting WB ink viscosity for specific mesh counts and squeegee pressures
- Preventing flood bleeding and improving print definition
- Thickening discharge pastes to optimum squeegee consistency
- Rheology adjustment for automatic press high-speed printing
Frequently Bought Together
WB Binder
Water-based binder is a concentrated acrylic or polyurethane polymer emulsion used to increase the binder-to-pigment ratio in water-based ink formulations, improving film strength, adhesion, and washfastness, particularly in heavily pigmented or discharge-activated systems.
Screen PrintingWB Fixer / Crosslinker
Water-based fixer and crosslinker is a reactive polyisocyanate or aziridine-based additive that chemically crosslinks the acrylic or PUD binder polymer chains during the curing cycle, dramatically improving washfastness, chemical resistance, and bond strength to the fabric substrate.
Screen PrintingWB Softener
Water-based softener additive is a non-ionic emulsified silicone or fatty acid ester compound blended into water-based ink formulations to reduce the stiffness of the cured print film and improve the overall hand feel of the finished printed garment.