I burned my screens for years using the sun. It works extremely well, with a little more prep. I live in Texas and I guess the sun here is much more harsh than Washington. Usually about 10 seconds is all that is needed here. Too much more will overexpose and lose detail since the sun is much more powerful than exposure units. For best results, put glass on top, and foam that fits inside the screen covered with black velvet or cloth (or simply black foam) underneath. This keeps the art firmly pressed against the screen while burning. Super cheap way to burn screens.
i just learn screen printing and i also used this method bus all the time its take 2 to 3 minute to expose my screen and sometime its not exposed i dont know what is wrong with it
I might just add that it is best to attempt to angle the screen perpendicular to the sun so as not to get any light undercutting the film in a specific direction. especially if you are attempting a multi color design.
At my last shop we would actually spray mineral spirits on the substrate side (with no glass) of the screen and then place the film ontop. What it would do is pull the film tight to the emulsion, and since mineral spirits/paint thinner has no water on it it would not affect the emulsion.
While this probably works it likely isn't good for the longevity of the film and mineral spirits are generally bad news bears. They can really do a number on our bodies.
Oh definitely! And we ONLY use this method when our exposing unit won't work which is maybe once day a year, if that. Obviously the main objective is to order/do what we have to do to get exposing unit back online asap, and then determine what needs to be burned/exposed to complete the days production. Once that's done then we print out new films for what we need exposed on tracing paper or vellum so, as you said, we don't harm our 'permanent' films. line them up on the screens, spray them down with spirits, squeegee out the air bubbles and take them outside. We're usually so far ahead though, that when that does happen it's usually only for issues with a screen that require a 're-burn' or a rush job that needs to hit the press.
Hey thank you for the video! What would be the exposure time on your exposure unit and with what kind of lamp you are using? I am trying to decide between using the sun or DIY exposure unit!
just tried this using diazo emulsion, one at 1.30 and one at 2.10 and they both took ages to rub the emulsion off, and the external emulsion also started coming off, any tips?? Transparency is doubled up too.. thanks
Thanks for reaching out! It may not have been long enough if the emulsion was washing off. I would recommend trying a few more times at a longer time frame and check your results. There are a lot of variables to consider in this process! Give us a call if you ever need any help 800-314-6390 :)
Hi! Would it be okay if you were to expose the screen at noon and put it away in a dark room until night time hours later to wash it out with an outdoor hose? Or would the residual heat continue to cure the emulsion?
+Brian Quiñones great question Brian! We do not have a video for this yet but the process is practically the same, you just may want an assistant :) You will use a normal scoop coater that is 2" shorter than your screen width (inner diameter). Then when you go to expose your design, you will need a custom setup. There are VERY large exposure units out there but of course they are pricy. Making one at home can be done with a little ingenuity. I would recommend using 50W halogen lamps or multiple screen exposure bulbs like these: www.screenprinting.com/diy-uv-screen-exposure If you get about 4-6 of those and hang them about 12 inches above your screen+film, then you will be able to expose as usual. (it would also be good to dial in your exposure time with a smaller screen so you don't have to re-coat your super large screens) We have done this in our darkroom here and it worked great. Getting a large, single piece of glass is good to increase your positive contact too. This will help you retain detail. Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks! :)
i'm so confused. i bought a speedball screen printer kit and did everything step by step that you did here ( did it all twice actually) and the image is not burning to the screen at all. maybe my chemicals are bad?
The emulsion in the Speedball kit is pre-mixed. It can be old, stored in high heat, you never know which makes it hit and miss. Diazo you mix yourself when you get it so it's always fresh. I wasted my jar of speedball and only managed to get 1 usable screen. I was so used to long exposure times, I burned my first screen using Diazo. I almost gave up.
