Are you frustrated hydro dipping with films that don't work? Are you losing money due to low quality film? Are you wasting time with film that is hard to work with? Hydrokon® Water Transfer Film is the answer!
DEPENDABLE
Made in USA under quality certification (tolerance +/- 4microns)
VERSATILE
Longer/wider rolls for larger applications. Thicker PVA coating allows for deeper dips when needed
OPTIMIZED
Clear 200-micron polyester carrier is ideal for printing and eases carrier removal
INNOVATIVE
Hydrokon® has a built-in fluorescent indicator that optimizes rinse times
HYDRO DIPPING FILM MADE IN THE USA
Hydrokon® Water Transfer Film is made and packaged in the USA, headquartered in Duluth, Minnesota, and has over 65 years of experience developing imaging products and technologies.
Printer Compatibility
| HP LATEX SERIES |
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| EPSON RESIN SERIES |
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| HP DESIGNJET Z SERIES |
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| HP DESIGNJET T SERIES |
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| EPSON PHOTOART P SERIES |
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| EPSON SURECOLOR T SERIES |
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User Guide
Welcome to the Hydrokon® User Guide. This comprehensive guide is designed to help you make the most of our Hydrokon® Hydrographic Blank Film. Our step-by-step instructions will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you achieve outstanding results with ease.
IMAGE PREPARATION
1. Print on the coated side of the film. Coated side has a matte appearance. When the film is removed from the carrier one side will dissolve in water, the other will not.
2. After printing, let dry for approximately 30 minutes. Drying times may vary significantly with temperature and humidity.
3. If using latex ink, printed film is immediately ready for dipping.
4. If using pigment ink, apply a light coat of lacquer, or fixative, to printed side of film only. Dry for 30 minutes. See suggestions below.
- Be sure to use within 2 weeks of lacquer application.
- Recommended Lacquer: Mohawk Classic Instrument Lacquer (Clear Gloss), Rust-Oleum® Clear Lacquer Spray or clear basecoat/intercoat from your hydrographic paint company.
PREPARATION OF ITEMS TO DIP
1. Degrease Object
2. Perform Flame Treatment
- If acetone doesn’t affect the surface, most likely needs flame treatment. ABS plastic is the only type of plastic that should not need flame treatment.
3. Scuff/Bead Blast
- Use a heavy-duty scouring pad (e.g. Scotch-Brite™), to roughen the surface. Surface of non-plastic items can be roughened by blasting with glass beads or grit.
4. Base Coat Application
- For an ideal base coat, primer or an adhesion promoter may be necessary depending on object and/or paint. If base paint is not hydrographics specific, make sure to dip within 24 hours for best results.
DIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut printed film to size needed and then remove the clear backer.
2. The film is then placed on the water, printed side up.
3. Recommended water temperature is 90° F (32° C).
4. Film should dwell on the water for 60-75 seconds.
5. Spray the activator with even coverage over the entire film. Coverage of activator can be tested on cardboard before dipping to visualize spray coverage. Some activators may need an additional 5-20 seconds of dwell time before dipping. Examples of activators include:
- Superbrew from K2
- Ink Drink from OHW
- Hydro Solutions Activator
6. After hydro dipping object, the PVA film is removed by rinsing with water. Warm water speeds up PVA removal, but temperature should not exceed 120° F to be sure the image is not removed during rinsing.
7. After object is rinsed, the surface should no longer feel slimy. Hydrokon® PVA, however, has a special fluorescent indicator quality that guarantees PVA removal. Using a UV blacklight, the PVA will fluoresce, making it easier to determine when all the PVA has been removed. If a bluish/white glow is still present on the surface, rinse the object for a longer period of time.
8. After PVA removal, allow object to dry completely.
9. Apply your favorite clear coat for surface protection.
STORAGE
- Hydrokon® film should be stored between 65°-75° F.
- It is suggested for relative humidity levels to be between 35-55%.
