Aquarius Water-Based Activator ZF - 5kg
Powdered discharge activating agent designed for Aquarius™ water-based discharge and Plasticharge ink systems, helping remove garment dyes during curing to produce bright, soft-hand prints on dischargeable cotton fabrics.
Characteristics
Aquarius™ Discharge Activator ZF is a powdered discharge agent formulated for use with Avient's Aquarius™ water-based discharge ink systems. When mixed into compatible Aquarius discharge inks, the activator initiates the chemical reaction that removes or alters the garment's existing dye during curing, allowing the printed color to replace the original garment color while maintaining an exceptionally soft hand.
Activator ZF is designed for use with products such as Aquarius™ Bright Discharge Base ZF, Bright Discharge White formulations, and compatible Aquarius discharge colors. For standard Aquarius discharge applications, the recommended addition is 6% by weight. The activator should be thoroughly mixed into the ink and allowed to dissolve before printing.
Once Activator ZF has been added, the activated ink has a limited working life. Activated ink should generally be used within approximately 8 hours to help minimize color changes and performance issues. For this reason, only the quantity of ink required for the current production run should be activated.
Activator ZF can also be used with the Aquarius™ Plasticharge system. In Plasticharge applications, approximately 4–6% Activator ZF is recommended, with the percentage calculated from the weight of the Plasticharge Additive rather than the total combined weight of additive and plastisol ink.
- Powdered activating agent for Aquarius™ water-based discharge inks
- Designed to initiate the discharge reaction during curing
- Helps remove or alter compatible garment dyes
- Helps produce exceptionally soft-hand prints
- Supports bright discharge colors and white formulations
- Recommended at 6% by weight for standard Aquarius discharge applications
- Compatible with Aquarius™ Bright Discharge systems
- Can be used with Aquarius™ Plasticharge applications
- Recommended at approximately 4–6% for Plasticharge applications
- Activated ink should generally be used within approximately 8 hours
- Intended primarily for dischargeable cotton fabrics
- Allows compatible plastisol or water-based inks to be printed over Plasticharge prints
- Designed for professional textile screen printing applications
Aquarius™ Discharge Activator ZF is itself an activating agent and should be added to the appropriate compatible Aquarius™ discharge formulation according to the application.
- Standard Aquarius Discharge: Add Activator ZF at approximately 6% by weight.
- Aquarius Bright Discharge Base ZF: Activate according to the recommended 6% addition rate unless otherwise specified for the formulation.
- Aquarius Bright Discharge White: Use Activator ZF according to the applicable discharge formulation instructions.
- Aquarius Plasticharge: Add approximately 4–6% Activator ZF based on the weight of the Plasticharge Additive.
For Plasticharge formulations, the Activator ZF percentage should be calculated from the weight of the Aquarius™ Plasticharge Additive, not from the combined weight of the Plasticharge Additive and plastisol ink.
- Add 6% Aquarius™ Discharge Activator ZF by weight to compatible standard Aquarius discharge ink formulations.
- Accurately weigh the activator to maintain consistent discharge performance.
- Mix thoroughly until the activator is evenly dispersed throughout the ink.
- Allow approximately 10 minutes for the activator to dissolve.
- Remix the activated ink thoroughly before putting it on press.
- Activate only the amount of ink needed for the current production run.
- Once activated, use the ink within approximately 8 hours for best consistency.
- Always test the garment for dischargeability before beginning production.
- Remember that garment dyes and dye lots can produce different discharge colors and results.
- For Plasticharge applications, use approximately 4–6% Activator ZF.
- Calculate the Plasticharge activator percentage from the weight of the Plasticharge Additive rather than the combined additive and plastisol weight.
- Follow the printing and curing recommendations for the specific Aquarius discharge or Plasticharge system being used.
- Provide appropriate ventilation during curing.
Aquarius™ Discharge Activator ZF is a powdered activating agent and is not intended to be used as a standalone printing product. It must be incorporated into a compatible Aquarius™ discharge or Plasticharge formulation before printing.
For standard Aquarius discharge applications, add approximately 6% Activator ZF by weight. After mixing, allow approximately 10 minutes for the activator to dissolve, then remix thoroughly before printing.
Activated discharge ink has a limited working life and should generally be used within approximately 8 hours. Activate only the amount required for the current production run to help maintain consistent color and discharge performance.
Discharge performance depends heavily on the fabric composition, garment dye, dye chemistry, and individual dye lot. Garments that appear identical may produce different discharge colors and results. Always test the actual garment before beginning production.
For Aquarius™ Plasticharge applications, add approximately 4–6% Activator ZF based on the weight of the Plasticharge Additive. Do not calculate the activator percentage from the combined weight of the Plasticharge Additive and plastisol ink.
Important Safety Information: Activator ZF contains zinc formaldehyde sulfoxylate. The discharge reaction can generate vapor, smoke, and odor during curing. Use appropriate ventilation and follow all handling, personal protective equipment, storage, and safety requirements provided in the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
- Aquarius™ water-based discharge printing
- Aquarius™ Bright Discharge Base ZF formulations
- Compatible Bright Discharge White formulations
- Custom Aquarius discharge colors
- Aquarius™ Plasticharge applications
- Dischargeable cotton garments
- Bright discharge prints on dark garments
- Ultra-soft-hand textile printing
- Professional water-based screen printing
- Production environments using the Zodiac™ Aquarius™ discharge system
