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SCREEN PRINTING (download PDF 1.0MB)
Introduction Preparing the Stencil & Emulsion Printing
Screen Print Materials Exposing the Stencil Stencil Removal / Screen Reclaiming
G&S Pigment System Paints Exposing Units / Methods Trouble Shooting
Creating Artwork Preparing for Printing Iron On Transfers
Mesh / Screen Preparation Printers Equipment Prices

PREPARING THE STENCIL

USING CAPILLARY FILM

Capillary films, or Autotype Capillex films are direct photostencil films. This is an easy, quick, and fool-proof method of preparing your stencil. It is excellent for T-shirts with fine detail, as well as decals.

  1. In safe light or in subdued artificial light, cut the film size required (larger than artwork) for the job. Return remaining film immediately to the original tube or box and seal in plastic.
  2. Thoroughly wet both sides of the prepared mesh.
  3. Check to be sure the film is dust-free, and apply the dull side of the film to the underside or print side of the screen.
  4. With a light spray (a window cleaner bottle is ideal) soak all "white" spots with water. These spots indicate where the film has not adhered.
  5. Using a clean squeegee, gently scrape off (Do Not Rub) excess water using a light even stroke, from the SQUEEGEE SIDE OF THE SCREEN. Blot (Do Not Rub) excess water on the underside of the screen with unprinted newsprint.
  6. Allow screen to dry horizontally in safe-light area with underside (print side) of screen facing up. A fan will speed up drying time. Do not use heat to dry the film. It will cause damage and be impossible to expose.
  7. When completely dry, remove polyester (clear) backing sheet before exposing. The clear backing sheet is easy to remove from dry film. If it seems difficult, increase the drying time.
squeegee side
underside or print side
step 7

USING DIRECT EMULSIONS

Duracoat, Resistal, Autosol Fast, and Autosol Plus Clear are direct emulsions. This method is quite a bit cheaper than using the capillex film, but is not as fast and easy. All emulsions are supplied as two-piece lit consisting of an emulsion base (large container) and a diazo sensitizer (small container).

A) MIXING THE EMULSION

  1. Fill the sensitizer bottle 4/5 full with warm water and shake until the sensitizer is fully and completely dissolved.
  2. Pour the sensitizer solution into the emulsion base and stir in thoroughly with a plastic or wooden stirrer until you see no more streaks. The emulsion is now light sensitive.
  3. Allow it to sit, tightly covered in a dark place, for at least 1/2 hour once sensitized, to allow air bubbles to escape.
  4. The emulsion is now ready for coating onto a screen. Once mixed it will last about 3 months, longer in the fridge, but keep it tightly covered and out of light.

B) COATING THE EMULSION ONTO A SCREEN:

  1. Pour a quantity for emulsion into the scoop coater, enough so that the emulsion is easily distributed across the width of the scoop coater. Any leftovers can be poured back into the original container and stored in a dark place.
  2. Stand the screen on edge tilted slightly away from you and starting on the squeegee side, coat the screen with a thin edge of the emulsion. Hold the coater consistently and move in a smooth motion, being careful not to nick the edges.
  3. Follow the same procedure and coat the print side of the screen.
  4. Finish with a final coat on the squeegee side. If emulsion coating seems uneven, then use a "dry scrap" on the squeegee side and reapply. Always finish with a coat on the squeegee side. 5) The screen should be dried HORIZONTALLY and stored in safe-light or yellow light conditions. Dry at a maximum temperature of 30¼C (86¼F) Never use a blow dryer or other heat source to speed up drying.
  5. The scoop coater must be washed with warm water immediately after coating screens. Screen Strip will remove any emulsion that has dried on. Care should always be taken not to nick or gouge the blade of the coater.

 

STORAGE AND HANDLING OF STENCIL MATERIALS

Ideally all stencil materials should be kept at a temperature of 15 to 20¼C (59-69¼F) and a relative humidity of 55-65%.

CAPILLARY FILMS:

These films should be handled under low wattage yellow light or subdued artificial light only for short periods of time. The roll or box of film should be kept closed and sealed after use. Capillary films can be kept at room temperature in their own container with the lid sealed. Shelf life is 12 to 18 months from the date of manufacture. Screens coated with capillary film and stored in a safe light area will have a shelf life of up to three months.

DIRECT EMULSIONS:

Emulsions should never be exposed to a temperature of 0¼C, or the freezing point. Unsensitized emulsions have a shelf life of 36 months from date of manufacture. Sensitized emulsions can be stored in their own containers for three months. If stored in a domestic refrigerator, this time can be doubled. Screens coated with direct emulsions and stored in a safe light area will last six weeks to three months.