Empower your screen printing experience with Hydro-X Red, the latest generation of water-resistant Hybrid Photopolymer Emulsion from Chromaline. This ready-to-use formula boasts extreme resistance to traditional water-based, HSA and discharge inks, providing increased durability and improved crosslinking. Count on Hydro-X Red for premium results and perfect stencils with every use.
FEATURES
- Color: Red
- Hybrid Photopolymer Emulsion
- 46% Solids
- Water-resistant
- Optimal Results – LED Exposure
- Compatible with Plastisol, HSA, Water-based, and Discharge Inks
- Resistant to Humid Environments
- Does not require diazo addition
SCREEN PREP
DEHAZE / DEGREASE
Before coating a screen with Hydro-X Red, your screen must be clean and free of any dirt and oils. With brand new screens we recommend a Dehaze and also a degrease step before coating.
ScreenPrinting.com suggests using any of the following products:
APPLICATION
COAT
Fill scoop coater with room temperature emulsion. Slowly apply first coat to the t-shirt side. Next, coat squeegee side with 1-3 coats depending upon stencil thickness required. For most art, a 1X1 coating will be optimal. If a thicker stencil is required, apply additional wet-on-wet coatings from the squeegee side.
Note:
- Hydro-X Red is presensitized. Stir before use.
- Keep pail covered when not in use.
- Return clean unused emulsion from scoop coater to pail and cover as soon as possible.
DRY
Dry screen thoroughly in horizontal position with print/t-shirt side down, using a completely clean and dark drying cabinet. Temperature should not exceed 110ºF (43ºC).
EXPOSE
Use the to determine proper exposure times for Hydro-X Red, place the calculator reading facedown with the back in contact with t-shirt side of the screen. Exposure times for Hydro-X Red are very short and accurate exposure is important for optimal results. Follow directions for a solid step 7 during screen rinse out.
DEVELOP
Gently spray both sides of screen with lukewarm water, wait up to 30 seconds then gently wash t-shirt side of the screen until image is fully open. Rinse both sides thoroughly. Dry screen completely and you are ready to print.
RECLAIM
Apply to both sides of the screen. Scrub with a stiff nylon brush or scrub pad and ensure entire surface is covered and let sit until stencil begins to dissolve.
You can also use a dip tank: Dip the screen in the dip tank for up to 30 seconds (time depends on mesh count/emulsion thickness). We recommend Easiway Dip Tank solution in the Sgreen Dip Tank for this purpose
Remove stencil residue with pressure washer. Finish the screen with a degrease/dehaze as needed, then rinse with hose pressure, thoroughly flooding screen and frame
EXPOSURE VARIABLES
Exposure variables depend on mesh count, mesh color, stencil thickness and moisture level in the coated screen. Keep humidity levels below 40% at all times. Use a dehumidifier to ensure proper darkroom humidity levels.
- Lower mesh = slower exposure / Higher mesh = faster exposure
- Thicker stencil = slower exposure / Thinner stencil = faster exposure
- More moisture = Under Exposed and difficult to rinse out
- Less moisture = proper exposure and maximum detail resolution.
- Yellow mesh = slower exposure and more detail resolution
- White mesh = faster exposure
SUGGESTED EXPOSURE TIMES
- Mesh: 156 standard mesh color: White, Baselayr V & X Series Unit: 25-35s
- Mesh: 230 standard mesh color: Yellow, Baselayr V & X Series Unit: 25-35s
- Mesh: 305 standard mesh color: Yellow, Baselayr V & X Series Unit: 20-25s
To further dial in your exposure time, run the Step Wedge test with a .
HELPFUL HINTS TO ENSURE YOUR EMULSION LASTS LONGER
- Store in a cool area. Hydro-X Red should be stored at room temperature and should not be stored at temperatures above 80°F (27°C) or below 32°F (0°C).
- Keep the emulsion lid on tight to preserve air and light leaks.
- Gently mix the emulsion each time before use to help extend the life.
-
Hydro-X Red pure photopolymer emulsion should be stored in its original container.
FREEZE WARNING: When ordering emulsion during the winter, please note that it's possible for emulsion to freeze during transit. Frozen emulsion is unusable. We recommend to plan accordingly when ordering so shipping is uninterrupted and to pull all delivery packages inside the building and store in a warm place immediately.
