What light is needed for screen printing?
As previously explained, the ideal light for screen exposures is one that is rich in ultra-violet (UV) light. Fluorescent and halogen lights are low in UV light. But they are low cost to purchase and readily available. This is why most low cost exposure units have them as a light source.
Can you use sunlight for screen printing?
If you are a DIY printer, using the sun to expose your screens is an effective and free way to make your screens. The best time to use the sun for exposure is at noon, so you can get the most concentrated UV rays. Coat your screen and let it dry in a light-safe area.
What is an exposure box?
Exposurebox, Ealing online local channel, covering local news and events. Your local Ealing Channel.
How long to expose a screen in the sun?
2-3 minutes
Once you see it darken considerably it has been exposed….it should only take 2-3 minutes depending on how strong the sun it. If it is overcast it may take a few more minutes.
Can I use black light for screen printing?
Unlike photographic darkrooms that require total darkness, screen printing darkrooms only require that UV rays are filtered out of any light source. Note: *DO NOT USE BLACK LIGHTS AS THEY WILL ACTUALLY ENHANCE UV RAYS AND WILL EXPOSE YOUR SCREENS.
What is an exposure unit in screen printing?
For screen printing exposure units, the diodes used are designed to create the perfect wavelength of UV light, which means emulsion can cure within a matter of seconds or a matter of minutes. LED units also provide UV light at a very specific wavelength; some claim that a good cure requires a range of UV light.
What happens if you overexpose a screen?
An overexposed screen won’t allow for enough ink through your screen while printing— resulting in prints with poor detail. An underexposed screen means you’ve lost too much emulsion and you’ll be throwing too much ink.
How do you expose a screen for screen printing?
There are two ways you can expose your images using sunlight: You can place a large book or similarly-shaped support underneath the screen, and on top of the screen place your film with your design front face down. Then, place a large piece of glass or transparent plexiglass on top of the film.
What kind of light do you need for screen printing?
Most DIY light sources require very long exposures with a weak light that will undercut the resolution and details (halftones for example) in the art. LED light sources typically only have 405nm wavelength and will expose screens if the lamps or strips are close to the screen.
What kind of fluorescent tubes are used for UV printing?
Tubes Commonly Used in UV Printing As noted earlier, four types of fluorescent tubes are in common use in UV exposing units, BLB (Blacklight Blue), BL (Blacklight), AQUA and SA (Super Actinic). Some additional information about the characteristics of each type is given below.
Are there any UV light sources for printing?
Most any reasonably handy person can assemble a UV bank of fluorescent tubes with a few hours of work. Good plans are available in several books, including Luis Nadeau’s History and Practice of Platinum Printing, and The New Platinum Print by Carl Weese and Richard Sullivan.
What’s the best UV light for a screen?
The best high resolution screens use collimated light (as parallel as the reflector can make the light source) and UV output in the thousands of watts for fast strong exposures. These are Metal Halide lamps from 1000 to 8000 watts.