Screen Exposure Problems PART 1

[@jasonbossardt9453]

I have a screen printing press in my garage (that i purchased from Ryonet) in fact All of my screen printing materials and equipment is from Ryonet. I would recommend Ryonet to anyone wanting to get into screen printing. I've had my set up for a little over 3 years, and have a bunch of great T-shirts that I have printed using it. You guys sell a great range of products! Anyway, now that I am done brown nosing...lol, about 4 months ago I found a job at a local screen printing shop, and I was hired on as a grunt worker, coating and washing screens, and it was also my responsibility to spray out the newly exposed screens and taping them off. etc. but I noticed a lot of things they were doing wrong in the shop, that were completely counter productive. For example, they have a dark room, but the only thing they use the dark room for is coating the screens. Once they are dry, they take them out and carry them through a brightly lit print shop, down a brightly lit hallway to the other end of the building to another brightly lit room where they have the exposure unit (which is also sitting right in front of a large window) They burn the screens, usually 4 or 5 at a time, and then carry them out of the brightly lit room, back down the brightly lit hallway, and back through the brightly lit print shop, and into the wash room where I am with the spray booth. Well the first few times I tried to wash out a newly exposed screen, I "blew out" the image. Even when the image would not blow out, it still took a ridiculous amount of time to wash it out, even the other employees who have worked there for a long time were having the same problem. I mentioned to them that the screens are being over exposed buy spending all that time in the light, and of course they look at me like "what the hell do you know, you're just the 'new guy" But I would just say ok, whatever. I didn't want to ruffle any feathers, and cost myself my job. Am I right? I know for a fact that the positives that are printed are done perfectly on a very high quality printer, so I am sure it's not the positives. So I can only imagine it was because of all the time they spend in the light before they get washed out. Needless to say, I no longer work there. I got tired of getting yelled at for taking too long and for ruining the images. When I do mine at home, I turn my entire garage into a dark room, and I do the entire process in the dark, and they wash out very easy. 10-20 seconds at most, and have no problems what so ever. Since day one, when I received my press, I watched the included instructional DVD, and I was printing that afternoon. I have never blown out an image at home. I would rather just do it at home as a hobby anyway, because I love screen printing. Especially when it is done right. I might not get paid for it, but i do get the satisfaction of knowing that I created this Shirt that nobody else has. Spring is coming, and i WILL be ordering more supplies from you soon for sure! Thanks for the super informative instructional videos, and quality products!

[@Ryonet]

Yoo Jason! That is quite a story....and you're right! All that time in transit from station to station is exposing the emulsion! That won't add any value to the process, only issues! We aim to reduce as many variables as possible from the exposure process. It's awesome that you were aware of that and tried helping. Thanks for feedback, and thanks for watching!! We are stoked that we might be able to help anyone print. Happy printing!

[@TheDannyb182]

Great story and you’re totally right. I feel the same way about screen printing as a creative outlet. But I’m curious do you have a pressure washer/washout booth in your garage and is it easy to set up?

[@Ryonet]

@bingers19 * This is a very good observation, if your emulsion is not completely cured onto the screen then what will happen is when the emulsion gets wet during washout it will start to separate from the screen and your image will blow out. Your emulsion sould be BONE DRY before exposure. Dehimidifyer!

[@Ryonet]

@bingers19 it depends on how dry your room is, the screen needs to be DRY, the dryer your room is, the dryer it will get faster. You can tell if it is dry by touching your lips to the screen and if you do not detect moister it is dry.

[@HalfAssHomestead]

However, if it is still wet, your kissed screen can be kissed goodbye :-)

[@terraerwin2414]

This video was so helpful as a beginner it solved the majority of my troubleshooting issues and helped me fix problems I didn’t even know I had when developing screens. The one thing I need clarification on is you say it is easier to blow a screen out if you are washing it from the back side it is easier to blow out... A. This may sound stupid but I am unclear about which side you are calling the “back”... B.could you explain a little more about that if possible., or point me to a video that does, because it seems helpful to understand both for the washout and the screen reclaiming process. Thanks for all your help you are a great teacher I generally hate learning via you tube but I honestly consider you my silkscreening professor.

