4 troubleshooting tips for burning and exposing screens | How to screen print

[@inkingsink]

PRINT LIFE..!! A tip: Make sure you run your exposure calculations across your different mesh counts. Your 180, 156, or 110 will tolerate a longer exposure time than your 230, 305, or 330 meshes with high detail or halftones which will require a shorter exposure time (Usually about 20-25 percent). Color of mesh, type of emulsion and their solid content, as well as the thickness of your stencil will also cause variations. Of course the quality of your film positive is of the upmost importance before a calculator will be an effective tool. For newbies a dual cure diazo emulsion will be the most forgiving. Anyway I be quiet now. Thanks Cameo..!!

[@ThePrintLife]

Boom.

[@tabayuco8625]

great tips

[@Motorizedmadness]

Yea nice tips mate times differ from white mesh to yellow always longer on yellow mesh. Totally agree with using emulsion with a diazo especially for beginners one pots need to be worked with a lot quicker any light bouncing around dramatically effects exposure. Also all emulsions have a shelf life of 6 months one mixed. Best storage for emulsions is in your fridge not freezer. Mixing the emulsion is very important use distilled.water or boil the kettle and let the water cool when using a diazo. stir with plastic or wooden, never use stainless the enzymes can effect the emulsion. If your emulsion has gone off you will notice when you wash out your screen the emulsion will peel.

[@josephsantos145]

@@Motorizedmadness sir how bout how about ULANO emulsion i cant get the right time to expose of my images in the screen.

[@trevorj4707]

Damn, I really wish I understood all of that.

[@NicoleHam]

Idk how I missed this video but its an absolute godsend man. Ive spent like.. 5 weeks straight trying to get one small screen to expose properly. i tried an exposure test with no results-- i literally couldnt get any emulsion to wash out 3 whole tinmes. was using speedball inkjet transfer film, darkest possible ink setting.. still no exposure results with a test , my logo on the film, and using an overhead uv light. the part where you said 'your film might be letting light through and giving you a result that looks overexposed' is literally what the issue is. I'm actually tossing the film for the time being and gonna attempt to just cricut cut some thick vinyl for this next exposure because I did the dime test in my last attempt, and the dime circle/shape exposed flawlessly. maybe its the screen size too?? its like a 7 x 7. I genuinely thought I was going crazy, but you just confirmed it -- the film is letting light thru so I was getting 'fake' overexposure, and my films need to be high quality. all other channels havent mentioned this, they just act like paper or transparency sheet will always work. SO THANK YOU. you also explained what under and over exposure ACTUALLY looks like in detail instead of just saying the screen can get under/over exposed without explaining WHAT each result looks like, that HELPS so much, thats god tier of you I'll also eventually do a proper test once I somehow get this film working or buying a test film online.. because I'm just so tired from so much failure lol. I'll also be degreasing as youvsaid, again-- NO ONE has mentioned this in other vids idk if you're still around to read comments, but question-- do you think at least applying dark cut vinyl to a transparency sheet could work as a 'film' for the time being? I wanted to at least be able to re-use the design instead of breaking down the vinyl decal each time

[@geh_productions3674]

You may be the only person that can make a 12 minute tutorial that I can watch and enjoy the whole time. I really appreciate the knowledge you dropping here. It has saved me headaches and feelings of desperation.

[@robertwells4461]

This was a very big help I’m using that exact point light and pwr emulsion and haven’t had any luck I definitely to close gonna back it away and try again

[@printittowinit]

Just this week I noticed after washing out my screens and hitting it with compressed air to remove any emulsion in the image area, some of the image would come loose and flop around. At first I thought it was a degreasing issue but turns out I just had to expose it longer. I have the entry-level Ryonet 8 bulb exposure unit and I guess it will be time to replace the bulbs soon. Cost me a lot of time and a lot of money on account of all the beer I had to drink to cope with the issue because it happened when I was swamped of course. Live and learn! Thanks for the vid!

[@ThePrintLife]

Oh man I love when that shit happens it was working a week ago and then like magic it's not working anymore.

[@CurbkidClothing]

I loved how you pulled out the calculator for 11 - 3. Thanks for the help!

