Description Features: Protects and extends the life of digital prints Water white clear Provides scratch resistance, water resistance and some chemical resistance to prints Non-yellowing Contains UV absorbers to improve outdoor durability of prints Excellent adhesion to most ink systems including true solvent, eco solvent and UV cured systems without the need for a primer Only suitable for non water sensitive substrates and inks Application: This product will sometimes bubble on application. This can be caused by the type of substrate, ink system or the method of application. The best methods of application are spraying, paint pad application or brushing. Rolling is not recommended because it will agitate the liquid and cause bubbles. The laminate is self leveling so it is best to apply on a horizontal surface. Pad Applicator These are made of a fine fabric attached to foam and are available in many different sizes and configurations. Pour the laminate onto the print and spread it over the surface with the applicator. The pad glides over the surface without creating bubbles. Spraying – HVLP or Conventional Use a 2 mm fluid tip and 280 – 420 KPa (40-60psi) Apply a light mist coat to seal the print and allow to dry (10 to 20 minutes). Apply one or two medium coats to the desired finish. Do not shake the bottles of Digi Clear. Invert or rotate them a couple of times before use. This product dries quickly in temperatures above 20deg C. Addition of the Viponds Digi Clear Retarder will slow the drying to allow longer wet edge (application) time. One coat applied at a rate of 16 square metres per litre per coat will give scratch and mar resistance and some solvent resistance Two coats is required for any UV protection and a high gloss. Surface Preparation: The success of this product is determined by the level of adhesion to the substrate and ink. Generally no surface preparation is required, but if the surface is contaminated then the Universal Digi Clear may not wet the surface and cissing (does not form a continuous film or may form beads on the surface) may occur. A second application of the Universal Digi Clear may solve this problem. If cissing occurs, a wipe over with a damp cloth prior to application may help. It is also important that the ink is completely dry to prevent outgassing. Check with the ink manufacturer for drying specifications. Drying: Do not apply if the temperature is below 10 deg. C or in high humidity. Under normal drying conditions it will be touch dry within 20 minutes and can be recoated after 1 hour. Allow at least 2 hours for full cure. Allow overnight drying before rolling up prints. This product can be forced air dried. With the addition of retarder allow longer drying times. Gloss Level: Universal Digi Clear dries to a gloss finish but the degree of gloss depends on the substrate and the amount of clear applied. A lower gloss finish can be obtained by addition of the Digi Clear Matting Agent. Addition of matting agent will reduce the exterior durability of the clear. Clean Up and Thinning: If thinning is required use clean water only. Addition of too much water may cause foaming problems. Clean equipment with water. Methylated spirits will soften Digi Clear and assist clean up. Testing: The digital print market is continually changing, with new substrates and inks being offered on a regular basis. It is therefore recommended that the customer tests the product thoroughly for their own particular application. The main test is to check adhesion – Universal Digi Clear forms a very tough film and if the adhesion is not satisfactory then the clear can delaminate from the substrate. It is also important to determine the best method of application and film thickness required to achieve the desired properties for the end application.
