How does emulsion work in screen printing?
The emulsion gel is spread over both sides of a mesh screen that will be used to transfer the logo onto the promotional item. Prior to the emulsion drying, your logo is printed onto the emulsion-covered mesh screen. This is done either with a super special UV-blocking ink, or with clear acetate.
How many times do you coat screen with emulsion?
On the side that touches the t-shirt, apply two coats of emulsion. On the squeegee side, apply one coat. You’ll know if you coated a screen beautifully if the glisten effect happens. The glisten effect is when you hold your screen up to a light and it reflects, no dull areas exist.
How long do you expose emulsion?
Here is how I gauge the exposure: the emulsion is a slime green color and as it exposes it begins to turn to a dark gray/green. Once you see it darken considerably it has been exposed….it should only take 2-3 minutes depending on how strong the sun it. If it is overcast it may take a few more minutes.
How long should photo emulsion dry?
When your emulsion dries it becomes light sensitive and requires your screen to be kept in a dark place. Cupboards, closets, empty drawers, etc. are all great places. Lay your screen horizontally to dry for a minimum of 4 hours.
What do you need to make screen print transfers?
Here are the supplies that you will need to accomplish screen print transfers:
- Standard screen printing equipment such as squeegees, screen printing press, and heat press.
- 110-156 mesh screens.
- Dual edge scoop coater that has both a round and thin coating edge.
- Transfer paper.
- Transfer adhesive powder.
- Opaque plastisol ink.
How long does it take for screen emulsion to dry?
The key to drying is that all the water contained in the emulsion must be completely evacuated from the coating. This is generally accomplished by using heat, a dehumidifier, or both. A typical coated screen generally will be dry to the touch after one hour at 70°F (21°C) and relative humidity of 50%.
Which side of the screen should be coated first?
print side
The print side or substrate side should be facing out. This is the first side of the screen to be coated. A screen holding rack will help you coat your screens easily and allow you to use both hands to hold your scoop coater.