Speedball Photo Emulsion Exposure Process - (Part 3 of 5)

[@lloydgreenberg4443]

Great at explaining...without overexplaining. Incredibly helpful. Excellent!!!

[@speedball_art]

❤️

[@zhyle02]

Can i use regular desk lamp or should it be a uv light? And how long is the exposure for each kind of bulb if its applicable? I dont have a speedball bulb.

[@speedball_art]

Hi, regular desk lamps will not work for the exposure. We recommend using a dedicated UV light manufactured by Speedball.

[@reality1701]

So will transparencies print on any inkjet printer? Should I consider asking the manufacturer if it is possible? My printer doesn’t say whether I can print transparencies with it.

[@speedball_art]

Hi! Most ink jet printers will work!

[@munawarsoomro8958]

Once exposed can the screen be stored in ambient light?

[@speedball_art]

Yes it can

[@jadeblair4059]

I got your 46 piece screen printing set, followed all the instructions, and still I can’t get all of my image to wash out after exposure. I thought I was over exposing so I tried 7 minutes instead of 10 or 12 but still it seemed the parts that are under the light have the hardest time washing out. I thought it was also the light but it’s the one it came with. Idk what I’m doing wrong

[@speedball_art]

Hi! If you are using our latest LED UV Exposure Lamp. The exposure time is actually 1 minute for most use cases. The lamp used in the video is an older version and required longer exposure time.

[@heartshappedglsses]

@@speedball_arthi! i tried multiple times exposing my screen with the 30W LED for roughly a minute and a half, but when i rinsed it all the emulsion came off each time. am i under exposing or what do you think could be wrong?

[@SuperPenguin151]

@@heartshappedglssessame here. Did you ever figure it out?

[@stevetracy437]

I noticed with your instruction you said to place the ink side down of your transparency, but neglected to say you would have needed to print the image in reverse or else turn your screen over and do the exposure on that side. And I notice you reversed this problem in part 4 without any comment? Also would regular incandescent 250 watt flood lights work and do you have a video on testing different light levels/exposure times if you want to use sunlight?

[@speedball_art]

Hi Steve--all great questions! In terms of your image, screen printing does not require you to print the image in reverse as is the case with relief printing. We mention which side of the transparency to place against the photo emulsion-side of the screen in order to maximize contact and opacity for exposure. As for bulbs, the information included in our video series and the corresponding instructional booklet that is available for download on our site is specific to a 250W BBA Photoflood bulb. Any use of alternative light sources would be experimental. While it is difficult to find, a 250W standard incandescent bulb would work, but again, the time used for exposure would not be something for which we have testing data. Sunlight will also work, but again, results will vary based on cloud cover, etc.

[@sean8199]

Yep, just learned by mistake. I was wondering about that and of course I learned by error! Thanks for printing a cat so you don’t teach proper methods! Ugh

[@sphynxink]

Is it possible to over wash a perfect exposure? Especially one with tiny details? And if the exposure comes out and washes perfectly, is there any harm in sticking it back under the lamp for a minute or so just to make sure what was cured really is cured?

[@speedball_art]

it is possible to lose detail at wash out if the screen is slightly underexposed in areas. It is possible to touch up portions of the screen by covering the area with tape, or carefully painting some white out to the bottom of the screen and letting it dry. If the overall art is printing too spotty, or continuing to grow spottier, you may need to remove the emulsion, re-coat your screen, and expose your image again for a longer time.

[@Jade-lu2qk]

Hi! Is it safe to rinse the screen after exposure in a regular kitchen sink or outside? What's the best/safest way to do that step? Thanks!

[@speedball_art]

Hi Jade! Yes, all the products featured in this video have been validated by an independent lab to be safe for household use and require no special steps for rinsing or disposal. Thanks for tuning in!

[@Juswatt]

Hi @speedball thank you for this. If i wanted to print an a4 frame within and a3 frame could i just lay a piece of black paper in the middle between the opaque sheet and glass? thanks so much.

