HOW TO EXPOSE A SCREEN FOR SCREEN PRINTING

Description

Join me in this class and you will learn how to expose screens using photosensitive emulsion and acetates so you can start your screen printing journey.

In this class I will demonstrate how a screen is exposed using an ‘all in one’ metal halide lamp exposure unit. When completing this course you learn the method of exposing screens with light, how to find your personal exposure time and how to know if your screen is over-exposed or under-exposed.

You will find simple, easy to follow lessons that can be implemented by a beginner screen printer. Here are the course chapters:

• Preparing your artwork for exposure. This chapter includes everything you need to know about artwork preparation including how to print your film positives ready for screen exposure.
• Coating and drying your screens. This chapter focuses on how you can prepare your screen to allow for a clean exposure with no pinholes or defects.
• The method of exposing with photosensitive emulsion. This chapter is all about how exposing with light sensitive emulsion works and how you can adapt this method to your own set up.
• Exposure unit types. This chapter focuses on the best methods of exposure including different types of exposure units and which ones work best.
• How to find your exposure times. This chapter walks you through how to use an exposure calculator to find your personal exposure time for your set up.
• Washing out your design. This chapter covers the process of washing out your screen for best results.
• How to know if your exposure is perfect. This chapter focuses on how to know if your screen is under-exposed or over-exposed using a trial and error method.
• Troubleshooting. In this chapter you will learn 6 different techniques to get your screens exposed perfectly, from ‘how to correct image ghosting’ to ‘why fine lines won’t expose properly’.

Students do not need any prior experience to take part in this course however this class does showcase professional screen printing equipment. All of the methods used can be accomplished using smaller/beginner equipment if necessary.

Once you have completed this class, you’ll leave with the insider knowledge to start exposing your screens professionally using photosensitive emulsion and acetate, also known as film positives.

Full course chapters:

1. Introduction (01:00)
2. Preparing your artwork for exposure (04:20)
3. Coating and drying your screens (01:58)
4. The method of exposing screens with photosensitive emulsion (02:46)
5. Exposure unit types (02:47)
6. How to find your exposure time (05:52)
7. Washing out your design (01:49)
8. How to know if your exposure is perfect (03:38)
9. Troubleshooting | Weak transparencies (01:03)
10. Troubleshooting | Image ghosting (01:16)
11. Troubleshooting | Un-even exposure (01:13)
12. Troubleshooting | Fine lines not coming out (00:30)
13. Troubleshooting | Emulsion breaking down on press (01:04)
14. Troubleshooting | Pinholes in exposure (00:53)
15. Outro (00:53)

Who this video is for:

• Screen printers who want to dial in their exposure time.
• New screen printers learning about screen preparation.
• Screen printers/studios who need a refresh in technique.
• Print shops training staff on best practice screen printing techniques.

Why choose us?

We have been providing workshops and teaching screen printers for over 7 years in our screen printing studio. We also have over 9 years experience printing for trade and businesses of all sectors. We specialise in both t-shirt printing and flatbed printing completing thousands of bespoke orders. We also professionally expose screens for other screen printers and print acetate/film positives for print shops globally.

We believe in supporting the growing creative and screen print community by sharing our information and techniques.

Disclaimer: Our online courses are showcasing methods which we have developed over multiple years of running our print studio. Other methods are available however we consider this to be the most up to date and reliable method at the time of filming.
Please note: Downloadable products are non refundable.