Unimatch Color Matching System (MACH)
Opaque mixing system for printing on underbased dark as well as white garments.
Applications
Application
- For mixing accurate and intense colors.
- For wet-on-wet direct printing on white, light colored shirts or underbase whites.
Features
- Pantone®-licensed matches on white.
- Low build-up formulations.
- Satin finish and soft hand.
- Excellent color intensity when printed through fine mesh counts.
General Information
Unimatch is a state of the art, Pantoneâ licensed opaque mixing system. Containing 15 components, all formulated to create intense, bright colors with low build up. Unimatch’s printing characteristics allow for high productivity printing without build-up problems on both manual and automatic presses. The system features opaque formulas allowing printers the choice of printing through fine mesh counts in order to increase print sharpness and reduce print costs, excellent matte down characteristics to help fight fibrillation on light colored garments, and a pleasing satin finish and soft hand. Even though Unimatch is formulated for direct printing, it will provide good results as a cold peel transfer ink.
Opacity
Unimatch inks are opaque.
Mesh
Unimatch inks are formulated to print through finer mesh counts thus increasing ink mileage and reducing ink costs. Inks mixed according to Unimatch formulas are designed to reproduce PANTONEâ colors accurately when printed through a 230 (92 metric) monofilament mesh. See “Printing Instructions” on next page for greater detail concerning mesh counts.
Stencils
Use any direct emulsion or capillary film.
Additives
Unimatch inks are supplied ready to mix. Since plastisol inks “body up” as they sit in the container you should always stir them well to determine the actual viscosity before adding any reducer. Reducing the ink usually reduces the opacity. If you wish to reduce the ink viscosity use only Viscosity Reducer (PLUS-9000). To extend the ink or to soften the hand further use only Unimatch Soft Hand Extender Base (MACH-9070).
Color Mixing Instructions
The formulas for simulating the standard PANTONE® “C” (coated) colors are available from Union Ink both in booklet form (the Unimatch Formulation Guide) and in a Windows-based computer program. All that is required is weighing the component colors according to the formulas provided and mixing them together. The formulas are expressed as the percentage by weight of the finished mixture. Using an electronic digital scale and measuring the ink accurately in accordance with the correct formula will help ensure consistent, reproducible colors.
Unimatch inks can be easily stirred by hand. Their unique chemical structure gives a short, firm body when at rest that breaks down and flows easily when mixed or printed.
To mix a particular quantity by weight of ink, you simply multiply the total weight desired by the percentage indicated for each component in the formula.
For example, in order to print PANTONE® 186 C you would look up the corresponding formula in the Unimatch Formulation Guide. The formula is:
Mixing White (MACH-1000) 14.0%
Orange (MACH-2050) 13.0%
Red B/S (MACH-3000) 25.0%
Fluor. Red (MACH-F310) 48.0%
To prepare a 100 gram sample you would mix:
Mixing White (MACH-1000) 14.0 grams
Orange (MACH-2050) 13.0 grams
Red B/S (MACH-3000) 25.0 grams
Fluo Red (MACH-F310) 48.0 grams
To prepare roughly one quart (1250 grams) you would mix:
Mixing White (MACH-1000) 14.0 x 12.50 = 175 g.
Orange (MACH-2050) 13.0 x 12.50 = 162.5 g.
Red B/S (MACH-3000) 25.0 x 12.50 = 312.5 g.
Fluo Red (MACH-F310) 48.0 x 12.50 = 600 g.
If you are using the Windows based software all calculations will be computed automatically after entering the amount of ink you desire to mix in the appropriate section of the computer program.
Printing Instructions
White or Light Colored Fabrics
Even though Unimatch inks print well through a wide variety of mesh counts, they have been specifically formulated to provide you with the most accurate PANTONEâ color reproductions, printability and soft hand when printed through a 230 (92 metric) polyester monofilament mesh. Printing thicker ink deposits through mesh counts coarser than 160 (64 metric) could result in a less than perfect match.
Dark 100% Cotton Fabrics
When printing on dark 100% cotton an underbase should be utilized. Union’s Maxopake White PADM-1020C, Mixopake Super White MIXO-1000, or Plasticharge White (if the fabric is dischargeable) through mesh counts between 125 and 230 (48-92 metric. Caution: Dyes used in some newer fashion colors may occasionally fade or “ghost” when in contact with low-bleed inks. Dyes causing this problem include pale blue, light green, shades of gray, tan, and lavender, among others. Fading occurs on both cotton/polyester and 100% cotton fabric. This does not seem to occur on standard garment colors such as red, maroon, green, purple, black, etc. To avoid this problem use only underbases recommended for 100% cotton or place a slipsheet between each shirt as they are stacked.
Dark Cotton/Polyester Blend Fabrics
Because of the always present possibility of dye sublimation/migration when printing on cotton/polyester blend fabrics, only low-bleed white underbases should be used on these fabrics. Your best selection in this situation is Union’s PLHT-1070 Diamond White. Mesh count recommendations for Diamond White is 125-200 (48-80 metric). Underbases printed through finer meshes may hamper the bleed resistant properties of Diamond White.
Curing Instructions
Plastisol inks will not air dry and must be heat cured. Unimatch inks will fully cure and withstand repeated washings when the entire ink deposit reaches 300° F (149° C).
Wash-Up
Washability
Excellent when fully cured. Do not dry clean or iron printed areas.
Storage
Store plastisols at room temperature. Prolonged exposure to high temperature can make the ink start to gel.
Caution:
Always test this product for curing, adhesion, crocking, opacity, washability and other specific
requirements before using in production.




