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.
PRINTABLE PDF: Click To Download
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 f rom 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 flouresce, 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%.
If you have any questions about how to use Hydrokon Water Transfer film, you can post your question in the Hydrographic Heroes Facebook Group or contact the Hydrokon team.