![]() ![]() It is a flexible printing method that can create vivid and durable prints and be applied to a range of substrates. The printing of t-shirts, signage, banners, posters, and packaging are just a few examples of the many uses for screen printing. The screen is then covered in ink, and a squeegee is used to push the ink through the mesh screen’s unobstructed sections and onto the surface being printed. In the process of screen printing, sections of the mesh screen that are not intended for printing are blocked off to create a stencil, sometimes referred to as a screen. ![]() On a variety of surfaces, including paper, fabric, plastic, and metal, it is a well-liked technique for printing. This should give you a good idea of what the main differences are between the two types of emulsion.A mesh screen is used in the printing process known as screen printing, commonly referred to as silk screening, to transfer ink onto a surface. Pros: Wider exposure window, water-resistant more durable stencilĬons: Short shelf life once mixed, longer exposure time A stencil's life span will hold up much longer when using water-based ink compared to a pre-sensitized emulsion. Diazo emulsions hold up longer against water-based inks. If you are going to be printing with water-based inks consistently then this is the preferred route. Once mixed you can expect a diazo emulsion to last you a month, give or take a bit, depending on how you store it.ĭon't let the short life deter you away. Unlike the pre-sensitized emulsions, these diazo emulsions are going to have a much shorter shelf life. This might sound like a negative, however, it does give you a little more flexibility in exposure time compared to pre-sensitized emulsions. When you mix diazo into emulsion it is going to give the emulsion a slower exposure time. ![]() Ecotex® emulsions included in this category are:įor starters, you need to mix the diazo sensitizer into your emulsion. It's a simple step, add the required water to the diazo and then mix it into the emulsion. Pros: Ready to use, long shelf life, shorter exposure window.Ĭons: Not as water-resistant, exposure times have to be spot on.ĭiazo emulsions are much different. Pre-sensitized sounds great and efficient, right? Yes, but if you print high volume runs with water-based inks you should consider a 2-part emulsion that requires the addition of diazo. When a screen is over-exposed, nothing will wash off and you will have a tough time reclaiming.Īnother characteristic of the pre-sensitized emulsions is that you can have a shelf life of up to 12 months, which is awesome for those that do not print consistently. ![]() When a screen is under-exposed, the emulsion will wash away along with the image. Doing so can result in an under or over-exposed screen. They can be exposed very quickly which is nice, however, this means you do not have room to overshoot or under-shoot your exposure time. Pre-sensitized screen printing emulsions are ready to go from the container, no need to mix or wait for use. Ecotex® emulsions that fall into this category are: The biggest factor in indicating the right emulsion is choosing which type of ink you are going to print with. From there you can decide whether you need a “Pre sensitized emulsion” or “Diazo based emulsion.” Which screen printing emulsion should you use? Why would you use a pre-sensitized emulsion over a diazo emulsion? The wonderful world of emulsions can be pretty tricky for a new screen printer to understand, there are so many different kinds! There are different colors, types, abbreviations, and all kinds of things that can make choosing overwhelming and a bit tricky. ![]()
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