CCI WB Retarder-Water Base - 1 Quart
Professional water-based screen printing ink additive formulated to slow ink drying, extend screen open time, and help prevent water-based inks from drying in the mesh during production.
Characteristics
CCI WB Retarder – Water Base is a specialty screen printing additive designed to slow the drying rate of water-based inks during production. Water-based inks can begin drying quickly when exposed to air, particularly during longer print runs, production pauses, or warm and dry shop conditions. Adding WB Retarder helps extend working time and keeps the ink more manageable on press.
By reducing premature drying, WB Retarder helps extend screen open time and minimize ink drying in the mesh. This can be especially beneficial when printing detailed artwork, fine mesh counts, or jobs where maintaining open image areas is critical for consistent ink transfer and print quality.
WB Retarder can also help improve production efficiency by reducing interruptions associated with clogged image areas and dried ink buildup. Maintaining better ink flow through the screen allows operators to spend more time printing and less time stopping to clean or reopen the mesh.
Designed for professional water-based screen printing applications, CCI WB Retarder is a practical pressroom additive for printers who need additional working time from their water-based ink system. The amount required can vary depending on the ink, environmental conditions, mesh, artwork, and production requirements. Always follow CCI's current technical recommendations and the ink manufacturer's guidelines when determining addition rates and compatibility.
- Formulated for water-based screen printing ink systems
- Helps slow premature ink drying during production
- Extends screen open time
- Helps prevent water-based ink from drying in the screen mesh
- Supports more consistent ink flow and transfer
- Helps reduce screen clogging during longer production runs
- Useful during production pauses and challenging environmental conditions
- Can help reduce press interruptions caused by dried ink
- Suitable for professional textile screen printing environments
- Convenient additive for adjusting the working characteristics of compatible water-based inks
- Mix WB Retarder thoroughly into the water-based ink before printing.
- Use only the amount necessary to achieve the desired increase in working and screen open time.
- Follow CCI's recommended addition rates and the ink manufacturer's instructions.
- Avoid excessive addition, as too much retarder may affect drying and curing performance.
- Keep water-based ink moving during production and avoid allowing ink to sit unnecessarily in open mesh areas.
- Return ink to the image area during production pauses to help prevent drying in the screen.
- Monitor shop temperature, humidity, and airflow, as environmental conditions can significantly affect water-based ink drying.
- Perform a production test when using WB Retarder with a new ink system or application.
- Verify that the finished print is completely dried or cured according to the ink manufacturer's specifications before handling or washing.
