Proper Temperature for applying emulsion

This section is all about screen making. This would include stretching, mesh prep, and coating the screens with emulsion. All related topics such as screen storage and trouble shooting for getting screens ready to expose.

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Nealemf
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Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 8:59 am

Proper Temperature for applying emulsion

Post by Nealemf »

I was wondering if you could have too cold of a temperature when applying emulsion? When I go to wash my screens even after a very short exposure time i need to put the sprayer right up to the screen to get it to wash out. It is also not washing out completely. My dark room is in the basement and the temp is about 55f. Is this too cold.
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Proper Temperature for applying emulsion

Post by Catspit Productions »

MMMmmmm could be.... ;)

Well yes, everything will work best at around 65 to 85 degrees F. It's best to work at "room temperature" which is commonly situated at around 74 degrees F. The very cold water and cold work environment will slow the process down a bit in that the emulsion may be slow to dissolve and rinse off in the unexposed areas. But be sure your film positives are dense and blocking the UV light.

I would say if you're doing the same thing you normally do but now it's colder then yes, that is what is causing the issue for you. If not then look at the film positive as I said and be sure it is not letting the stencil get semi cured.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
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http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
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Nealemf
Posts: 2
Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 8:59 am

Re: Proper Temperature for applying emulsion

Post by Nealemf »

Thanks for your quick reply. I have a screen drying right now. I thought that maybe I applied too much emulsion in previous attempts. So if less emulsion doesn't work I will try applying the emulsion at a warmer temperature. Thanks again for the quick response.
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Proper Temperature for applying emulsion

Post by Catspit Productions »

You're very welcome.

But yes, the thicker the emulsion coat is the more difficult it will be to get a good exposure. Use the thinner edge of your scoop coater with decent pressure while coating. A 1/1 pass is all that is required for tee shirts.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions
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