I'm getting started in screen printing. My question is how can I store coated screens once they are dry? A box or plastic bag or such?
They are going to be stored in a room with a small window, I can coat it when I need to but for safety's sake I want them to be protected for the just in case. Dark room bags are so expensive for a screen size.
Any suggestions from the experienced? I know some have a dedicated dark room but I don't have the room yet.
Thank you.
Bryan
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Starting from humble beginnings.Witness The Majk
You can either build a light safe box to store them in, or the plastic bag will work too! Just make sure it's a nice thick one so no light at all can penetrate it. Even the slightest bit of light over time will make it hard to wash out the stencil when you go to use it.
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Test the room with the window. Put a coin on a sacrifice stencil that is exposed to window light every day. When you've had enough, wash out the stencil and you will see how many days it takes to change your stencil. Perhaps your window doesn't let enough UV-A light into the room to expose your stencils
Many screen makers have covered their windows with UV stopping films like Rubylith or Amberlith.
Perhaps a curtain would help, or a cloth over the screens.
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How are you measuring? retired Ulano Technical Support Screen printing since 1979 - SGIA Academy Member
Last edited by RichardGreaves; August 17th, 2007 at 07:34 PM.
Test the room with the window. Put a coin on a sacrifice stencil that is exposed to window light every day. When you've had enough, wash out the stencil and you will see how many days it takes to change your stencil. Perhaps your window doesn't let enough UV-A light into the room to expose your stencils
Many screen makers have covered their windows with UV stopping films like Rubylith or Amberlith.
Perhaps a curtain would help, or a cloth over the screens.
After a little more research, this was what I was thinking. Putting a good UV coating or film on the window along with all the bulbs in the room.
I was thinking of a cardboard box, and the screens put into a black bag and then inside the box.
Thanks for all your reply's it's really helped.
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Starting from humble beginnings.Witness The Majk
I think putting your screens in a bag is over kill, plus you will be sealing them from the air I want you to use to dry the stencils. The cardboard box (with the cardboard facing the light so it can't expose the screens), will be fine.
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How are you measuring? retired Ulano Technical Support Screen printing since 1979 - SGIA Academy Member
I chuck 'em in a black garbage bag, and they've worked fine 2 months later. I'd keep the bag in a closet or room that is generally kept dim to dark though, if you're not going to use the screens for a while (as in days). All thing considered, though, depending on how and where you dry your screens, your best bet is probably to coat them to be dry shortly before you need them.
Storing coated screens 