Not too long. If the image is properly exposed it should wash out within 3-5 minutes of pretty steady water pressure. Try going at the image form all angles, moving your hose all around and on both sides. We find that wetting both sides of the screen first to soften the image area helps. Let the wetted screen sit for a minute, then go at it from a sharp angle above and below the image. This provides the best and fastest results. (If you wash out for too long and it still isn't coming out you're likely overexposed)
THanks for the video. question: If i want to use the same silkscreen square but change the inside image.. do i just recoat with the dual emulsion, place new transparency and put out in the sun again??? thanks!!
ok great thanks!!! also can u recommend a good brand of product to remove elmusion and then recoat?? i have screens and squeegee but no emulsion /chemicals yet
+tashalmighty It would depend on a lot of different variables including coating method, emulsion type, mesh count, etc... Trial and error might be your best bet for determining this. With a lower powered bulb like you're using try starting at 8 minutes and if exposure is incomplete increase your time from there.
Great Video!! I have a Super Large screen I need to expose (40" x 60") and am really thinking this is the best, and most cost efficient, way to expose it. I'm using a Pure Photopolymer emulsion. (I know you mentioned it's not as forgiving, but it's all I have.) I guess my question is; how long should I expose it for? Or at least, how much of a time-widow should I run the "step test"? I have a small screen I will use for testing before I try exposing my big screen :) Thanks!!
@@Ryonet Thank you for your help!! Wasn't sure I'd hear back since it's been so long since anyone commented on this post, lol. But I'm super glad you did!! Thanks! One more quick question, and I hope you can help, or maybe point me in the right direction. About transparency paper; is there a place that you know of that prints artwork on transparency paper for a screen this large? Or perhaps, someone that prints from "rolls" rather than just "sheets"? If I can find someone who prints from "rolls", it'd make my life MUCH easier, instead of having to tape individual sheets together, lol. Which is fine if I have to, but man...would love to have either one solid piece, or at least a few long pieces I can easily tape together. Again, thanks for any help you can offer!!
okay, this might be weird but is normal paper can be used. i know about the transparency but did it still effect on the white paper part too. printing on transparent paper seems to complex for me. some printing shop in my places doesn't provide this kind of services..
idk if this might help but i did see a video where a guy printed on normal white paper and used cooking oil to make it transparent and it revealed on the screen
Historias De Miedo Para Contar En La Oscuridad thanks, i actually had done that and it work pretty good. its hard though to get a very tiny details on it. you really need to be precised
Hey Ryan Im pretty new to all this mate but am already screening on to perspex using sericol polyplast IN with success using you touch off method My question is if I want to make banners with no halftones just block exposure so my question is can I use vinyl plotter cut stencils say out of a opaque black stuck on clear PETG plastic using the same exposure process as laser jet on clear acetate like you did in this video.......will this work? Problem I have is my laser printer will only go up to A4 I need to go to 24" x 24" cheers from steve Australia
Thanks for the question! If you give our success team a call at 800-314-6390 or email them at success@ryonet.com they can help you out with anything you need to know!
Hey can anyone tell me what kind of materials do I need to screen print , 1. transparent paper print with design exposed to UV then cleaned with water , 2. what is the frame made of how does the ink translate from the transparent paper stencil trough the frame that looks like a glass from the video and on to the t-shirt ? When I search for it online it only says that the frame is made out of wood and the inside canvas is made out of fabric like nylon etc... but how does the ink transfer from that transparent paper when it doesn't have holes or empty spaces ? I'm really new to this so no hate comments please , Thank you ! Great video btw :)
Welcome to the craft and these are all really great questions! Because these are in depth questions, I'd highly recommend calling our success team at (800) 314-6390 so they can answer all of your questions over the phone. Again, welcome to screen printing!
ladylen ordaniza It's called rite film. you can find some here: www.screenprinting.com/rite-film-premium-positive-waterproof-film-100-pack-8-5x11#.VVoQvUbUs6V
Hey there thanks for reaching out! We would love to help you figure this out. Please give us a call or chat at: 800-314-6390 or messenger.providesupport.com/messenger/ryonet.html :)
Hey there thanks for reaching out! We would love to help you figure this out. Please give us a call or chat at: 800-314-6390 or messenger.providesupport.com/messenger/ryonet.html :)
Hello!! Can you show me a technique on how to make a good quality of screen printing on t-shirt? Thanksssss!!! I just want to build a printing shop in my House
If it is truly UV rays that expose the image, you defeat the purpose of UV rays by covering the image with glass because UV rays do not efficiently pass through normal glass. How much UV is actually needed to properly expose a screen?