[@speedball_art]

hi! thanks for watching! we're not sure we understand the setup you're trying to achieve. can you please email us at [e-mail] so we can review in greater detail with you?

[@lisacoultas6600]

I have a Kinsten UV light box purchased for solar plate etching. Can I use this to expose the diazo emulsion?

[@speedball_art]

Hi Lisa, that's a great question. Our lab has never tested the diazo emulsion with a UV light before. So I can't say it does for our products. But the method seems to work for some photopolymer emulsions. The tricky part is to figure out how long to expose the screen, which changes drastically based on the light source and types of emulsions.

[@tanyaklonarisazevedo4004]

Hello, I have a baslayr X1620 light box, can you tell me how long I would need to expose a screen..this is my very first time doing it so I have no idea and the only times shows are for the overheard light or sunlight exposure and I would really like to expose using the box. if you can help me that would be really great.

[@speedball_art]

Hi, that's a very good question. We have never tested that light with our products before so it is hard to give you the exact exposure time! We recommend using our 30W LED exposure lamp but the light box you mentioned should work in theory as well. Would love to hear how your testing results are!

[@munawarsoomro8958]

Can exposure be done in ambient light or in dark area?

[@speedball_art]

We recommend keeping it out of direct light until exposed.

[@EverettPhifer]

@SpeedballArt do I have to use yall Transparency paper for it to work?

[@speedball_art]

you do not -- any transparency will do :)

[@EverettPhifer]

@SpeedballArt do I have to use the piece of glass because I have to buy everything individual?

[@speedball_art]

@@EverettPhifer yes,we would highly recommend the glass as it ensures consistent contact between your transparency and the screen. even frame glass will work as long as there isn't a UV filter of any kind on it.

[@munawarsoomro8958]

Hi. I have seen videos where they put artwork mirrored on back side of screen. Is there a difference? Thanks

[@speedball_art]

Hello! It depends on the process you are using to print with

[@1LyonsDen]

Do it ever try ? The reply they gave is vague and didn’t really answer the question

[@ThreadsAndPressStudio]

@@1LyonsDenI have learned since then to just put art work on front (ink) side of the screen and expose from light above. If you using proper screen printing exposure unit then you put on back (tshirt) side of screen but not mirrored still. Hope that helps.

[@Christinaidesigns]

Think a film made out of black iron on will work?

[@speedball_art]

Hi! We recommend using a transparency sheet or a piece of glass to let the light through for the best results!

[@rachelharris7525]

Im just about to try this!! Did it work??

[@aabba220]

I got the intermediate kit and I used a stencil to screen print, but the ink would not go through smoothly. Can you please tell me what it could be?

[@speedball_art]

We’d be happy to help troubleshoot your experience. Since what you’re describing can be the result of a few different things, can you please contact us at [e-mail] with some images of your project so we can help you adjust more specifically? 😀

[@vinr1187]

Is photo flood light safe for use at home ? Does it emit UV light just want to think of any precautions if any ?

[@speedball_art]

The bulb will emit UV light as the UV light is what is required to expose/burn the screen. That said, the levels emitted are not ones that require special accommodations

[@lemhtmas]

Hello, I made the purchase of the kit and my biggest doubt is the exposure time. I have a 24w led box and I would like to know if an approximate calculation can be made for the development time

[@speedball_art]

That's a very good question. We recently redid all the exposure time and our product expert can help you with that if you don't mind reaching out to us at [e-mail]

[@TheUndergroundRave]

So I got this screen printing kit, followed this tutorial, read the directions, but for the life of me I cannot get the emulsion to stay on the screen during washout. I've tried keeping it under the light for longer, raising the screen to be closer to the light, doing it during the daytime with ambient light also flowing into the room, making sure im not using too much emulsion. it just washes out every time. the light tha came with my kit does not look nearly as big/bright as the one shown here. could it just be that the light included with the kit isnt strong enough???? i used the entire bottle of photo emulsion trying this repeatedly and have yet to get a successful screen.