[@Ryonet]

By the "Back" side it means the inkwell side, where your ink goes when printing. When you are drying your screen you want it to be shirt side facing down, this will allow your emulsion to sit on the shirt side of your screen, which then is easier to pushed out/washout if you are washing from the inkwell side/back side. Hope this helps! :)

[@TrishMeyer99]

I've done quite a few tests on inkjet film transparencies over the years for creating photogravure, solarplates and cyanotypes. The problem with not getting max density black and clear white film (simultaneously) is often the problem of the film - not the printer. You need a film that can accept more ink - it's just that simple. Printmakers I know have settled on SIHL 3148 Absolute Clear (you can find a roll of it on business websites, like Freedom Paper). It's made a HUGE difference. The other printing trick I use is to add a little Yellow (+10) to the Black in the Epson print settings (Advanced area); this also helps with density. But the film itself is the biggest issue imo.

[@kamalclifton]

Thanks for the video. My main problem thus far was the transparency of the image. Thanks again, I will try it out.

[@Ryonet]

@wazupsam Screens will typically last for up to 4 weeks if kept in the dark room. So you should be fine.

[@Ryonet]

What exposure unit are you using? the best advice I can give you right now is to use a step wedge test or Stouffer 21step test to dial in your exposure times.

[@enjoi65]

i was thinking about starting to make my own tshirts but all this stuff is way more work than i thought it would be, makes me respect alot of clothing lines

[@dtrain138]

You should have multiple Titles for this video, like "emulsion washing out of screen". Awesome video. I'm sure this is my problem. Thanks!

[@Javii96]

thanks for the help, would my transparancy be dark enough if i had the design printed on at staples? or another store that has the industry styled printers? thanks

[@WheelsandWavesMiami]

Love you're videos. You are a well spoken teacher. My house burned down In the valley fire last month. Now I need a new start. I think I'm going to make the leap into screen printing. So you sell all the gear I need??

[@Ryonet]

+DJ GREENTHUMBS RESPECT DUE Sorry to hear about that. Yes, we sell everything you'd need to get started. Please visit screenprinting.com or give us a call 800-314-6390 Thanks for watching!

[@jubsfunniest]

What's the brand of emulsion are you using? seems good!

[@javierymirna]

Hi! Thanx 4 all ur videos they r very helpful... I'm having a lot of problems burning my screen with halftones, I'm using yellow mesh 230 and using autosol 9000 presensitise, i think I have a real good positive I tried different time settings but not having any lock... can you help? Thanx. Javier.

[@str8vtec661]

the one that said TEST that eventually washed out was with pigment ink?

[@AndraeSanchezSr]

should you use a pressure washer on halftones

[@Ryonet]

Andrae Sanchez best not to actually, if you have good exposure it does speed it up

[@sathya8094]

thanks! before I had using hot light 1500w time exposure start from 15mn to 30mn but the result still bad

[@wilsonparry9341]

Thanks for this Ryan- I'm about to burn my first screen - I sprayed some Krylon Matte spray on the image to make it darker. I'll make sure to have it pressed down well with a plate of glass. Question- the image I printed is on frosted Vellum. Will that still work?

[@Ryonet]

+wilson parry All vellum has some opacity to it. It could block some of the light. Give it a go.

[@bingers19]

What's your suggestion on emulsion drying times? I've read anywhere from 2-24 hours.

[@abaiShooter14]

can i put a design on the bond paper to use in emulsion not in a transparency film?

[@sathya8094]

one more thing I would like to ask you, which light is the best? Uv light? or hot light?

[@Ryonet]

+sath ya UV light is what hardens the emulsion. If you can get a UV specific light source it would be ideal. If you're having a hard time getting the emulsion to expose enough, try increasing your exposure time. Thanks for watching!

[@rioandotep]

hi can i use led light for exposure?

