Preparation is key 

Looking to create an exposed screen? Hopefully, you have already created your artwork and printed your transparencies, now we have to prepare your screen prior to applying the Photo Emulsion.

Using Mesh Prep / Degreaser

Whether you have purchased a new screen or plan on using an existing one for your Custom Screen Exposure, we'll need to degrease your screen. Degreasing is a really important step as a degreased screen will allow for smooth, blemish-free emulsion, better emulsion adherence onto the mesh,prevent fisheyes and allow better exposure and washout resulting in sharper better prints.

For example: Without having degreased the screen you may be having problems with your Photo Emulsion such as it not coating well on the screen, fish eyes and blemishes in the coat.

Using a Mesh Prep/Degreaser before you start is the answer. Mesh Prep/Degreaser will remove any grease, dust and dirt that may be on the screen.  It's surprising how dirty the cleanest-looking screen can be! 

Pro Tip: If your screens are new you can dilute the mesh prep a bit. Try a 2:1 water  to mesh prep ratio. 

If you have just reclaimed them and they still have screen wash or emulsion remover residue on them, keep to the full strength! 

How to apply 🧽

1. Wet the screen to be treated with cold water.

2. Apply a small quantity of the Mesh Prep/Degreaser to both sides of the screen. Rub with a brush or sponge in a circular motion. Get right into the corners and the frame. 

3. Allow to stand for a few minutes.

4. Hose or wash off with copious amounts of water. 

5.When you think you have washed off all the degreaser, rinse it again until there are no bubbles. Do this on both sides as the Mesh Prep/Degreaser gets right in the mesh.

Let it dry ✨

Let it dry in a clean, dust free place. It must be fully dry before you coat the screen, so be patient. Do not be tempted to dry it with a fan or hair drier. This will recover it with dust.

As soon as your screen is dry it is ready for use!