Images_Digital_Edition_April_2020

8 Expose the screen – Dave uses an M&R LED Starlight exposure unit 11 Tape the screen to ensure there are no areas where unwanted ink can get to the garment Remove the positive from the back of the screen 9 The finished screen 12 Accurately position the positive on the screen the right way round, then tape it securely 7 Wet the screen, leave to allow the emulsion to soften, then jet wash to remove any unexposed emulsion. Check for (and fill in) any holes in the screen 10 www.images-magazine.com APRIL 2020 images 75 TIPS & TECHNIQUES good stencil. "You can then place your coated screen horizontally in your drying cabinet with the outside towards the floor and leave the emulsion to dry. This should take 15-30 minutes." Now it's time to accurately position the positive on the screen – the correct way round. "Always place the image in the middle of the screen – the sweet spot. Using a large T-square will help," says Dave. Once this is done, tape it down securely with a clear tape. Next, exposing the screen. The exposure time will vary depending on the bulbs in the exposure unit plus the type of emulsions and mesh count used, which is why Dave recommends using an exposure calculator for each job. "Once your screen has been exposed you can remove the positive from the back of the screen," he continues. "Place your exposed screen in a wash- out booth and just wet down the screen on both sides and leave for a couple of minutes. This will soften your emulsion ready for the final wash out. Then, use your jet washer to remove the unexposed emulsion and check thoroughly that it has been washed out correctly." He suggests using a Karcher-style window cleaner to remove water from the image and screen (or blot with newspapers). This allows it to dry more quickly and prevents any unexposed emulsion running in the design and causing issues later. Leave the screen to dry in the cabinet again, before checking the screen for any holes in the emulsion, ie pinholes. "If you find these you can use a touch-up pen, blue filler or emulsion to fill them in." The final step is to tape the screen to ensure there is no way unwanted ink can get onto the garment. Dave's top tip here is not to use the cheaper brown packing tape as it degrades quickly and takes ages to remove. "If you use a low-tack tape it will be easier and quicker in the long run." You now have a finished screen. www.screenprintworld.co.uk

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjgxMzM0