Exposing/wash out issues

Test! See the link in my sig for info about how to do a test to figure out the correct exposure time.

Once you get the exposure right (assuming your films are dark enough), you should be able to run water over the exposed screen for 45 seconds, or so--however long it takes for the image area to change color and start falling off. Then you can spray out the image area, and done!

Wickedweb said:

Hello I'm new to screen printing and I'm having trouble washing out the screen after it's been exposed. I'm exposing on a 110 mesh with a 500 watt halogen light at 13 1/2 inches from the screen for 12.5 minutes. I've watched multiple videos and it looks like everyone has the screens washed out in 5 or less minutes.For us it takes us about 15-20 minutes to wash out the image. Please help!!!

Craig

Click to expand...

It sounds like you are using a dual cure. When I used that, my exposure time was closer to about 15 minutes for a good exposure.

If it's hard to wash out the stencil, it might be overexposed. If detail washes out very quickly, then it could be underexposed.

I switched to Ryonet Hi Fi and now I have my time with the same setup at about 5 minutes. But...this is not what that emulsion was designed for. I get good results, but I am kind of pushing the envelope a little. I just wanted a shorter time. Dual cure gives a bit more latitude.

Maybe try dialing back your time, or increasing the distance from your screen?