+Jo Rich Exposure times and methods vary depending on your light source. Many screen printers use a trial and error method, if the emulsion is runny when you're developing the screen, you need a longer exposure. Give us a call and we can help you figure out a good exposure time for your setup: 800-314-6390
Hey there, I live in Peru, so its a little difficult to call you guys haha. I bought some products here in Peru, but they had no info on how long to expose the screen etc. I will try getting info out of them one more time, and if I have no luck, I will be forced to experiment. thanks for the reply!
Every time I expose a screen with dual cure emulsion, it always seems underexposed even after 5 minutes of exposure. I have the rxp unit without the lid. I believe it's 60 watts
That doesn't sound abnormal! Please check out the step wedge test for dialing in your exposure times. If you are still under exposed at 5 mins, I might recommend starting the step wedge with 6min, 6.5min, and 7min intervals :) Check it out: ruclips.net/video/znwuwbto4lk/видео.html
Hi steven, can you tell me which screen emulsion you are using and does it matter if you use different ones I will be using kopimask "Serimask S".Thanks
I burned my screens for years using the sun. It works extremely well, with a little more prep. I live in Texas and I guess the sun here is much more harsh than Washington. Usually about 10 seconds is all that is needed here. Too much more will overexpose and lose detail since the sun is much more powerful than exposure units. For best results, put glass on top, and foam that fits inside the screen covered with black velvet or cloth (or simply black foam) underneath. This keeps the art firmly pressed against the screen while burning. Super cheap way to burn screens.
Thanks for sharing!
I love Ryonet products by the way. Absolutely the best!
NO! You're the BEST! :)
Thank you so much for this! I live in Texas too and I've been trying to find this exact information :)
i just learn screen printing and i also used this method bus all the time its take 2 to 3 minute to expose my screen
and sometime its not exposed i dont know what is wrong with it
Working on my senior thesis project and this is going to help a lot. Thank you Ryonet!
Yes! It provides positive contact between the film and the screen.
Thank you SO much!! I purchased Ryonet WBP because of these tutorials, and was able to get a PERFECT sun exposure!!
Thank you SO much for this video!!!! 🤩
I might just add that it is best to attempt to angle the screen perpendicular to the sun so as not to get any light undercutting the film in a specific direction. especially if you are attempting a multi color design.
+Choice Image, Inc. Great tip, thanks!
Thank you for more excellent schooling, Ryan!
At my last shop we would actually spray mineral spirits on the substrate side (with no glass) of the screen and then place the film ontop. What it would do is pull the film tight to the emulsion, and since mineral spirits/paint thinner has no water on it it would not affect the emulsion.
While this probably works it likely isn't good for the longevity of the film and mineral spirits are generally bad news bears. They can really do a number on our bodies.
Oh definitely! And we ONLY use this method when our exposing unit won't work which is maybe once day a year, if that. Obviously the main objective is to order/do what we have to do to get exposing unit back online asap, and then determine what needs to be burned/exposed to complete the days production. Once that's done then we print out new films for what we need exposed on tracing paper or vellum so, as you said, we don't harm our 'permanent' films. line them up on the screens, spray them down with spirits, squeegee out the air bubbles and take them outside.
We're usually so far ahead though, that when that does happen it's usually only for issues with a screen that require a 're-burn' or a rush job that needs to hit the press.
good info. bought a kit from Ryonet and will try the sun exposure.
Indeed we do! With pride!
WAOW SO Amazing so i can open my studio when in Aruba just in the sun.
THANKSss So much
Valerie Juliana Yup!
Hey thank you for the video! What would be the exposure time on your exposure unit and with what kind of lamp you are using? I am trying to decide between using the sun or DIY exposure unit!