[@bingers19]

Will not letting emulsion dry all the way create somewhat of the same problem? i let the emulsion dry for 2 hours or so, burned the screen which worked fine. but during wash out it took a long time and some of the corners of the lettering on the image started to lift. What is proper drying time for the diazo emulsion?

[@fkillam]

Is UV blocking ink a special ink that you use to print your transparencies? How is it applied to the transparency? (Thanks from a screen printing newbie)

[@Ryonet]

The best way that I have found is to use compressed air.

[@sathya8094]

now I would like to use UV light box maybe is better or not? can you tell me and what should I buy?

[@Ryonet]

+sath ya This is a great exposure unit to start with: www.screenprinting.com/aluminum-uv-screen-exposure-unit-16x20 If you need something larger than that, please check out our full range of exposure units and acessories here: www.screenprinting.com/category/exposure-units If you need help determining what exposure unit is best for you, please contact one of our team members at 800-314-6390 and someone will be glad to assist you. Thanks :)

[@sathya8094]

+Ryonet thanks! I'm sorry I live in Cambodia. and I just a student of graphic in year 3. I will try to make uv light box by my self.

[@rabiamalik3606]

Hi. I like to know if you can use 100w instead of 250 w?

[@usernamebutton]

should you always see a ghost image on emulsion after exposure? or depends on type/brand of emulsion.

[@darksknn54]

Very interesting very interesting good teaching

[@wtf_nene3333]

I'm a beginner can we use a regular printer

[@TBayJay]

what do you suggest for removing emulsion that was only partially exposed? I'm having trouble removing emulsion from an XL screen that didn't fully expose at the edges.

[@Ryonet]

+Jason Bruce Have you tried using emulsion stripper? If you haven't, I would recommend Sgreen Emulsion Stripper, you can find it here: www.screenprinting.com/sgreen-emulsion-stripper-qt#.VmHfI4QQbzJ - The other thing is, it could be screen lock. If you have used emulsion stripper on it and then it re-dried, it can lock up and become very difficult to remove in that case and your best bet would be to scrap the screen.

[@TBayJay]

+Ryonet thanks. I tried CCI ER-80 Emulsion Remover but didn't have any luck in the corners. Sounds like it's time for a new screen.

[@sobhieo9083]

I I appreciate your work.. I have a problem.. after I burn the image and washed very strong by water and every thing okk.. when I applied the colour and start printing the colour won't come out from the other side and print on the material.. could you please solve this issue thanks in advance

[@wazupsam]

Thanks for the video. I have a question and really need help here. I kept my screen in a dark clean box after coating emulsion. I use sun to expose it and here it has been raining since the day I coated emulsion. I didn't take the screen out yet. Will there be a problem if I let the screen be there for few days? And this is my very first experience in screen printing. Please help

[@Ryonet]

yep

[@izegaegbe]

Finally seen what I was doing wrong. Thanks a billion

[@josev1717]

hi I just purchased a starter packet but I have had trouble developing the picture I think it has to do with my printer since it's on the cheap end 20 dollars. I want to get a better printer for my pictures to develop. what printer do you recomend?

[@Ryonet]

The Blackmax film output printers from Epson are our top recommendation. However, a standard inkjet printer can get the job done. If you're not ready to upgrade to the Blackmax, try printing out 2 films instead of one and stacking them to increase the opacity of the film. This should help when exposing your screen to keep light from hitting the image area. Check out the Blackmax printers here: www.screenprinting.com/cat/blackmax-output-printers Thanks for watching and please feel free to give us a call if you need any more help. 1-800-314-6390

[@josev1717]

Thank you very much i appreciate the help.

[@javierymirna]

Hi Thanx 4 the Reply! I'm using Odyssey Lumitron from workhorse with vacum. Where can I get one of those wedges? Thanx again... Javier.

[@HalfAssHomestead]

Amazon

[@nelsonvallarta9611]

Dear Sir, What is the inkjet printer you are using. Is it possible to used HP Officejet 7110 to a waterproof inkjet film possitive? Thank You in advance

[@tacoboy2310]

Soo my hp inkjet printer would basically be coming out like the “test” graphic even after changing the print settings ?

