[Fran3]

I have read a few threads here about using capillary film as opposed to applying and curing liquid emulsion.

We are interested because as a newbie we have limited space and would prefer not to fool with the setup and mess of applying liquid emulsion... at least not in the beginning... if we can avoid it.

The questions:

1 - We were told it would be harder to do white ink with capillary film... something about the "well'
.. is this true about white ink?
.. what is the "well" ?

2 - Are there any issues with mesh count and capillary film?

3 - Do screens coated with capillary film fail or produce poorer quality after you print so many impressions?

4 - I read somewhere that screens with capillary film are easier to clean up... what does this mean?
... clean the ink off after each run...
... or get the emulsion off when you want to re-use the screen for another design?

5 - How do you cure/dry the screen after you apply the capillary film and how long does it take?

6 - should the screen be flat when curing/drying?

We understand that it cost a little more to use capillary film but it sounds easier for us just to get started... then maybe later we can get into applying liquid emulsion and all the issues associated with that.

Thanks for any help and any comments.

 

[Fran3]

Bump.

Does anybody have experience with using capillary sheets instead of liquid emulsion... that could try and answer some of the questions in my original post?

Thanks.

 

[threedims]

Capillary film is a lot more expensive, however, it will work just fine. I don't see any issues when it comes to mesh count. the film itself comes in different thicknesses so be aware when you are ordering. 400 micron for example would be used if you were trying to lay down a specialty ink like high density. the thicker the stencil the larger the deposit of ink. for standard printing use a standard thickness as recommended by your supplier. I am guessing around 100 micron. after applying store horizontally like you would in a warm low humidity environment until thoroughly dry. 1 to 2 hours if it is warm and dry.

 

[Decal_Designs]

I don't think using capillary film will save you any space though. I would think it will take up the same amount of space. I'm not trying to talk you out of it though. I'm going to try some sooner or later too.

 

[ChameleonPrints]

I use capillary film from time to time. I like to have some on hand if I have a quick 1 color job and for some reason don't have a screen already coated ( happens from time to time). In my opinion, I don't think it is easier than liquid, just a different process. There is the benefit of a consistent thickness of the stencil, but with practice you will get that with liquid.

I'll try to answer your questions below.

1. No its not harder, but you should be aware of the thickness of the film you are using to know how thick your well would be.

2. No

3. I have only ever used capillary film on short runs, so never ran into a fail problem, but I have experienced a higher risk of blowing out the artwork while rinsing after burning the screen than with Liquid emulsion. Could just be me though.

4. No, its not easier to clean up. Its the same process.

5. You dry it the same as drying liquid emulsion, Horizontally on a screen rack or drying cabinet. The only real difference is knowing when to pull the sheet off and then let it dry longer after pulling off the sheet. Pull it off too early and you will pull some emulsion with it.

6. yes, flat is best. But as with Liquid emulsion... some can get away with drying them vertically if absolutely needed. I have done it before without negative effects, but the common wisdom is to dry them flat.

 

[sben763]

I can coat and dry emulsion same time as cap film but won't be as thick of stencil. When I need a cap film thickness I use a monster coater after drying first coat and add to the shirt side and dry screen up 2nd time.

IMO cap film is a waste of money. It also requires a lot longer exposure times then standard coated screens due to the thickness. Fine detail can be hard to obtain on cap film. The other issue is all your prints will be thick. You'll be using 2-3 times as much ink. Then you will have to cure longer to ensure a full cure. It would be hard to stay competitive with all the extra cost with cap film vs a shop using emulsion.

Cap film can have its uses for specialty prints but it possible to make you own with emulsion for less the 25% of the cost.