It's about 26 degress celcius of sun today in Ireland and I'm using the diazzo kit so ho long would I need?
just tried this using diazo emulsion, one at 1.30 and one at 2.10 and they both took ages to rub the emulsion off, and the external emulsion also started coming off, any tips?? Transparency is doubled up too..
thanks
Thanks for reaching out! It may not have been long enough if the emulsion was washing off. I would recommend trying a few more times at a longer time frame and check your results. There are a lot of variables to consider in this process! Give us a call if you ever need any help 800-314-6390 :)
Hi! Would it be okay if you were to expose the screen at noon and put it away in a dark room until night time hours later to wash it out with an outdoor hose? Or would the residual heat continue to cure the emulsion?
Heat is not an important factor, but UV, so yes, you can wash it up *hours* later.
Sublimation paper work??
very helpful video! Thank you!
Thanks! Great video, and very helpful~
Thank you for the comment Devona!! Glad it was helpful, reach out anytime with questions.
Could you use an integrator or light meter to dial in exposure times a little closer despite fluctuations in UV intensity ?
Hey do u really need the glass when exposing in the sun??
can you wash it out outside immediately after the time of exposure? its impossible for me to have my pressure washer in the makeshift darkroom i have
It's highly suggested to wash your screen in a light safe environment. In this case, you are risking exposing the emulsion if you wash it outside.
What side to I apply the emulsion? Does the image touch the emulsion? Will the emulsion leak through the screen?
David Funes you apply the emulsion on both sides of the screen ,we have videos on that too :) ruclips.net/video/Kk-8Fws67SA/видео.html
how long do you leave a screen in the sun to expose?
HI Ryonet! do you have a video that teaching a how to prepare a huge screen and how to expose it like 40inX46, some kind of that?
+Brian Quiñones great question Brian! We do not have a video for this yet but the process is practically the same, you just may want an assistant :) You will use a normal scoop coater that is 2" shorter than your screen width (inner diameter). Then when you go to expose your design, you will need a custom setup. There are VERY large exposure units out there but of course they are pricy. Making one at home can be done with a little ingenuity. I would recommend using 50W halogen lamps or multiple screen exposure bulbs like these:
www.screenprinting.com/diy-uv-screen-exposure
If you get about 4-6 of those and hang them about 12 inches above your screen+film, then you will be able to expose as usual. (it would also be good to dial in your exposure time with a smaller screen so you don't have to re-coat your super large screens) We have done this in our darkroom here and it worked great. Getting a large, single piece of glass is good to increase your positive contact too. This will help you retain detail.
Let me know if you have any other questions! Thanks! :)
hello sir metal helied bulb is ok for silk screen printing expose box?
Absolutely! Though it will take a bit longer :)
i'm so confused. i bought a speedball screen printer kit and did everything step by step that you did here ( did it all twice actually) and the image is not burning to the screen at all. maybe my chemicals are bad?
tom bennett I have the exact same issue
The emulsion in the Speedball kit is pre-mixed. It can be old, stored in high heat, you never know which makes it hit and miss. Diazo you mix yourself when you get it so it's always fresh. I wasted my jar of speedball and only managed to get 1 usable screen. I was so used to long exposure times, I burned my first screen using Diazo. I almost gave up.
How long should it take to rinse off the image after exposure?
Not too long. If the image is properly exposed it should wash out within 3-5 minutes of pretty steady water pressure. Try going at the image form all angles, moving your hose all around and on both sides. We find that wetting both sides of the screen first to soften the image area helps. Let the wetted screen sit for a minute, then go at it from a sharp angle above and below the image. This provides the best and fastest results. (If you wash out for too long and it still isn't coming out you're likely overexposed)
Thanks! I'm trying this for the first time, and it sounds like I overexposed my image.
