hello all,
i just started working at a small sign shop and am having to learn some new processes/materials i haven't used before. everything is pretty elementary.... but i am having problems with capillary film. i'm using ULANO CDF 3 direct film. i know the basic idea, but am having issues getting the film to actually stay on the screen. anyone have any tips or a general instruction guide?
here's what i'm doing:
(1) wetting screen considerably with spray bottle
(2) applying film to print side of screen
(3) squegeeing the ink side once
(4) letting dry in front of fan.
whats up?
thanks for the tip.... unfortunately our facilities are a little minimal and i don't even have a fridge to keep direct emulsion in! that is what i've used in the past and it would save me the hassle if we used it.
I put down a few pieces of paper preferably matte on top of a piece of glass that is the same size as the piece of cappilary but smaller than the frame, then place the film on that, then lay the screen print side down in place on top of the capillary, then wet the screen good through the squegee side with a spray bottle. Squegee lightly only once or twice. I have also found that if you air dry the screen print side up it will adhere better.
Ryan
I use the Ulano Cut Green with a vinyl cutter to make most of my screens. I have the process down PERFECTLY which is different than their instructions.
Richard
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I wet screen with wetting agent so water sheets completely then with the piece of film rolled onto a roller starting at the top roll film pressing firmly smooth out with the roller then dry. Been doing it this way for years and works fine.
Gary has it right. Prep the mesh with an abrader. Using a HOSE WITH NOZZLE wet the screen then degrease with proper degreasing agent. Spray out the degreaser and then with a stream setting on the sprayer starting at the top of the screen apply water so that a "sheeting " action can be seen with no bubbles. Roll the precut film onto a platic tube about 2" diameter by length you need (film side out). Starting at the top apply medium pressure and gently unroll against the screen. Squeegee (clean one like for window washing) off excess water and with papaer dab corners of screen to prevent drips. Dry print side up FLAT. wait about an hour and remove backing.
PS If you can use liquid a fridge is not an absolute must. Keep emulsion fairly cool (70 degrees f or less) and it will last several months depending on mfgr. (Kiwo makes a good product as do many others)
Also if cost is no object Autotype has an awesome new system that is very easy to use.
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old cap film won't adhere properly. check the code/mfg date if you can.
autotype make a mesh prep/degreaser that may help. the screens have to be dehazed and degreased so water sheets off.
Are you rolling the film backwards and then adhering it as it unrolls? i found that was the best way, just start it at the top and let it unroll slowly and stick.
and I'll ask but I know there is probably a reason....why not use direct emulsion. WAAAAAAY cheaper and stronger and easier.