[@Andrew-iq3xc]

Ah thanks for this dude! I've been burning screens successfully with the sun since January 2021, its now June 2021 and I now am using a light (50w led) which I experienced breakdown of emulsion because the light was to close. I now know how to fix that! Bless you'll at Print Life! Keep at it soldiers

[@Ruskopm]

Hey Andrew, I'm rookie into screen printing. I'm using same as yours DIY 50W LED exposure unit. I fade up of trial-error and wasting so much emulsion, sesitizer, decoating powder and of course most important is the time. In my case, the distance betwin the lights and the top of the glass is exactly 16 cm. whatching so many videos and advices, I already understood that the factors are many for successful burning of the screen, but please tell me approximately what is the optimal distance of the lamps and the approximate time for burning the screen with 50 watts LED. Thans in advance.

[@raulcampos1132]

Finally I've been having trouble with exposure this is going to help a lot thanks a lot this was the best lesson i've seen so far on how to expose screens.

[@mikeydesignssilkscreen473]

You always manage to sum up all the things that could go wrong in these videos. Either great planning on your part, or sheer genius... probably both.

[@ThePrintLife]

Both!

[@trevorj4707]

I really wish he could tell me why prints come out blurry even though my screens have clear, clean images burned into them. The end result is always blurry and I and my partner can't figure it out. It makes zero sense that an image on a 355 comes out like I tried to use a 165. We've got the alignment as close as we possibly can, there's barely any give when it comes to the measurements and to make the alignment any more perfect we'll need to call in Superman to use his super sight to make it perfect on a molecular level lol. I really want to know what makes screen printers not lose their minds when learning this stuff because I'm feeling really really stupid because I should have this figured out by now.

[@BillSaveley]

who are the 30 people who gave this a thumb's down? This is one of the better videos out there. Come on, man.

[@battrivera6884]

Had to go back and watch this today. This is what I will be doing this afternoon. You made it invaluable to watch your videos. This explains the exposure calculation process to the point where it doesn't sound like latin spoken by a drunk.

[@kevinmendez-lopez9902]

DUDE! Thanks for this video, saved my life. Nearly decided to quit but man this kept me going! Keep killing it, new subscriber!

[@bcrespo7976]

If you nearly quit right here you'll probably quit at some other point down the road 😂😂😂

[@kevinmendez-lopez9902]

@@bcrespo7976 I am a whole different beast now. Lots have happened in 5 days! Loving screen printing - found my calling.

[@tamarar.k2782]

Thank you for the help! Your videos always save the day. Nice!

[@joekent]

Good video! I started just cutting my designs out on vinyl, sticking them to glass, and using them to burn the screens. With the vinyl being completely opaque, there's no worrying about overexposing through a bad transparency print. I've only done this once thusfar though, so YMMV

[@davidkeetz]

church

[@angelhernandez-headden5576]

How is that working out? Curious if that’s a viable option when having issues with a screen

[@stupid5pin]

​@@angelhernandez-headden5576 It actually works pretty well, just make sure you're exposing your screens long enough and you should be good.

[@Lordsnake]

@@stupid5pin yo could you make a step by step?

[@onewest126]

I never really took the time to understand these exposure calculators...that was good! Thanks man! Printfam

[@anthonyreyes3888]

Your the best I’m new to screen printing and you make me confident I can run my business.

[@mahijangid7342]

Same with me

[@daddy3d1972]

Best screen printing videos. I dont even screen print but i will still watch.

[@ThePrintLife]

Now that is a great compliment. Thank you for that. You are the best.

[@Factory928AC]

You’ve been missed by many! Hope all is good and thanks for the video... so many things that can be causing me to not burn my screens right!

[@nathansimpson2068]

Had an issue, jump to a The Print Life video. Cam always coming in clutch, I’m under exposing lol

[@RhyBeats]

Great info on this subject! Let’s keep them rolling. 👊🏼

[@mtgentry]

this is really smart, thanks!

[@dugikv123]

Odlične preporuke za snimanje sita. Pozdrav iz Srbije.

[@maeafryldelostrico7674]

This video is very helpful for someone like me that's still starting doing screen priting

[@AlexanderMoriarity]

Ur one of my Favorite printers keep it fly guy!

