TopicsClose
Beginner mistakes · 2 of 5 · 1 min read

Screen and stencil mistakes

Skipping the exposure test

Exposure changes with mesh count, mesh color and emulsion. Yellow mesh alone can need 50–100% longer exposure (Vastex). Instead: run an exposure calculator or step wedge for every mesh count. See Emulsion & exposure.

Abrading reclaimed mesh, or skipping degrease

Abrade new mesh once, lightly; don’t abrade reclaimed mesh. Degrease every screen, because contamination shows up as pinholes (Catspit; Chromaline).

Using a standard emulsion with water-based or discharge ink

Many emulsions aren’t water-resistant, and under-exposed stencils peel on these runs (Murakami). Instead: use a water-resistant emulsion or hardener.

Sources for this guide (17)
  1. Avient, Mapping your conveyor dryer (PDF)
  2. Davis International, FAQs
  3. Wilflex (Avient), Ink curing tips (2020, PDF)
  4. Vastex, Mesh information
  5. Catspit Productions, Proper emulsion performance
  6. Chromaline, Causes of pinholes during screen making
  7. Murakami, Emulsion coating tips (PDF)
  8. Screen Printing Magazine, Squeegee consciousness
  9. dot B, Low printing pressure: what is zero point?
  10. Lawson Screen & Digital, Understanding off-contact printing
  11. ScreenPrinting.com, Sizing strategies for large shirt runs
  12. OSHA, Hazard Communication (29 CFR 1910.1200)
  13. NIOSH, Health hazard evaluation 2007-0053-3092 (PDF)
  14. Cedar City, UT, Screen printers best management practices
  15. Printavo, Screen printing pricing
  16. International Coatings, Curing ink with a heat gun
  17. Lawson Screen & Digital, Curing plastisol inks

Ranges are starting points from these sources. When a source and your ink’s tech data sheet disagree, follow the tech data sheet.