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.
Free Man wrote:I would like to add that writing the date on your container when you mix emulsion is good practice. Also I have heard that storing it in the fridge can increase shelf life, has any one else heard this one?
I am sorry if I sound like a broken record using the term "Typically" and "historically"
Typically with dual cure and diazo emulsions they are good for 12-14 weeks stored at 70f. For every 10 degrees above that the shelf life is cut in 1/2. For example: shop is 80f your usefull working life is 6-7 weeks. You can refirgerate the emulsion and this will extend the life another 3-4 weeks but thats about it. I do caution you on refrigerated storage though. The colder the emulsion the thicker it will coat. This will change the thickness of the emulsion on the screen and it will effect your exposure time. If you are that concerned with shelf life switch to the photopolymer style (one part/no mixing required) emulsion. The working shelf life is 3 years from date of mfg.
Great information Saati. I store my photopolymer at room temperature and it still works after a year. It just slows down some over time so you may have to increase the exposure time as it gets older.
It seems that refrigerating diazo or dual cure emulsions is more effective than photopolymers. I have to agree that I wouldn’t really want to coat my screen with cold, thick emulsion.
Good point.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!
good stuff guys, thanks. Funny tid bit. I have a mini fridge in my shop with nothing but sodas or dual cure emulsion in it. In the winter season I use the temp. controlled fridge to keep things warmer than my shop temp. when Im not working in there, haha.