[@stephanielisenby5743]

Your videos are amazing!

[@ThePrintLife]

Thank you so much, you are the best for saying that.

[@stephanielisenby5743]

But I still need your help!! Lol I added you on IG too!!! Please tell me how long you dunk your screen for!!!?

[@ThePrintLife]

@@stephanielisenby5743 most tanks start at 30 seconds, we have stopped using the dunk tanks for the last few months to test the good ol spray bottle with emulsion remover in it. Seems to be working great so far.

[@invictusprintingco.2318]

Thanks for the video man! Just makes me that much more anxious to get out into the shop this morning! (EST)

[@partybunnie5420]

Thanks Cam, yes that was very useful.

[@futurmotion8409]

Thanks for tips from France bro, i have à few difficult for understand what you say 😅 but video talk more than words. God bless man 🙏

[@ThePrintLife]

I have a hard time understanding what I say to

[@futurmotion8409]

Haha 😂

[@monkeyhustle3992]

i took your advise and picked up a simple setup for our one colour jobs, Now im watching this video again

[@Hoody1147]

Super legit help. That troulbeshooting stencil is awesome, and I'm excited to try that instead of just trail and error some more screens... RIP my 5 screens that my newb ass killed.

[@andrewmcmanus9007]

Thanks a lot Print Life! Super useful info. Your videos are great. You've really helped me get started.

[@joselitofiguracion4804]

thanks for the great tips!This will help me in my troubleshooting of my emulsion falling off the screen

[@Tim.McElheny]

Great video. I got some 225 and 150 S-Mesh that I'm pumped to try out

[@memartmelo3508]

Thank you Cam! Big help!

[@povrtsux1]

Excellent!!!

[@markgomez1387]

Really good video good to see you back

[@desireprints815]

Thanks Cam for the video!

[@Mattieiced]

Thank you for ur videos bro!

[@vincea5007]

Wow this helps out a lot.. Im doing it all wrong . I got a poor man set up .. and I’m over exposing but it can also be my film . What’s a decent film printer ? Something that’s not gonna too expensive.

[@jeffnikols1497]

By far the most informative video I have watched on this subject. I am new to screen printing and having trouble getting all the halftones to wash out, this may have solved my problem. Thanks!

[@theriotstreasures2475]

Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge

[@ScottKingDesigns]

Good stuff Cam! Congrats on hittin 20K!!

[@jimkozikis892]

Thanks boss. I think this was a much needed video.

[@Absorb81]

Fantastic video!

[@MrIonathanmtz]

Awesome tips and really great info 👌👌👌

[@ThePrintLife]

Thank you so much I was freestyling this one, left a few things out but It should help a few people.

[@MrIonathanmtz]

@@ThePrintLife That's exactly what makes it awesome. Keep doing some raw footage 🤘🤘

[@jnotah]

I use the anthem test to get close, then use a stouffer test on every screen. That way I can make adjustments on the fly, when conditions like temp or humidity change.

[@williamcrespo4810]

awesome I was having some of this problems my self. I have to make many corrections. thanks brother

[@sarasheetz4454]

Great video! Thanks!

[@ThePrintLife]

You're welcome Sara! Thank you for watching your the best

[@sarasheetz4454]

@@ThePrintLife no. you're the best.

[@crashgtr]

Thanks for the video! What is that machine you use in the video? What are this metal frames you are using?

[@jessicalairdi]

Ommmggg thank you! Actual help. Thanks so much!

[@brianenglish5949]

Good stuff my friend thank you for your videos

[@mannyfilmsinc]

great video, what printer do you recommend ?

[@ballerpro03]

Great video! Very informative :)

[@charley408]

Great video man! Thx.

[@DFWfreerider]

This video was so helpful thank you 😀😀. I have been trying to my my own KZbin channel t shirts but I’m having problems to finish that process of exposing and washing it.

[@ThePrintLife]

It can be frustrating at first. Keep trying you will get it.

[@DFWfreerider]

The Print Life thanks

[@alanguzman9710]

Good Job dude!

[@loraross8213]

Nice advice!

