This percentage represents the proportion of emulsion thickness on the substrate side of your mesh and should ideally be between 10 and 20%, according to most manufacturers. Additionally, dual-cure emulsions’ high solid content helps designs dry quicker and contribute toward a lower emulsion over mesh (EOM) ratio.

If you’re using fluorescent tubes or LED lights, a dual-cure emulsion is also the best option to choose. It also has wide latitude and is thus ideal for printing designs for products such as T-shirts. Dual-cure Emulsionĭual-cure emulsion utilizes a sensitizer to offer higher-quality stencil imaging and better strength. These emulsions have varying levels of water resistance. Examples of water-resistant emulsion include TRIFECTA, LX-892, QLT, QT-DISCHARGE, LX-660, and DLX. This type of emulsion will help your designs last longer (e.g., stay crisp over time). If you choose to use water-based or discharged ink for screen printing, you’ll need water-resistant emulsion. However, capillary film isn’t as durable as a direct emulsion. This type of emulsion is relatively easy to use and is perfect for long screen printing runs and/or if you prefer not to use a liquid substance (to minimize mess). Capillary FilmĪlso called “direct film,” capillary film has a specific thickness that provides great definition and resolution. Here are the five emulsion types most commonly used in screen printing: 1. If you’re new to screen printing, it’s recommended that you use a clear-colored emulsion so that you can easily see through your screen. You can also choose from different colors for your emulsion, including clear, red, green, and blue.

plastisol), length of job run, and printing type (automatic vs. fluorescent tubes), ink type (water-based vs. The best emulsion depends on multiple factors, such as your chosen light source (e.g., LED vs. There are several distinct types of emulsion you can opt to use for screen printing. Top 5 Types Of Emulsion For Screen Printing However, before you begin the printing process, be sure to degrease and scrape away any unwanted materials off your screen so that the emulsion can stick to the mesh more firmly. Given its sensitivity to light, emulsion should only be applied under ultraviolet (UV) light or in a dark room. An emulsion can also come in the form of sheets (capillary film). In screen printing, an emulsion is a liquid substance that is typically sensitive to light and that generates an ink-resistant frame around a design. First, let’s begin by defining “emulsion.” This printing method can be used to create many different types of designs for textiles, fabrics, artwork, and other commercial products. This substance is often used in screen printing, which is also called silk screen printing and involves the use of a mesh screen to press ink onto a surface or “substrate” made of paper, plastic, wood, or glass. In order to create this stencil, an emulsion is necessary. Every print requires a high-quality, detailed stencil, as this is one of the main aspects of any design.

Emulsion for screen printing