[breezyinhawaii]

I was wondering what kind of emulsion do should I use to silk screen. I heard I need to get emulsion mixed with something else ( I do no know what it is called).

 

[ReelHard]

Diazo. You can also get pre-mixed photopolymer.

 

[Tj Ryonet Tech]

The Diazo emulsion have a longer exposure time than the pre-sensitized photopolymer emulsions, however they have more grace if you are off either over or under the proper amount of time.

 

[kirinma]

On the topic of emulsion, I know it depends on other variables, but typically it should be 1 and 1 (1 coat on the back side of the screen and 1 coat on the print side), right? My add on question here is, do I need to let it dry a complete 24 hrs between coating? So that would mean it takes 2 days to coat a screen? As this is something I read here and other articles, that drying should be allow a 24 hour period. Thanks guys.

 

[Tj Ryonet Tech]

Most manufacturers will state 24 hours. As a printer and tech I always suggest at least 6 hours. You want to make sure that you are controlling the humidity where you dry them as well. A small dehumidifier goes a long way. Once they are dry you can expose them.
In the real world we get jobs last minute and don't have 24 hours to wait. The key is to make sure that they are dry to achieve the proper exposure.

 

[kirinma]

Thanks TJ...that makes more sense.

 

[ScreenFoo]

On the topic of emulsion, I know it depends on other variables, but typically it should be 1 and 1 (1 coat on the back side of the screen and 1 coat on the print side), right? My add on question here is, do I need to let it dry a complete 24 hrs between coating? So that would mean it takes 2 days to coat a screen? As this is something I read here and other articles, that drying should be allow a 24 hour period. Thanks guys.

I might be misunderstanding the question, but if you are coating 1/1, it is very unlikely you will want to put one coat of emulsion on the "outside", let it dry, and then put one coat of emulsion on the "inside" (squeegee side) and then let that dry--you will want to coat them wet on wet, and dry them with the mesh side of the screen facing down.

Hopefully I understood why you were asking if it takes two days to coat 1/1. Luckily, here with an average 20% relative humidity, I can coat 1/1, (or more,) and still be burning a screen in a couple of hours. (Don't try this at home--if it's humid. )

 

[Arizona]

While I think stating 24 hours is just for manufacturers to cover themselves, making sure they are properly cured is vital. They may look and feel dry, but won't washout properly. I can have a dry-to-the-touch 305 mesh in about 20 min, although I like to wait another hour. It all depends on amount of emulsion too, 110 screens coated 2/1 will take alot longer than 305 1/1. You will eventually come to your own conclusions, but reducing humidity is key.

 

[TYGERON]

I was wondering what kind of emulsion do should I use to silk screen. I heard I need to get emulsion mixed with something else ( I do no know what it is called).

There is no single definitive answer.

Depends on a lot of factors. One consideration is your light source. Single point? Halogen? Metal Halide? UV tubes? Sunlight?

Are you doing waterbase? Discharge? Standard plastisols? There are many different types and brands of emulsions each with their own characteristics.

Emulsion and ink makers as well provide tons of detailed information about their products and are glad to do so. Application, cure times, safety, tips and suggestions etc. Pick one, go to their site and read, read , read. May be a little boring (LOL) but eye opening and well worth the time.

 

[TYGERON]

...but if you are coating 1/1, it is very unlikely you will want to put one coat of emulsion on the "outside", let it dry, and then put one coat of emulsion on the "inside" (squeegee side) and then let that dry...

Haa-haa-haaa!!! Fooooooo!!!

That's exactly how I do do it. And I (usually) dry them standing up

Gonna buck the system, stick it to "The Man", screw the establishment, live a Lone Wolf life and I ain't gonna pay no toll!

(Young printers plug your ears)

 

[kirkmansigns]

We use Ulano LX660, one coat on ink side and one coat on print side. I have a fan circulating air in the drying cabinet. Never had any problems with a 2 hr dry time. Coat the print side first, the ink side last... let the screen dry with the print side down. I also keep a little 1500 watt ceramic heater in the dark room, this will speed up the drying time even more in emergencies.

 

[cyclesurgeon]

Haa-haa-haaa!!! Fooooooo!!!

That's exactly how I do do it. And I (usually) dry them standing up

Gonna buck the system, stick it to "The Man", screw the establishment, live a Lone Wolf life and I ain't gonna pay no toll!

(Young printers plug your ears)

Wears a T-shirt "I Will Not Comply"

 

[TYGERON]

Wears a T-shirt "I Will Not Comply"

Doctor!

"Resistance Is NOT Futile!"

and

"Runs With Scissors, Fast And With Eyes Closed!"