[@speedball_art]

Hi! We are really sorry to hear that this happened! Normally, this is because the emulsion is underexposed or the emulsion and sensitizer are not fully mixed. But there could be other reasons too. We would love to help you troubleshoot the issue! Do you mind giving us more information on this issue by contacting [e-mail]?😀

[@TheUndergroundRave]

@@speedball_art I jus realized that you are recommending a 250W bulb for the exposure, but the light tht comes with the kit is only 30W. That could be the issue.

[@speedball_art]

@@TheUndergroundRave The 30W LED consumes less power but emits the same amount of light for exposure. It should work the same as the older 250W light.❤️

[@TheUndergroundRave]

@@speedball_art Okay, in that case i'm really confused why it isnt working, but i have contacted speedbal via the email posted above. thanks

[@speedball_art]

@@TheUndergroundRave Our product experts will take care of you from there. Thank you for contacting us! Again, I am really sorry that the project is not going as smoothly as it could be! ❤️But we will definitely help you get there!

[@kimberlyjones9908]

Can I use a 110 UV light (similar to what I use on a reptile cage?

[@speedball_art]

an alternative light source is absolutely workable, but will require some trial and error for distance settings and exposure times. we have a great video from Dominic Rapone on this channel showing how to use the sun to expose your screen--might be a good resource for you!

[@prisockhouse2638]

Where can I get a clip like the one you’re using for the light? The light kit does not come with one.

[@speedball_art]

Brooder clamps are available at most hardware stores or online at a number of big box retailers. Hope that helps!

[@MiloSweet22]

I used a disposable aluminum pie plate on a 250w bulb suspended over the screen by the cord. Worked great.

[@reality1701]

I know it’s been a couple of years, but I suggest trying your local pet store or farm store! They have lights like that for reptiles/amphibians and baby animals like chicks that use them for heat. As long as the bulb doesn’t exceed the maximum wattage for the lamp (and these lamps are usually pretty high wattage), it should be ok.

[@03PAYME]

what wattage light and how long do you expose?

[@speedball_art]

Hi, that's a really great question. Exposure times vary based on your light source and screen type/size. When using Speed Screens, the exposure time with the LED lamp shown (30W UV LED) is 1 minute while a 250W photoflood bulb will require about 4 min if both are set about 14 inches from the screen.

[@judyyoung1167]

Would using transparent vellum change the exposure time?

[@speedball_art]

Unfortunately, we do not have any testing data specific to transparent vellum.

[@williebahrain]

250 watts bulb is not available in our area. Can I use 100 watts incandescent bulb instead? and increase the exposure time? thanks

[@speedball_art]

We have reviewed this with our technical team and they have indicated that a 100 incandescent bulb can be used, but the exposure time will need to be tested and will likely take quite a while (around 45 minutes). They all suggested using a step wedge test with increments of around five minutes at a minimum.

[@appliedknowledgepro]

Howd you figure out how much time you need to burn your screen or whats a good tip to figure it out

[@speedball_art]

The exposure time is a byproduct of the size of your screen and light source utilized. We have a great resource for use with our emulsion systems/light sources available for download on our site (Our Product Lines > Screen Printing > Screen Printing Kits>Literature Downloads found at bottom of page) if you are using our products. If you are opting to use alternative products for your project, trial and error will likely be needed for the time of exposure, but the resource above can likely be a good jumping off point for you

[@appliedknowledgepro]

@@speedball_art omg thank you! I am using Speedball products. Will rules change based upon halogen or LED lighting? Im using LED

[@speedball_art]

@@appliedknowledgepro Happy to help! The time for exposure will absolutely change if you opt to use an alternative light source--our recommendations would be specific to our LED lamp or our 250W BBA photoflood bulb, but the former may be a good starting point if the specifications of your LED light source are similar to ours. The only way to be guaranteed equivalence is with like sources, but again, should be a good jumping off point.

