[jehd]

Okay, so i finally decided to start and got some things in addition to things i already have. So far this it what i have..

-500 watts halogen lamp (i set it up following a different thread)
-silk screens, couple of 110s and 140s.
-water based inks
-squeegee
-Ulano Qtx emulsion
-emulsion remover spray
-glass(for exposure)
-clamps/hinges (since i dont have the carousel set up)
-couple other things..

Now, i have some questions which require some guidance from the pros. Answers and suggestions will be very much appreciated

What would be the best way to print my designs on film? Is there a cheap printer that prints on film?
Is there any printing shop, ie, staples or kinkos that can print my design on film/transparencies?
Any advice on exposure? (I got mine set-up 24 inches away from the design using a 500watt halogen lamp and am planning to do 9-10minutes.)
How many coating do i need using the QTX?
What should i do to dry the water based ink after printing?

Ideas that you have that are not covered by my questions will be much appreciated, very much.

Thanks in advance.

 

[tpitman]

Any inkjet printer will work for your film. You simply need to make whatever adjustments the controls in the print dialog box will allow to get dark positives.
QTX is a good emulsion to use with low-UV light sources like a 500w halogen, but it's not particularly well-suited to water-based inks. It'll likely start to break down. A dual-cure or diazo emulsion will work better, and there are some marketed as being good for water-based inks.

 

[jehd]

thanks, every word is ever much appreciated.

 

[oldbox]

I dry it with a heatgun with wide tip!
Good luck !

 

[LivingThread]

you will need stuff like screen cleaner and a can of screen opener.

what i suggest is getting a exposure calculator to figure out how long you need to expsose your screens using your light source. each one is different, but to get it right will be a nightmare if you just guess.

 

[tpitman]

As for exposure calculators, the best, cheapest and easiest to use is a Stouffer 21 step calculator. They're available at Screen Printing Supplies under "Tools" and from other suppliers.

 

[oldbox]

or do a simple exposure test!
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_ter_P0CIY[/media]

 

[jcshirts]

Been there before. Lol.

 

[Ellas_Embroidery]

I use transparencies for exposing my screens. You can buy a inexpensive lazer printer for under $100. You won't have a ink drying problem with a lazer. If you need larger prints, Fedex/Kinkos can print transparencies for about $2.00 for an 11 X 17.

Here's a link for a exposure calculator.
http://www.smrsoftware.com/ftp/step_wedge.pdf