When added to either UNION INK's Aerotex (ATEX) or Unidye (UNDY) series water-based inks, UNION INK's Stay Open additive will postpone screen clogging for 2-5 hours (depending on production environment conditions). By preventing premature drying of these inks in the screens, Stay Open will assist production efforts by reducing this basic disadvantage of water-based printing.
Stay Open should be added in 2-5% by weight. The weight per gallon varies among individual inks (with whites being heavier than other colors). Therefore the amount to add by volume will range from 4-9 oz. per gallon for whites and 3-7 oz. per gallon for other colors. Pretest in small batches before using in full production.
Mixing Stay Open with Aerotex or Unidye water-based inks will not have a noticeable effect on the shelf life of the ink. Thoroughly mix inks that have been sitting idle for extended periods before using again in production.
Catalyst:
When adding both Stay Open and Catalyst (either ATEX-9120 or UNDY-9120) to your inks, the recommended 2-5% is compared to the original weight of the ink by itself before adding catalyst.Reducer: Aerotex and Unidye water-based inks can be reduced with either tap water or UNION INK's SOLV-1679 Retarder. Stay Open should be added in 2-5% by weight as compared to the weight of the ink after adding either of these additives.
Catalyst and Reducer Together: Reduce the ink with either tap water or SOLV-1679 Retarder. Add 2-5% ATEX-9600 Stay Open as compared to the weight of the reduced ink. Then add either the ATEX-9120 or UNDY-9120 Catalyst to facilitate the curing process.
Adding too much Stay Open (more than 5%) will prevent curing. If this situation arises, simply add more ink until the amount of Stay Open is within the recommended 2-5% range. Adding Stay Open in the recommended 2-5% levels should have only a very small effect on curing time. If you are drying in a heat curing unit, you may wish to experiment by raising the curing temperature and/or slowing the belt speed.
Always pretest mixtures in very small batches before production.
While Union Ink Company believes that the data contained herein are factual and the opinions expressed are those of qualified experts regarding the results of the tests conducted, the data are not to be taken as a warranty or representation for which Union Ink Company assumes legal responsibility. They are offered solely for your consideration, investigation, and verification. Pretest inks on surfaces to be printed.