TopPro® WOW — Clear Window for Matte Materials
TopPRO® WOW, or Wet-Out-Window, is a screen printable hardcoat which allows creation of a clear display window on a matte surface. Ideal for nameplate, overlay and membrane switch manufacturers. Works well with in-mold decorating offering new design and application possibilities.
Benefits
- Create clear display areas on matte surfaces
- “Trade down” from clear polished to low-cost textured PC or polyester — save 20% or more
- Reduced labor — no masking to peel
- Faster production speeds — use automatic feed
- Lower reject rates, no nitrogen, less static
- Competitively priced — one gallon covers ~4,000 sq. ft.
- Abrasion and chemical resistance enables further cost reductions
- Available in five transparent colors and “Dead Front” Gray
- Save 30%–50% overall!
Chemical Resistance
| Chemical | Uncoated | Coated |
|---|---|---|
| Gasoline | X | L |
| Toluene | X | S |
| Acetone | X | S |
| 5% Ammonia | S | L |
| 10% Caustic Soda | S | L |
Test Results
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance #0000 steel wool pad at 1 psi for 5 rotations | 1 psi — No Scratching |
| Cross Hatch Adhesion (Boiling Test) 30 min boiling water, ASTM D-3359 | 100% |
Application Instructions
Preparation
No special preparation necessary other than a clean environment, proper screen, tools and substrate. Room temperature should be ~72°F. Before use, mix slowly by hand for 60 sec. Be careful not to create air bubbles or foam.
Screen Size & Squeegee
Use a 330 mesh and a medium hardness squeegee. Target screen tension at 25 Newtons per cm. For more coarse matte finishes use a 280 mesh screen with a medium hardness squeegee.
Coating Thickness
Maintain coating thickness at .3–.5 mils. Use Tooke gauge or equivalent to measure.
Use of In-Line Heat
Prior to UV curing, an in-line heater is recommended. At 90°F substrate temp, good appearance and 100% adhesion is achieved. At 140°F or higher, 100% adhesion is maintained after a 20 minute boiling test. Substrate can be heated by IR or gas fired jet dry.
Printing Over Ink
WOW has excellent flow and adhesion to non-silicone inks. Add 1% cyclohexanone for silicone inks.
UV Curing
One pass under a mercury vapor bulb at 800 mJ/cm² produces complete through-cure without nitrogen. Generally a 300 watt bulb will create this level of cure.