[@ugyengyurme6738]

Very technically informative. Thank you bro

[@jungsomewhat]

Safe light what's used thanks ... I'm a learning a lot from you fella ...UK.

[@claudiacarvalho2773]

Thank you

[@reluctantlemming]

Dude, thank you! BlackMax was the tip I needed! I was trying to figure out how to get deep, solid, saturated black art on my films. I was about to get out quill pens & India ink and do it old school. But BMax sounds like the answer

[@colinwhite4710]

FINALLY a video that mentions why I couldn’t wash out my design. Overexposed!! 8 mins at 16 inches away wasn’t the move I guess

[@amyrapin5707]

Can you tell me if I should only add emulsion to the flat side of the ?? I am trying to burn the equivalent of a line drawing like a sharpie line thickness

[@mizobazar6261]

very good

[@deprintprins8614]

Oh yes thanks for this

[@RyansUndies]

“Dicking the dog!!!!” Bro you are absolutely HILARIOUS!!!! Great video!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@larryod]

Ordered that LED light today at your recommendation. Thank you.

[@HalfAssHomestead]

I tried burning a screen at just 7 seconds, as you stated in another video. Total wash out. I think the times will depend on the mesh, the emulsion, and the exposure unit being used, which creates so many variables, it will depend on each person's set up as to what works, and what doesn't.

[@mikejones5772]

awesome video I had screen break down I use chroma blue emulsion and wasn't degreasing good enough but watching your video helped me out a lot, I have the 8 20watt uv bulb and burn for 7 min and have no break down at all. 1 question how long do you let the screen sit in the dip tank and is it just water that's in there cause when you wash out the screen it looks like it doesn't take long to wash out. Thank you

[@ThePrintLife]

I let it soak for 30-60 seconds and that usually softens the emulsion enough so that wash out is a breeze.

[@monsterink2053]

Thx for the video

[@yeyothegod9235]

hell yea great tips brotha i feel em its all about the print life

[@bryanquenga2145]

Awesome videos as always Cam! Can't wait for that Anatol press review.

[@ThePrintLife]

heck yea Im puttin my time in on it now, coming soon.

[@hassanhall4338]

whats a good emulsion to use with plastisol with uv exposure unit?

[@deprintprins8614]

I allways print doubles with my canon pixma ix6850.. otherwise it indeed blows out or over exposes. I need to do a calculation like you cam.. it’s on my to do list ;-)!

[@MrGUSGUS2]

I have the same printer as you do, is the ink not black enough that it still comes thru? Are you using an LED flood light like Cam's?

[@deprintprins8614]

Gus Sanz hi, no i’m using uv tubelights. Indeed, the ink is a bit transparent when you hold it against the window.

[@MrGUSGUS2]

@@deprintprins8614 is there a fix for this issue, sorry I'm new to this game...

[@SprockX2]

I have to do this as well...thinking of moving to an all Blackmax setup soon and see if I can get my prints dense in one hit. At least the printer hits on point re-registration on that second pass no worries.

[@MrGUSGUS2]

@@SprockX2 I found the solution : kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3iQZH6tgd9kibc

[@ansarahmadzai3075]

thank you dude

[@jorgenavarrete6352]

Awesome video brother, ima bout to start my trials or test, im new on this and this video is a great help. Thx a lot and wish you all the blessings on your business.

[@thimnthimn6622]

U got t best videos dude Love'em

[@hotboxprintstudio]

Nice cut-ins on this one in the beginning there Cam

[@ThePrintLife]

Thank ya sir.

[@JackSmith-ud9bg]

Your videos are very good. Thank you. My question is , how do I get started on a graphic software that I can afford and still design great tshirt designs?

[@asipo123]

thanks cam for a great vid was wondering about the dip tank you use is it water and how long do you dip the dip for .thanks for a reply

[@ThePrintLife]

Its water and cci solution. Did for 30 seconds then it's good to go.

[@MrSwan-gu4hl]

I'm just starting to use photo emulsion after years and years of using Sta-Sharp s3s. My first burn/Exposure washed away everything. I do not know what happened,, I think it may have been exposed before the burn, and/or the mix was not done right. I did put the emulsion on the screen in my studio lighting....and I have issues with my transparency and blacking out all of the image.

