hydrographics_FAQ - Hydrographics Printable Film

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Instructions for printing on DP PrintXer© film

1.) It will be necessary to have a printer or plotter working with pigment inks.

A list of recommended printers can be found in the PRINTERS tab.

If you use PigmentInX© inks, you will need the CISS system (Continuous Ink Supply System) Look at WIKIPEDIA

2) Print a pattern onto the DP PrintXer© film. Make sure that the shinny side is up. The pattern must be printed on using an inkjet printer loaded with pigment-based inks. Dye-based inks, solvent-based inks, eco-solvent-based inks and latex inks will not work - the same applies to laser toner printers.

3.) Spray FiXativer© onto the printed pattern.

You should coat the picture with the liquid fully and evenly; but do not soak it ...

The newly sprayed print pattern will need to dry at least 10 minutes.

FiXativer© - available in our e-store.

With you use the film without FiXativer (fixer) you will not get satisfactory results in the form of colour saturation and print quality. When the film is placed on water, it will be activated in an uncontrolled way without the use of an activator.

4.) Prepare a hydrographic bath. The water temperature must be between 28-32°C.

If the water is too cold, the film will dissolve too slowly ... if the water is too warm – it will dissolve too quickly.

6) Carefully remove the paper backing from the film.

7) Gently place the film in the hydrographic bath on the surface of the water (WITH THE INK SIDE UP) - do it slowly and at an angle to prevent from trapping air bubbles under the film. The film will immediately ruck - but will be slowly disperse. If you notice air bubbles, try to gently blow them out.

8.) Do not touch the floating film.

9.) When the film is placed on the water - wait 60 to 80 seconds.

10.) Then spray the floating film with an activator. Coat the floating film with an even amount of the activator and allow it to work for 3-10 seconds.

Note: ready-to-spray activator is available in our online store.

11.) After spraying the activator - slowly but steadily dip the item so that it is coated with the film. During this step hold the item in an area which will not be covered ... Put the item into the water at an angle of 35 to 40 degrees. Once the whole item is immersed so that it is completely coated with the film - gently shake the item below the water level to separate the remaining film - so you will not get it when taking the item out of water. Slowly and gently shake the item submerged in water for about 20 seconds ...

12.) After removing the item from the water, leave it for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off under running water for several minutes until all shiny residue will be rinsed away and the item is dull without gloss. Do not rub the item. Running water is enough.

13.) When all shiny residue has been removed in the rinsing process, put the item aside and let it dry completely.

14.) When the item is completely dry – you must apply the final transparent protective coating. Depending on the type of item you are working on, it is worth considering the option about matt, semi-matt or gloss finishing. (Example: a glossy camouflage on hunting rifles would be useless, a motorcycle helmet may, or may not, look good when it is matt ...). When using in a place that may be exposed to high temperatures, you may need an additional coating.