So I still havn't atually printed any t-shirts. This is all down to my own errors in the screening process. Not reading instructions, forgetting to cover other screens while exposing one screen and also only being able to use my printing gear at the weekend.
Now I'm okay with the printed overlays I worked out I need to put to stop the light coming through. I bought a power washer for cleaning the screens which works perfectly. I made my self a little drying press. I have a nice dark room set up and everything is fine considering I stop making stupid mistakes.
One thing that I do need help with is my screen applicator. I just find the one I have is very messy, emulsion runs over the sides. And its very hard to get the emulsion off it and back into the pot for re-use.
What are the best applicators out there. I want something that is tidyer, helps me get an even coat everytime and is easy to reclaim unused emusion from.
Seriously tho....Emmet, what are you using now to coat your screens? Since you haven't read instructions maybe it's just the way you are applying rather than the coater itself? There are videos on youtube. The angle you hold the screen is important. The sequence of coating each side of the screen is also key.
What are the best applicators out there. I want something that is tidyer, helps me get an even coat everytime and is easy to reclaim unused emusion from.
Any suggestions?
yeah, I got a suggestion... Throw your scoop coater away and get some Capillary Film . That's what I did.
Seriously tho....Emmet, what are you using now to coat your screens? Since you haven't read instructions maybe it's just the way you are applying rather than the coater itself? There are videos on youtube. The angle you hold the screen is important. The sequence of coating each side of the screen is also key.
No I can coat them fine, I get it on nice and even now and not too thick like I was at the start. The problem is getting unused emulsion off the scoop and emulsion pouring out over the edges.
No I can coat them fine, I get it on nice and even now and not too thick like I was at the start. The problem is getting unused emulsion off the scoop and emulsion pouring out over the edges.
1. Fill your scoop 1/2 full or less. The angle you hold your screen should prevent overflow.
2. Use a plastic spoon, or cardboard, and just scrape it back into the container.
i think i know what he means.. i cant stand my scoop coater either... i really prefer the golden aluminum ones.. i get an even, smooth coat each time and its easy to scoop excess back into the jug. ive got 3 of them
i also have 1 scoop coater that i got from silkscreeningsupplies.com and it sucks so bad.. the emulsion is always uneven, its always dripping over sides or leaving drip marks on the bottom.. im seriously gonna throw it out and get another gold aluminum one.. i really think mine is bent or warped in some way
The coater sold at **** Blick is an AWT (Advance World Trade, a fine company), is the actual "Scoop Coater" (an Advance trademark) with only a sharp edge.
Sharp edges are fine for finish coats or face coats, BUT, they don't drive enough emulsion through the mesh to collect on the inside of the screen.
When you turn the screen around, you will undoubtedly trap air in the mesh openings or just spend too much time coating.
I want you to buy a coater with a 2mm rounded edge. proper emulsion coating
Compare the lip in this post to the excellent enlarged picture on the **** Blick site. (Remember, the black lip cover it for protection, you remove it when you coat.)
Emmet; tell us where you live or put it in your profile so we can recommend a LOCAL supplier.
A good emulsion applicator... 
. That's what I did.