THanks for the video. question: If i want to use the same silkscreen square but change the inside image.. do i just recoat with the dual emulsion, place new transparency and put out in the sun again??? thanks!!
miellemovie Yes, but you will want to remove the emulsion that you previously coated the screen with in order to use the screen again.
ok great thanks!!! also can u recommend a good brand of product to remove elmusion and then recoat?? i have screens and squeegee but no emulsion /chemicals yet
would a 220v 40w bulb be okay for screen exposure? thanks!
+tashalmighty It should work fine, you may need a long exposure time to completely expose your image
+Ryonet aprox how long do you think it'll take?
+tashalmighty It would depend on a lot of different variables including coating method, emulsion type, mesh count, etc... Trial and error might be your best bet for determining this. With a lower powered bulb like you're using try starting at 8 minutes and if exposure is incomplete increase your time from there.
+Ryonet thank you so much for your help.
Great Video!!
I have a Super Large screen I need to expose (40" x 60") and am really thinking this is the best, and most cost efficient, way to expose it. I'm using a Pure Photopolymer emulsion. (I know you mentioned it's not as forgiving, but it's all I have.)
I guess my question is; how long should I expose it for? Or at least, how much of a time-widow should I run the "step test"?
I have a small screen I will use for testing before I try exposing my big screen :)
Thanks!!
@@Ryonet Thank you for your help!! Wasn't sure I'd hear back since it's been so long since anyone commented on this post, lol. But I'm super glad you did!! Thanks!
One more quick question, and I hope you can help, or maybe point me in the right direction.
About transparency paper; is there a place that you know of that prints artwork on transparency paper for a screen this large? Or perhaps, someone that prints from "rolls" rather than just "sheets"?
If I can find someone who prints from "rolls", it'd make my life MUCH easier, instead of having to tape individual sheets together, lol. Which is fine if I have to, but man...would love to have either one solid piece, or at least a few long pieces I can easily tape together.
Again, thanks for any help you can offer!!
okay, this might be weird but is normal paper can be used. i know about the transparency but did it still effect on the white paper part too. printing on transparent paper seems to complex for me. some printing shop in my places doesn't provide this kind of services..
idk if this might help but i did see a video where a guy printed on normal white paper and used cooking oil to make it transparent and it revealed on the screen
Historias De Miedo Para Contar En La Oscuridad thanks, i actually had done that and it work pretty good. its hard though to get a very tiny details on it. you really need to be precised
They don't really make a light meter that works for screen printing unfortunately.
Hey Ryan Im pretty new to all this mate but am already screening on to perspex using sericol polyplast IN with success using you touch off method
My question is if I want to make banners with no halftones just block exposure so my question is can I use vinyl plotter cut stencils say out of a opaque black stuck on clear PETG plastic using the same exposure process as laser jet on clear acetate like you did in this video.......will this work?
Problem I have is my laser printer will only go up to A4 I need to go to 24" x 24"
cheers from steve
Australia
Steves Projects Yes that will work, many people do this for basic block designs
Thanks mate :)
Hey! What do you mean with half tones? I'm new to this. Cheers!
Thanks for the question! If you give our success team a call at 800-314-6390 or email them at success@ryonet.com they can help you out with anything you need to know!
Hey can anyone tell me what kind of materials do I need to screen print , 1. transparent paper print with design exposed to UV then cleaned with water , 2. what is the frame made of how does the ink translate from the transparent paper stencil trough the frame that looks like a glass from the video and on to the t-shirt ? When I search for it online it only says that the frame is made out of wood and the inside canvas is made out of fabric like nylon etc... but how does the ink transfer from that transparent paper when it doesn't have holes or empty spaces ? I'm really new to this so no hate comments please , Thank you ! Great video btw :)
Welcome to the craft and these are all really great questions! Because these are in depth questions, I'd highly recommend calling our success team at (800) 314-6390 so they can answer all of your questions over the phone. Again, welcome to screen printing!