[@keniffvj1]

which printer did u suggest i didnt get u i am using cannon 2900 model laser printing during washout it pretty hard and i rub with my hands

[@bogaardesquat]

I always put emulsion on both sides? Is that a bad thing then?

[@knulffilms]

can the film be textured so it can work with an ink jet printer?

[@bharatsinghal5919]

Hey thanks for the great video! I have question please help me if possible, the problem that I face is that when we start printing then after few prints some spots start to appear in the final print. This problem is bugging me for quite some time, please help!

[@WintervalleyModels]

What pressure washer are you using? I can't find one that only comes on when you pull the trigger.

[@Ryonet]

Check out this pressure washer: www.screenprinting.com/screen-printing-equipment/dip-tanks-dark-room-supplies/karcher-k228-pressure-washer-1500-psi.html#.UvASS7SDIqI

[@sathya8094]

yes this is my problem! always like this. I hate it. I spent too much time but the result is bad

[@metallicadude10100]

On photoshop how can I make my designs more darker?

[@Ryonet]

If they are coming out as halftones then you need to make sure the color fill you are using is a 100% pantone color profile. These are 100% true colors and will be solid vs halftoned.

[@ant5747]

ctrl+alt+L may help

[@staceyhatch3157]

Hi! I'm very brand new to this - can you reuse a screen if you completely f it up or do you have to start over? Do y'all have any FAQs or tips for begginers? Thank you!!

[@brezone3432]

if you clean it with emulsion remover it should be good to use after

[@Ryonet]

Depends what stage you're in! Is the f up fixable? If the screen wasn't exposed properly, you'll need to start over. Reclaim it, dry and coat to burn again. Reach out to us by phone or chat on our website so we can help you figure out what the issue was so it doesn't keep happening! www.screenprinting.com

[@zaxlim93]

can i check with you. Do i have to use inject transparency to print the image or can i use transparency for OverHead projector flims will do?

[@Ryonet]

Our films are formulated for screenprinting but we would never stop somone from running their own tests to see what works best for you!

[@dgordo2004]

How do you dry your screens in a quick manner after you spray your image out?

[@HalfAssHomestead]

Blow dryer or heat gun on a low setting

[@MasterScreenPrints]

My imulsion keeps blowing out on me. Not sure why it keeps happening. I already went through 1 qty. I was doing it and then I started to use transfers but I want to keep screen printing 1 color but I’m not getting it no more

[@Ryonet]

Hi! There are many different reasons why you may be having issues. Typically, if the emulsion is falling off the screen it is underexposed (there could also be other reasons for this). So I would start by exposing for a longer period of time. If it is still having the same issue, you can always call in and ask us how to use the Baselayr emulsion in your darkroom setup.

[@wazupsam]

@Ryonet Thank you for the quick reply. You the Dude!!!!!

[@omarlara8432]

what printer do you recommend?

[@Ryonet]

If you're looking for a film output printer we've got a big printer that won't do you wrong! Check this out... www.screenprinting.com/products/epson-t3270sr-film-output-printer-24in?variant=5214235623465

[@tuhin8150]

Which printer is bast leser and inject please answer me

[@Ryonet]

That's the recommended way of coating emulsion!

[@TheManderin28]

can you use sharpie to draw your own transparency?

[@Ryonet]

TheManderin28 You sure can, if you use our water proof Rite Film it will work best :)

[@salimah19721]

do you mean that it is not advisable ever to wash the screen from the back..?

[@Skoolz2010]

what temperature water do i use?

[@Ryonet]

Thanks for the question! It doesn't really matter as long as it isn't boiling hot or freezing cold. Whatever comes out of your hose or faucet works just fine. If you have any more questions feel free to give our success team a call at 800-314-6390 or email them at [e-mail] and they can help you out!

[@dwskateboarding]

Where do you purchase the better quality film positives?

[@ChronicCantabridgean]

very helpful thanks!

