When UV
printers deal with smooth surface materials, they usually require special
treatment of the substrate surface in advance, which is mainly achieved by
applying a special UV coating. In order to effectively apply this technology,
we first need to understand the matching method of UV coating, the best time of
use, the method of use, precautions and storage requirements and shelf life.
UV coating ratio and use time
The UV coating is composed of two components, A and B, and
the two should be fully mixed evenly according to the ratio of volume 1:1
before use. The mixed coating is recommended to be applied after 2 hours for
better results. The prepared coating liquid should be used within 1 week to
avoid the reduction of adhesion effect. It is worth noting that the unmixed A
and B components can be stored for up to 1 year respectively.
Use of UV coatings on different materials
UV coating applications on glass
Clean the surface: thoroughly remove dust, grease, water
stains and other impurities on the surface of the glass to ensure that the
surface is clean and stain-free. This is a key step in ensuring the adhesion of
the UV coating.
UV coating: Take an appropriate amount (6 to 8 ml per square
meter is recommended) of the evenly mixed coating, and use a brush, spray gun
and other tools to evenly and thinly spread on the glass surface. Take care to
control the coating thickness to ensure the best curing effect and adhesion.
Cured UV coating: UV or LED-UV printing can be done
immediately after the coating is applied without waiting for drying time.
Follow-up treatment: Check the cured coating surface. If
there are defects such as bubbles and impurities, repair or re-coat. At the
same time, clean up the surrounding overflow of residual glue, keep the glass
surface clean.
UV coating application on ceramic tiles
The use of UV coating on ceramic tiles is similar to that of
glass, but special attention should be paid to two points: first, due to the
different application environment of ceramic tiles (such as the ground, the
wall), it may be necessary to choose a UV coating with higher wear resistance;
Second, it is also necessary to check the surface quality of the coating after
curing, and carry out the necessary repair or cleaning.
UV coating applications on metals
The application of UV
coatings on metal surfaces pays more attention to adhesion and corrosion
resistance. Although the operation procedure is similar to that of glass and
tile, the metal-specific coating is a single component and is designed for
metal substrates such as iron, stainless steel and aluminum to provide
excellent adhesion.
Precautions for use
Substrate selection: It is recommended to use general glass
and tile substrates, and avoid using substrates that have been otherwise
treated, such as polished bricks.
Cleaning and printing time: The hard surface after wiping,
the best printing effect within a week, but the surface must be kept clean and
pollution-free.
Wiping tools: can choose watering can, silicone, gauze,
non-woven and other corrosion-resistant or soft material tools to wipe.
Uniform coating: It is recommended to use the “cross
cross” method to wipe manually to ensure that the coating is evenly
coated.
Safety protection: Avoid prolonged skin contact with the
coating, and wash immediately with soap and water after contact. If the coating
comes into contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek
medical attention.
Fire response: In case of fire, carbon dioxide, foam or dry
powder extinguishers should be used to put out the fire.
Storage requirements and shelf life
Storage conditions: Unmixed and unused coatings should be
sealed and stored in a cool and ventilated place, away from heat sources,
sparks and flames, and the storage temperature should not exceed 35℃.
Shelf life: The shelf life of unmixed A and B components and
metal special single-component coatings is 1 year, and the prepared coating
liquid should be used within 1 week to ensure the adhesion effect.
Advantages of UV coating
Instant drying: The UV coating realizes a one-time simple
and quick spray, and can be sprayed after instant drying without waiting time.
High transparency and high adhesion: Compared with
traditional primers, UV coatings show higher transparency and adhesion, so that
the printed image, graphics and substrate bond firmly.
High water resistance and corrosion resistance: UV coated
prints have high water resistance and acid and alkaline resistance, which can
withstand a variety of harsh environments.
Easy to use: UV coating construction operation is simple and
fast, can choose a variety of tools, greatly saving time and cost, improve
production efficiency.