Can I use tracing paper or vellum paper please reply asap
reyben reyes Yes, it will work OKAY, not ideal though
What time, exposure to the full sun ?
zrobiłam dziś próbę i trzymałam 6 min jest ok, ale dziękuję za odpowiedz
For me it is a trial and error method, I will check tomorrow how it will come out after applying the paint
what is the name of transparent sheet did you use - for the layout to stick or to print onto the screen?
ladylen ordaniza It's called rite film. you can find some here: www.screenprinting.com/rite-film-premium-positive-waterproof-film-100-pack-8-5x11#.VVoQvUbUs6V
thanks for the info Ryonet. till next time... :)
am in Gambia want to know more about exposing I have tried it several time but it don't work
Hey there thanks for reaching out! We would love to help you figure this out.
Please give us a call or chat at:
800-314-6390 or
messenger.providesupport.com/messenger/ryonet.html :)
am in Gambia want to know more about exposing
Hey there thanks for reaching out! We would love to help you figure this out.
Please give us a call or chat at:
800-314-6390 or
messenger.providesupport.com/messenger/ryonet.html :)
Maybe a photographer would calculate better with those handy light metters calculating fstops.
We left that for 2 minutes, shows in the video :)
Ryonet i have tried but over exposed.. I did 10min...tq..
Hello!! Can you show me a technique on how to make a good quality of screen printing on t-shirt? Thanksssss!!! I just want to build a printing shop in my House
Monhamer Alvarez there are tons of techniques all over our youtube channel, ruclips.net/user/ryonet
If it is truly UV rays that expose the image, you defeat the purpose of UV rays by covering the image with glass because UV rays do not efficiently pass through normal glass. How much UV is actually needed to properly expose a screen?
+Jo Rich Exposure times and methods vary depending on your light source. Many screen printers use a trial and error method, if the emulsion is runny when you're developing the screen, you need a longer exposure. Give us a call and we can help you figure out a good exposure time for your setup: 800-314-6390
Hey there, I live in Peru, so its a little difficult to call you guys haha. I bought some products here in Peru, but they had no info on how long to expose the screen etc. I will try getting info out of them one more time, and if I have no luck, I will be forced to experiment. thanks for the reply!
+Jo Rich Also, feel free to send an email to our international team! international@ryonet.com
Awesome! thanks a bunch! I'll be sure to do that!
He's right. Glass is fairly opaque to UV. You would need quartz to do that. Glass will cast a shadow of you sub UV light on it.
Every time I expose a screen with dual cure emulsion, it always seems underexposed even after 5 minutes of exposure. I have the rxp unit without the lid. I believe it's 60 watts
That doesn't sound abnormal! Please check out the step wedge test for dialing in your exposure times. If you are still under exposed at 5 mins, I might recommend starting the step wedge with 6min, 6.5min, and 7min intervals :) Check it out:
ruclips.net/video/znwuwbto4lk/видео.html
What should be the thickness of glass for exposing screen ?
I really would have like to see a print from that screen
+Art Barnett There's a poster print of this hanging in our office, it looks great!
Only do this if you have to. The sun is very unpredictable.
yes you could ,ruins your film though
shara goh
Are you located in Buffalo or just a cool shirt?
1980
Africa sunlight is too strong, we use max of 5 seconds not beyond
Nice! Thats really cool! :)
ɷɷ Heeeeyyy Frienddsssss I Have Foundddddd Workinggggg Online Hacck visitt : - t.co/g05Xap5c22
Hi steven, can you tell me which screen emulsion you are using and does it matter if you use different ones I will be using kopimask "Serimask S".Thanks
Just a question, is it necessary to leave the screen with emulsion overnight? Is there any way I can make it dry a little more faster
Princess Cabrillos sure thing, you can put a fan over it in a dark room and it should dry in 2-3 hours unless it is very humid where you are.
Alright. What if the sun isn't so hot outside? How long will it take to expose the screen on emulsion?
Princess Cabrillos as long as the sun is out it should expose fine, 2 mins is whats recommended, however you still might have to test it out.
I did it for less than 2 mins. Thanks! Great help.
Can I use tracing paper or vellum paper??? please reply
You absolutely can! Though it isn't going to be as clear or friendly as water proof film.