[@appliedknowledgepro]

@@speedball_art ok. Thank you so much. Maybe investing into the exposure calculator will be helpful as well. Thank you 😊

[@speedball_art]

@@appliedknowledgepro Absolutely! We have not tested any particular to our products, so are usually hesitant to recommend anything not lab-verified. Wishing you lots of happy printing ahead!

[@051963mf]

What kind of light bulb the lamp needs to have and for how long the exposure should be?

[@speedball_art]

We would recommend a 250W BBA Photoflood bulb. Exposure time will be the byproduct of the size of your screen, so the best resource is our Screen Printing Instructional manual on our site. There, you can find an outline of the times coinciding with our most often used screen sizes www.speedballart.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-Screen-Printing-Instructional-Booklet.pdf

[@FUG_woekyn]

Does the raw sun work or no

[@speedball_art]

Yes, exposing with the sun will work as well: www.speedballart.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2021-Screen-Printing-Instructions-Version-5.pdf

[@chrissuniga8386]

What the burn time for a 21x31 frame ?

[@speedball_art]

Depending on the lamp used, a burn time of 12+ minutes may be needed: www.speedballart.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/2021-Screen-Printing-Instructions-Version-5.pdf

[@chrissuniga8386]

@@speedball_art I’m use the clamp light that came in speedball kit and use the Eiko photoflood 250 watt bulbs.

[@Dr_Mauser]

Given that Incandescent bulbs are no longer available, will this work with LED or CFL bulbs?

[@speedball_art]

Great question! Brian is using the bulb that we would recommend for this process, a 250W BBA photoflood bulb that is available in our kits and for individual sale. While a CFL or LED bulb can work, we do not have any testing available specific to either bulb; artists would need to conduct a strip test to determine the correct time. One point of note, since an LED bulb is designed to not emit high levels of UV, the exposure time will be much greater the bulb that we recommend (photoflood bulb).

[@blaqpho3nix142]

What type of transparent paper is that?

[@speedball_art]

It's our Transparency Pack. This sheet allows you to print your designs directly on them with an ink jet printer.

[@blaqpho3nix142]

@@speedball_art thank you 🙏🏽

[@crawlspacedoors]

The glass piece you used? Does Speedball sell it or was it custom cut? Thank you.

[@speedball_art]

We do not sell the glass used in the process, but pieces like this can be found at any local hardware store. Hope that helps!

[@sierrajoyhouse8563]

@@speedball_art i just used some from a picture frame

[@speedball_art]

@@sierrajoyhouse8563 Brilliant! This is a great solution! The only thing for others to be mindful of is that many frames now have UV filters that may make exposing the image difficult--the cheaper the frame, the better :)

[@PopsReid]

How strong is your light?

[@brut2079]

250 w bulb requires 8 minutes and a 150w bulb is 45 mins

[@doratar76]

@@brut2079 how long for 500w halogen floodlight? Can't nail it yet.... Thanks

[@Lunaa-488]

All the emmulsion rinses off when I rinse the screen and I am left with a blank screen again? What am I doing wrong

[@speedball_art]

With that issue, the emulsion is likely underexposed. We would recommend increasing the time of exposure slightly to adjust.

[@sunnyclements6022]

Can you expose it outside? How long would you leave it in sunlight?

[@speedball_art]

Yes, you can absolutely use sunlight to expose the screen. The amount of time will vary drastically depending upon weather conditions. There are some amazingly helpful apps that assist in calculating exposure times based on weather in your area and we have had great luck in recommending those for individuals who wish to use the sun instead of our recommended light source.

[@wonderwalker4832]

SpeedballArt what are those apps called?

[@shottyshottageek9819]

I burned an image for 3 minutes will that cause my emulsion to wash off ?

