Emicote Waterbased Digital Primers User Guide

Emicote has been designed as a primer coat for a wide variety of substrates to assist with the application of digital printing inks.

Emicote can be used on most polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl, polyester and other synthetics, as well as foils and paper stocks. Films should ideally have surface energy above 40 dynes / cm . Always test new substrates for adhesion before production runs.

Optimum performance is obtained from Emicote by applying the following recommendations:-

Pre-wash – When switching from other coatings to Emicote, the system must be cleaned and flushed with a suitable wash-up followed by clean water. This should eliminate any possibility of potential cross contamination prior to introducing Emicote to the pumping system.

Do not further dilute Emicote as it has been developed as a press ready product.

The recommended applied wet film weight is 1.5 – 2.0 gsm, however higher weights may be needed for some absorbent substrates .NB Excessive film weights may impair the drying performance resulting in possible blocking and reduction of top coat clarity.

Please ensure full coverage of all substrate types to optimise the properties of Emicote.

Emicote is formulated to air dry rapidly, even on non-porous substrates. The drying process may be assisted by additional air flow and if necessary carefully increasing the air temperature bearing in mind that the web will need to be cool enough for re-reeling.

As Emicote dries by evaporation, ensure wash-up procedure commences as soon as the press has stopped after the run. The most efficient way is to pump warm water around the system. Once the substrate is pre-coated with Emicote, most inks and toners can be applied and the surface remains very receptive to print for many months. NB. The dry film is alkaline in nature and not suitable for cationic inks and coatings.

Please refer to MSDS / TDS for further information.