Positive Contact Glass smaller than screen. Not Cool!
Hey Guys,
I'm not sure why the silk screen equipment company sent me a kit with a sheet of glass way smaller than the actually screen. (Screen is 20x24 and glass is 10x14 or something like that). That sucks especially since it's a "starter kit" and this makes life harder.
The last job I did was a 10x14 screen I had from a little speedball kit - no problems there.
So of course after I burn the bigger screen and I see that the outline of the glass is washing out along with the design.
I *think* I closed it up up with red coat block-out fluid but I'm not sure if that will be enough to prevent the ink from getting through. Should I also tape it up? If so, do I tape the print side? or the squeegee side (while I have to tape the edged of the inside anyway).
Would the tape lift up when I'm printing? It's very close to the perimeter of the design.
Not sure if I should just get a bigger piece of glass and do it over.
For the 100th time.
__________________ Insanity is when you keep on doing the same things, hoping for different results.
Re: Positive Contact Glass smaller than screen. Not Cool!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Styles
Hey Guys,
I'm not sure why the silk screen equipment company sent me a kit with a sheet of glass way smaller than the actually screen. (Screen is 20x24 and glass is 10x14 or something like that). That sucks especially since it's a "starter kit" and this makes life harder.
The last job I did was a 10x14 screen I had from a little speedball kit - no problems there.
So of course after I burn the bigger screen and I see that the outline of the glass is washing out along with the design.
I *think* I closed it up up with red coat block-out fluid but I'm not sure if that will be enough to prevent the ink from getting through. Should I also tape it up? If so, do I tape the print side? or the squeegee side (while I have to tape the edged of the inside anyway).
Would the tape lift up when I'm printing? It's very close to the perimeter of the design.
Not sure if I should just get a bigger piece of glass and do it over.
For the 100th time.
Richard I'm guessing the glass is used when you have an exposure unit with the light source on top so you'd lay the screen and place a piece of glass over it to place pressure down while exposing.
Kenstyles, you can get a larger piece of glass at home depot for $5-$10 about 30x25 but make sure it's doesn't block UV rays. As for the edge of the glass burning a line in your screen, tape the print side, if you tape the squeegee side the tape will lift up after some runs and cause headachs.
Re: Positive Contact Glass smaller than screen. Not Cool!
When the film with the artwork is laid down on the screen to be exposed. Am I supposed to put down the glass on top of the film so there is positive contact between the film and the screen/emulsion?
Ken
__________________ Insanity is when you keep on doing the same things, hoping for different results.
Re: Positive Contact Glass smaller than screen. Not Cool!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken Styles
When the film with the artwork is laid down on the screen to be exposed. Am I supposed to put down the glass on top of the film so there is positive contact between the film and the screen/emulsion?
Ken
Yes, the glass is supposed to weigh down the film so shadows aren't burned.
Re: Positive Contact Glass smaller than screen. Not Cool!
^Yes,
So stupid me decided that the edges of the glass can't possible burn into the screen. (Since that glass and screen combo came in the same kit and all)..
and now I either fix it or start over.
I'm going to home depot tonight and see what they have.
__________________ Insanity is when you keep on doing the same things, hoping for different results.
Re: Positive Contact Glass smaller than screen. Not Cool!
I got ya now. Im tired of guessing.
go the local hardware store and purchase a larger glass.
Also you can tape the mess out of your screen if necessary. I would suggest taping from the inside as much as possible as the ink and glue from the tape can cause a big ugly mess.
Re: Positive Contact Glass smaller than screen. Not Cool!
If you use a bigger piece of glass it will probably 'bridge' across the mesh because it is close to the inside of the frame.
If you are using a lamp from the top, the actual weight of the glass has to create the intimate contact of the positive and stencil.
If you are using are an overhead lamp, at least create a 2" thick build up board (like a phone book), so the frame hangs down and you can use any size glass you want.
__________________
How are you measuring? Ulano Technical Product Manager - NYC
Positive Contact Glass smaller than screen. Not Cool! 
