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Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Exposing Your Screen!

Today I decided to burn an image onto a screen. I was going to wait until after I returned from my screen-printing class at Ryonet headquarters but I could not wait any longer. My class is only four days away but I was getting anxious to print a shirt. The image I chose is my company logo, which is a one-color logo. Since it was only one color, I only needed to burn one screen.

There are many exposure unit options available. The price range is $40 on up. You can purchase an exposure stand like mine for $50 from silkscreeningspplies.com.  I chose to build one myself from plans I got off youtube. (For plans, check out supernaturalarkansas on youtube).  I enjoy building things but I do look forward to the day I can buy a UV screen exposure unit that will burn my screens in 5 minutes instead of 12 minutes. I can’t wait!!


In the video, I used the following:

Exposure unit (see links above for place to purchase or plans to build)
20"  x 24"  piece of wood painted black
2” piece of foam measuring 16 ¼"  x  20 ½"
Black cloth
81/2" x 11" piece of glass (you can use a bigger piece if you want)
R-Film (transparency)






The recommended exposure time was 12 minutes 30 seconds with light 16” above screen. My light was 14” above screen and I let it expose for 12 minutes. I am always worried it will under expose, so I have a tendency to leave it exposing a little too long. I will get better with time. Practice makes perfect!


I checked the image after 12 minutes and it turned out great. In my next video, I go over the wash out process. Hope you come back and check it out.


As always, I appreciate any questions or comments. Thanks. :)


See you next time.
Jeanette

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