Hydro-X Blue
Water-Resistant Screen Printing Emulsion
When water-based fights your stencil
Stop losing screens to washdown,
swelling, and mid-run breakdown.
If you're running water-based or discharge printing in Australia, you already know the pain: a screen looks perfect at setup — then starts failing mid-run. Hydro-X Blue is a pre-sensitised photopolymer emulsion built for printers who need stencils to hold up when the job gets wet.
Watch the overview: a quick walkthrough to help you decide if Hydro-X Blue is the right emulsion for water-based and discharge screen printing.
The problem
Water-based and discharge inks don't just print differently — they punish weak stencils.
- Stencil softens or swells as moisture builds up during the run.
- Edges start to degrade, and fine detail loses crispness.
- Pinholes appear when the screen takes on water or sits too long.
- Mid-run breakdown means touch-ups — or a full re-burn.
- Time goes twice: fixing screens and re-setting the job.
How Hydro-X Blue solves it
Water-resistant photopolymer engineered for durability with water-based and discharge printing.
- ✓ Extreme water resistance for water-based and discharge screen printing.
- ✓ Works with water-based, discharge, and plastisol — one emulsion for most workflows.
- ✓ Fast LED-compatible exposure — step test once, then print with confidence.
- ✓ Stronger stencil build to reduce mid-run failures and re-burns.
- ✓ Fine-detail retention even when the stencil gets wet during a long run.
What changes day-to-day: fewer rescue missions and more predictable screens from setup to cleanup.
Note: We stock Hydro-X Blue — the water-resistant photopolymer variant only.
Quick fit check — before you spend money
Is Hydro-X Blue right for your shop?
If the left column sounds like you, Hydro-X Blue is worth testing. If the right is you, a standard emulsion may be fine.
Ideal for
You need stencils that hold up when it's wet.
Best match: water-based/discharge printing + durability needs + repeatable stencil performance.
May not be necessary if…
You don't need extreme water resistance.
- Plastisol-only, short runs — a standard emulsion may be more cost-effective.
- You won't step test — fast emulsions need one quick dial-in for best results.
- Freeze risk in transit — emulsion must not freeze during storage or shipping.
- You prefer slower exposure latitude — for extra forgiveness on exposure times.
Shortcut: if water-based has ever ruined a screen mid-run, Hydro-X Blue is almost certainly your fit.
Technical specifications
Hydro-X Blue — key specs
The details that matter when you're keeping stencils intact across demanding water-based and discharge runs.
Water resistance
Built for extreme resistance to water-based and discharge ink — significantly more durable than standard emulsions.
Stencil durability
Stays intact during wet, demanding production runs — reducing mid-job screen failures and re-burns.
Exposure speed
Very fast exposure — LED-compatible. Step test recommended for repeatable, predictable results.
Fine detail holding
Hydro-X Blue holds fine lines, small text, and halftones even when the stencil gets wet during a print run.
Real-world proof: an exposed Hydro-X Blue screen photographed under microscope to show stencil detail retention.
Multi-ink compatible
Water-based, discharge, and plastisol — one emulsion for most print workflows.
Full specifications
Complete handling, coating, exposure, and storage instructions from Chromaline.
Workflow
How to use Hydro-X Blue in your shop
Hydro-X Blue fits into your existing workflow. Dial in exposure once — then print and reclaim with less stress on every water-based job.
Quick-start checklist
The key steps that make results repeatable shop-to-shop.
Degrease the screen properly so the emulsion bonds cleanly to the mesh.
Coat consistently to keep emulsion depth even — this makes exposure predictable.
Dry thoroughly before exposure — don't rush this step in humid conditions.
Run a step test once to lock in the correct exposure time for your unit.
Develop cleanly with adequate washout to open fine detail in the stencil.
Product views
Why the emulsion choice matters: water-based and discharge inks expose the stencil to prolonged moisture and aggressive conditions. Hydro-X Blue keeps the screen stable — so you focus on print quality, not screen survival.
Stock note: We carry Hydro-X Blue — the water-resistant photopolymer variant by Chromaline.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about Hydro-X Blue
The questions screen printers ask when choosing a water-resistant emulsion for water-based and discharge printing.
Is Hydro-X Blue only for water-based inks?
No — Hydro-X Blue works across water-based, discharge, and plastisol inks, making it a versatile single-emulsion choice for most screen printing shops.
Does Hydro-X Blue require diazo to be added?
Hydro-X Blue is a pre-sensitised photopolymer emulsion — use it straight from the container. Some printers add diazo to adjust exposure latitude or increase durability. See the Chromaline User Guide for specifics.
Will Hydro-X Blue work with LED exposure units?
Yes — Hydro-X Blue is LED-friendly and very fast-exposing. A step test is recommended to lock in the correct exposure time for your unit.
Where can I find the full specs and handling instructions?
Full Chromaline Hydro-X Blue User Guide: Download PDF →
Is Hydro-X Blue available in Australia?
Yes — Jones Print Technology stocks Hydro-X Blue in Australia. We carry the water-resistant photopolymer variant for water-based, discharge, and plastisol screen printing.
Get in touch — Melbourne, Australia
Ready to order or have a question?
Talk to our team in Melbourne. We stock Hydro-X Blue and can help you work out the right quantities and setup for your shop.
FAQ
have A QUESTION?
HOURS
Monday to Friday
HOW TO ORDER?
- To place an order, customers must send an email to info@jonespt.com.au
or send a DM via Instagram (@jonesptaus) with the details of the
items you wish to purchase. - Orders are subject to availability, and stock is limited. Orders will be
confirmed by a member of our team. - Orders are not finalized until confirmation has been sent from our customer
service team.
SHIPPING & Delivery
Shipping costs can be influenced by several key factors:
- Location: Shipping to rural or remote areas tends to be more expensive compared to metropolitan regions.
- Order Size: Larger orders often result in higher shipping costs due to weight and packaging requirements.
- Hazardous Goods: Certain products, classified as dangerous goods, require special handling and regulations, which increase shipping costs.
We strive to provide you with the most affordable shipping options, ensuring that your costs are minimized while maintaining safe and timely deliveries.
