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High-resolution screen printing demystified

2019-01-21

[public] 291K views, 14.2K likes, 123 dislikes audio only

A complete guide to making high-resolution screen prints with minimal tools.

Notes: When applying film emulsion to the screen, the matte surface should face the screen. The glossy surface is the plastic backing, which is removed later, just before exposure.

The resolution test shown in the video actually indicates line width, not pitch. So, the 1mm sample has 1mm lines and 1mm spaces. Thus, the pitch is actually 2mm.

The Nazdar paint instructions say there is a 30 minute "induction" period that is needed for the catalyst to start working. Nope. Just weigh out the paint and catalyst, mix, and immediately apply to the screen. Print the needed items quickly, and clean it off the screen as soon as possible. Use disposable mixing cups / tools. It is *messy*!

If your emulsion is not sticking to the screen, even with very long exposure times, it probably isn't dry. The green film may seem fairly dry after a few hours, but adhesion during the wash out process will be poor until it is really completely dry, then exposed.

Shopping list:

Pre-stretched screen: https://www.mclogan.com/shop/aluminum-12x17-p-1173-c-293_297_379_3.html

Squeegee: https://www.mclogan.com/shop/squeegees-per-inch-durometer-p-5-c-293_297_1_4.html

Epoxy paint: https://www.mclogan.com/shop/nazdar-ade-series-epoxy-screen-ink-p-1145.html

Paint cleaner: https://www.mclogan.com/shop/mclogan-graphic-press-wash-p-156.html

Emulsion remover: https://www.mclogan.com/shop/mclogan-emulsion-remover-concentrate-p-149-c-187_42_44.html

Degreaser: https://www.atlasscreensupply.com/store/p/163-ICC-858-Stain-Remover/Degreaser-Quart.aspx

Film emulsion: https://www.atlasscreensupply.com/store/p/772-DuraCap-11-x-14.aspx

Vellum paper: https://www.amazon.com/Office-Depot-Premium-Translucent-Vellum/dp/B014SBHGMQ/

Consider using 365nm LEDs instead of fluorescent tubes for exposure.

https://www.patreon.com/AppliedScience


rinse away the photosensitive layer
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use the central about 70 % of the screen
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use the center 70 or 80 percent of the screen
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stick to the 250 to 300 range
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coat this with the photosensitive layer
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pouring this liquid photosensitive layer into the scoop coder
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unfurl this layer of photosensitive material
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screen has to dry for a day or two
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put all the screens in the upper drawer
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get your artwork ready for printing
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use plain old tracing paper
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using a 600 dpi laser printer
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get the biggest contrast between the dark and the light areas
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use a mercury vapour or metal halide lamp
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wash away all the parts of the photopolymer
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clean out the photopolymer
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suspend the screen above the substrate
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use water or naphtha to clean
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