Aquarius Water-Based Fixer - 1kg
Specialty water-based ink additive designed to improve ink fixation and print durability while helping reduce cure temperature requirements in Zodiac™ Aquarius™ water-based screen printing inks.
Characteristics
The Aquarius Water-Based Fixer is a performance additive formulated for use with Zodiac™ Aquarius™ water-based screen printing inks. Designed to improve fixation, the additive helps enhance the finished performance of printed garments while providing greater flexibility when establishing production curing parameters.
Aquarius Fixer can also be used to help reduce the cure temperature required for compatible Aquarius ink formulations. This can be especially useful when printing garments or substrates where lower-temperature processing is desirable. Avient recommends adding Aquarius Fixer at 1–10%, depending on the ink formulation, substrate, curing conditions, and desired performance.
As part of the Aquarius additive system, Fixer gives screen printers greater control over their water-based ink formulations. The Aquarius range is designed around non-PVC, non-phthalate water-based chemistry and includes complementary additives such as Retarder, Retarder Gel, Thickener, and Softener.
For best results, thoroughly mix the appropriate amount of Fixer into the ink before printing and perform production testing to confirm adhesion, cure, colorfastness, and wash durability. Finished prints should be tested for durability before beginning a full production run.
- Formulated for Zodiac™ Aquarius™ water-based ink systems
- Improves ink fixation
- Helps enhance finished print performance and durability
- Can help reduce required curing temperature
- Recommended addition rate of 1–10%
- Easily incorporated into compatible Aquarius ink formulations
- Provides additional flexibility when establishing production curing parameters
- Useful when lower-temperature processing is desirable
- Part of the complete Aquarius water-based additive system
- Water-based chemistry
- Non-PVC and non-phthalate
- Designed for professional textile screen printing
Aquarius Fixer is itself an additive and can be used as part of the broader Aquarius additive system when additional ink-property adjustments are required.
- Aquarius™ Retarder: Add 1–3% to increase open time.
- Aquarius™ Retarder Gel: Add 1–5% to increase open time.
- Aquarius™ Thickener: Add 0.1–1% to increase viscosity.
- Aquarius™ Softener: Add 1–5% to improve finished hand feel.
- Aquarius™ Fixer: Add 1–10% to improve fixation or help reduce cure temperature.
When combining multiple Aquarius additives, test the complete ink formulation under actual production conditions to confirm acceptable printing characteristics, fixation, cure, colorfastness, and durability.
- Add 1–10% Aquarius Fixer to the compatible Aquarius ink formulation.
- Use the lowest effective addition level needed to achieve the desired fixation and curing performance.
- Measure the Fixer accurately to help maintain consistent production formulations.
- Mix thoroughly to ensure the additive is evenly distributed throughout the ink.
- Follow the printing recommendations for the specific Aquarius ink or base being modified.
- Cure requirements can vary depending on the Aquarius ink, garment, ink deposit, dryer, and production conditions.
- Verify the actual ink-film temperature rather than relying solely on the dryer's displayed temperature.
- Test the complete formulation on the intended garment before beginning production.
- Verify proper cure and adhesion before beginning a full production run.
- Test the finished print for colorfastness and wash durability.
- Keep the container sealed when not in use.
- Store between 40°F (5°C) and 77°F (25°C).
Aquarius Water-Based Fixer is a performance additive rather than a standalone printing ink. It should be incorporated into a compatible Zodiac™ Aquarius™ water-based ink formulation when improved fixation or reduced cure-temperature requirements are desired.
The recommended addition rate is 1–10%. The appropriate amount depends on the specific ink formulation, substrate, curing conditions, and desired finished performance. Use the lowest effective addition level that provides the required results.
Adding Fixer can modify the performance characteristics and curing requirements of the original ink formulation. Final results can vary depending on the Aquarius ink or base, pigment loading, substrate, additive percentage, ink deposit, dryer, and production conditions.
When using Fixer to reduce cure temperature, do not rely solely on the dryer's displayed temperature. Verify the actual ink-film temperature and confirm that the finished print has achieved proper cure under the intended production conditions.
For production work, always test the complete formulation on the actual garment and confirm acceptable fixation, adhesion, cure, colorfastness, and wash durability before beginning the full production run.
- Improving fixation of compatible Aquarius water-based inks
- Enhancing finished print durability
- Helping reduce cure-temperature requirements
- Garments where lower-temperature processing is desirable
- Fine-tuning Aquarius production ink formulations
- Compatible Zodiac™ Aquarius™ water-based inks
- 100% cotton applications with compatible Aquarius inks
- Blended fabrics with compatible Aquarius inks
- Synthetic fabrics when compatible with the selected Aquarius ink system
- Professional textile screen printing
- Production shops using the Zodiac™ Aquarius™ water-based ink system