[@speedball_art]

The exposure time used will vary greatly depending upon the screen's size and the time of light source used. If you are using one of the screens offered in a Speedball Kit with our BBA light source, it is highly likely the image is underexposed and will wash out. You can find out more about exposure times by frame size and light source type through our site in the screen printing instruction manual that is downloadable there

[@shottyshottageek9819]

@@speedball_art So should I put it back to burn again or do I have to redo the whole screen

[@shottyshottageek9819]

Appreciate the information by the way thank you

[@speedball_art]

@@shottyshottageek9819 You should be fine to just expose it for a bit longer. Success will vary based on a few variables, but we think it's absolutely worth a shot before you reclaim!

[@speedball_art]

@@shottyshottageek9819 very happy to help! if you have any additional troubleshooting needs, you can always reach us at [e-mail] as well!

[@Throughtheireyes91]

so are all speedball photo emulsion burn time 8 minutes the same as yours?

[@speedball_art]

the exposure time will vary based on the size of the screen you are using. We have the majority of the recommended times available for reference in our Screen Printing Instruction Manual on our site

[@bongmidtimbang9695]

hi how many minute to expose using 200 watts LED light thank you

[@speedball_art]

Since there are so many light sources available to printmakers, we're unable to offer exposure times for all bulb types. We recommend a 250W BBA Photoflood Bulb and can offer the times testing in our lab if using that light source. All other options would require some testing by the printmaker by trial and error. One note, most LED manufacturers offer that this type of light source does not emit UV light. While small amounts are emitted, we wouldn't recommended that particular type of bulb for exposing a screen.

[@TheRealRussellCoker]

Did that and the emulsion came off with the sponge

[@szabolcsschneider9926]

Can I use UV light?

[@speedball_art]

You can use the light from the sun to expose the screen, however, the timing for this will vary drastically depending upon weather conditions.

[@JessicaRene617]

What is the height of the lamp

[@speedball_art]

The height of the lamp is calculated as a byproduct of the size of your screen. If you go the "Speedball Screen Printing" section of our site, you can download a really great instructional manual that gives the lamp height and exposure time recommendations for our most popular screen sizes.

[@bramblecrossing]

i did this. followed all the steps and my image did not expose on the emulsion and the emulsion washed off. can anyone please tell me what i’ve done wrong? did i use the wrong light, did i not let it harden long enough or could it be something to do with the perspex i used to hold the image in place?

[@speedball_art]

Hello! Please reach out to [e-mail], we can better help you troubleshoot there!

[@rodneyhimself4647]

how about I use a stencil instead of a glass

[@speedball_art]

That could work! The stencil has to be able to block out of UV rays.

[@lgroots8691]

Strange you didn't say what kind of light

[@speedball_art]

We recommend using the LED UV Exposure light that comes with our newest kits for a shorter exposure time!❤️

[@charlessmith5777]

Use sunlight that helps a lot

[@fadibataineh2379]

For how long and does the temperature matter?

[@speedball_art]

absolutely!

[@Jelly80s]

Speed all does not provide the right light in the kit…. They should provide the speedball diazo lit kit. Instead they give a 30W LED light. It does not work as fast as the diazo light. False advertising 😢

[@speedball_art]

Hi, we are sorry to hear that you are having product-related issues. If you need more support, please feel free to reach out to us via [e-mail]!

[@fernandomazoco410]

Can I use a 30W LED flood light? How long would be the exposure?

[@marcusmcglone4131]

really... 300 videos that are 20 seconds long dude literally all of these combined would be like 4 minutes. ridiculous

[@speedball_art]

This series has several videos to outline the detailed step by step process for this screen printing method, and each video is between 3 and 6 minutes long to provide the most detailed instruction of the entire process.

[@JanineMKartist]

Can the inkjet sheets be used in pigment based inkjet printers?

[@speedball_art]

we are checking with our team in the lab to verify suitability. We will reply back as soon as we hear!

[@speedball_art]

we have heard back from our team and they have indicated the inkjet film works well with both dye-based and pigment-based inks

[@JanineMKartist]

@@speedball_art great thanks. I’m going to try it with image transfers into resin. Is it polyester or acetate ?

[@speedball_art]

@@JanineMKartist these are made from polyester