[@daraghlaragh6927]

Not sure if you can help me but I’m trying to burn my screen at home with a 500W bulb. FYI the bulb is set up 18” away from the screen. For some reason when I burn my screen the image shows up but quick fades away. Do you know why? I appreciate any help you can give me.

[@benhummer185]

What about using uv led strips with about 10cm distance?

[@myfknshow7071]

the little holders for your screens in the exposure unit... never seen that done... I need it

[@ThePrintLife]

its part of the triloc system

[@johnstone5055]

Great videos fella ! I haev a problem you may be able to help me with. My screens seem dry and my burn times are fine, when i burn a screen i am starting to get water marks and blocking of parts of the mesh from the emulsion on the inside of the screen flowing down into the graphic. I dont have a dip tank i wet the emulsion and let it soak a little before i blast the graphic out. Are you able to help me understand why the screen is blocking ?

[@Magnet.33]

How long do you leave the screen soaking in the tub before applying pressurized water?

[@soboredtv3274]

When you wash the screen and nothing comes off at all does that mean I just super over exposed lol?

[@ImagineThat0134]

Can anyone answer this question I had the same problem

[@KarlHamel]

This could be because it got exposed to light before you went and do it too.

[@dudegalen]

I also see people putting dark foam behind the screen so light doesn’t go thru, bounce back and expose the back

[@jamilmuhammad1320]

Please what is the name of That chemical That you spraying before washing used mesh

[@aggietor9208]

Hello... we don't have this high equipment... trying to print clothing instructions into baby 100% cotton jersey.. (T-shirt)... well... using a desk lamp... would it work.. and how long should I keep under this light. It's not UV.... and I 'm using speedball type of emulsion and fabric is speedball frame with mesh. . Printed the writing on transparent plastic ... from Staples... so it's all good.. but still... not sure... if I could work with this... I find very difficult to do the explosion. Thank You. Love your videos and vlogs... can't get enough of them.

[@CookingwithBillBowmanASL]

I keep having my emulsion blowing out using the same type of hose and sprayer. I'm using 110 screen and burning 12 minutes at 20 inches to a 250 bulb. I can't figure out why the emulsion keeps bubbling up. I noticed you washout on both sides, others say not to do much on the back side. Ideas?

[@l.a.the.w3026]

so don't go to like office max or anything to get my prints made? also can you recommend a printer? doing this from my house. Thanks

[@stephanietaylor7138]

Does it matter what the temperature is outside if you decide to expose it outside?

[@DylanRosa]

does the temperature of the room you’re letting your screen dry in matter? I coated a screen and let it sit for 6 hours and it was still wet so when I tried ti burn it it the emulsion just came off after washing

[@katelyndahl8768]

How long do you expose film using the 50W UV light you recomended?

[@ThePrintLife]

Roughly 25 seconds

[@IllinoisRingDinger]

Where did you get your frame jig on the exposure unit?

[@brandiharris5251]

The dunk tank. How long do you set the screen in there for development?

[@Raven4122]

I am going to use the exact UV light 50w you recommended to expose my screens I am using black Vinyl instead of printing my film, since you know your exposure times, what emulsion do you recommend and what exposure time with the recommended 2ft distance for the light..

[@ThePrintLife]

We have been burning at 23 seconds on 156 mesh 18 seconds in 280 mesh

[@jrbrandgoods9632]

Ive been running into a few problems. After washout should you dry your screens vertically? or horizontally? I'm dealing with a bit of scum after washout that doesn't run off all the way and seems to be sitting on the cleaned out open mesh.

[@ThePrintLife]

Horizontally if possible, and a air compressor helps pre dry the screen preventing scum from running into the mesh.

[@jrbrandgoods9632]

@@ThePrintLife ok. I've just started running into scum and it's been wracking my brain. Trying every variable I can think of to combat it. Thanks cam!

[@charley408]

Any suggestions on what to use for diy silk screen sheets? I ask because I am going to attempt to make my own "chalk Couture" (a self adhesive screen stencil sheet craft product) sheets.

[@williebahrain]

hi bro. how long you soak it into water before spraying? thanks