RUCO INX Additives Overview
A complete guide to RUCO Thinners and Additives used in pad and screen printing.
Each additive plays a specific role in adjusting drying time, adhesion, and finish quality.
For optimal performance, always perform tests before production use.
Reducers
Reducers are fast-drying thinners that reduce ink viscosity and speed up drying time.
Recommended when printing in cooler conditions or when shorter cycle times are desired.
- 100-VR-1291 – Spray thinner for all RUCO inks
- 35353 – Fast Drying Reducer
- 38571 – Fast Drying Reducer
- 100-VR-1370 – For T25 Series only
- 35696 – For Glass inks only
- 38279 – Medium/Fast Drying Reducer
- 38472 – Medium Drying Reducer
Retarders
Retarders slow down the drying time of inks, providing better control and flow — ideal for warm environments or when printing fine details.
- 35928 – Slow Drying Retarder
- 38693 – For Glass inks only
- 100-VR-1379 – For T25 Series only
- 34392 – Slower Drying Retarder
- 100-VR-1170 – Super Slow Drying Retarder
- #11 Extreme Retarder
Hardeners
Hardeners enhance chemical and mechanical resistance of printed films. Always follow recommended mixing ratios for each series.
- 100-VR-1286 – Glass Hardener (10-KK Series only)
- 37172 – For 180-PE, 10-KK, 380-DD
- SE-5214 – For 700-ST
- FL-1484 – For 110-ZK
Adhesive Modifiers
Improve adhesion and hardness of solvent-based inks on difficult substrates such as polypropylene (PP) and glass.
- 100-VR-1260 – For solvent-based ink (PP and similar materials)
- 100-VR-1294 – For 110-GE glass inks
Special Additives
Designed to fine-tune printing performance and appearance. Adjust based on seasonal temperature and humidity changes.
- 100-VR-1075 Primer – Pre-wipe cleaner for removing mold release or improving surface tension of plastics
- 100-VR-1194 Matte Powder – For 110-GE glass inks
- 100-VR-1241 Anti-Static Thinner – Add 1–5% to reduce static buildup during printing
- 100-VR-1260 Adhesion Modifier – Improves hardness and adhesion on polyolefines
- 100-VR-133 Flow Agent – Add 1–3% to reduce foaming or moiré effects
Usage Tips
- Always test additives before full-scale printing to ensure suitability
- Adjust thinner type and quantity according to temperature and humidity conditions
- Use reducers for faster drying and retarders for slower drying depending on print speed and substrate
- Apply primers and adhesion modifiers for challenging substrates such as polyolefins
- Special additives like matte powder or flow agent can optimize surface finish and reduce defects