[@Ryonet]

No it won't. It's passable depending on the type of print you're trying to accomplish but it's no where near the best thing to do.

[@OktoPutsch]

So much water wasted there, you could just brush it with a soft brush. Btw, could you tell me what's the thinnest detail we can reproduce through the screen-printing method ? in terms of millimeters, in example. 0,5 ? less ? or more ?

[@Ryonet]

Okto Putsch you can produce VERY small detail but it is all dependent on the mesh size and quality of screen exposure you can get. You can pretty much chapter as small as you want with the right parameters, with basic parameters you can only go up to about 12 point font if you can relate that to fine detail.

[@OktoPutsch]

Ryonet Thank you very much, i'll investigate more now :)

[@Ryonet]

Sure they do.

[@Omegaweapon]

you rock dude, awesome vids!

[@maythammohamed9125]

thanks a lot for sharing

[@mariamariachuchena]

- Great video, thanks!!!

[@503damont]

U can also use white florescent light to burn ur image

[@INKTALOVR1]

It is a specialty ink you can purchase for your inkjet printer. Google is your friend =)

[@getbentwy]

i can tell this guy is from 2009 but not because of the video quality.

[@Brian-pq2mo]

Do you have to a water pressure hose? You mentioned dunking into the water for a minute. after dunking it, do i let it sit and dry?

[@Ryonet]

Hey there! The purpose of dunking the screen in water for a minute is to soften the unexposed emulsion prior to rinsing. By pre-wetting it before you start rinsing the image area out, the emulsion should wash out easier so you don't have to use as much time or pressure. You do not need a pressure washer. While a pressure washer makes the reclaiming process (When you take all of the ink and emulsion off of the screen entirely) easier, it is not necessary to be able to deal with screen set up.

[@Ryonet]

Awesome!

[@jaiforstersaunders]

where is this guy now

[@Ryonet]

He's still charging ahead and powering the print! Happy Printing, Jai!

[@Bayonettamachinekill]

agfdsfs almost gave me a stroke when I did those tiny details on the design I made wasn't able to get in there..but overall decent shirt. waited all day for it to be made XD

[@chriskofiogbobilea8934]

hi my name is Chris Kofi based in Ghana. THANKS

[@INKTALOVR1]

Opacity of your positive is not as important if you're using UV blocking ink. My transparencies look like the darker "test" positive and I have no problems at all exposing excellent stencils.

[@SilenceCyberWarriors]

Thank you SOO much for your video!!! I sure wish I found this a couple days ago...ruined about emulsions today... X( #$#$%^#$%^ This vid rocks, and thanks again! I need to darken up my lines, not change exposure times!

[@fastr1337]

you need a good printer, after that... you need to get what looks like a clear paper. print it on that. after that you put it on a screen using an exposure unit. then you get your screen.

[@Ryonet]

Jacob Folayan please contact us at 800-314-6390

[@zaydn1219]

Hi...My name is Maina and I'm trying to start out a print shop back home in Samoa and I just wanna say that I don't have any experience in this field at all but I'm gonna take that challenge anyways but just needed to know if you could tell me what machines and supplies that I would need to start this out with plus what kind of expenses would I be looking at and I really wanna get this thing going but would like to ask for your expertise advice den we can go from there. Looking forward to hearing from you...thank you

[@screwedandchoppedtv]

isnt that the effect people are looking for? that blown out one looks bad ass !!! right? and you didnt even need a graphics program !!! wow, you started a new revolution in screen printing !!! just kidding but some people want that look to it

[@Ryonet]

sent you a private message

[@peznando]

Who ever see this please comment. This video is 5yrs old BUT!!!. Di you notice he talks about coating only the print side of the screen and now in 2023...everyone talks about coating bith sides , period...but. is it ok to just coat the print side?? Please comment..thank you!+++

[@ekimusman2]

what weirdo thought that you needed to wash out the screen with the positives tapes on?!

[@sealacat]

Screenprinters do not wear collared shirts. haha

[@ghettocable]

booooooo lol