Ulano QLT (Emulsion)

• Pre-sensitized with SBQ
  - Convenience: no measuring or mixing
  - Long shelf and coated screen life
  - Fast exposing

• Contains texturing agents
  - Easy post-printing-stroke life under high humidity conditions
  - Reduced hydrostatic attraction in low humidity; no ink "feathering"

• Wide exposure latitude
  - Reliable performance in less-than-ideal shop conditions
  - Easy to decoat, even if underexposed/used with aggressive solvents

• High (7,200 centipoise) viscosity
  - Easier to control during coating, even on coarse mesh

• 43% solids content
  - Good EOM (emulsion over mesh thickness) buildup per coat

• Special wetting agents
  - Excellent coatability
  - Forgiving of poor mesh preparation

COLOR : Blue

SOLIDS : 43%

VISCOSITY : 7,200 cps

SENSITIZER : SBQ

SOLVENT RESISTANCE : High

WATER RESISTANCE : Excellent w/additional diazo

305 MESH BL SPEED (EST.) : 180 seconds

305 MESH 1K MH SPEED (EST.) : 15 seconds

305 MESH 5K MH SPEED (EST.) : 8 seconds

SHELF LIFE : 18 months in cool dry storage

• Step 1: PREPARE THE FABRIC

Used or surface treated fabric need only be degreased using Magic Mesh Prep, Screen Degreaser Liquid No. 3 or dilute Screen Degreaser Concentrate No. 33. (Mechanical abrasion is an option for new fabric that is not surface treated. It increases the surface area of fabric for a better mechanical bond of the stencil, increasing printing run length. Use Microgrit No. 2 before degreasing. Abrading and degreasing can be combined in one step with Ulanogel 23.)

• Step 2: SENSITIZING

QLT is fully presensitized. No sensitizer need be added, though diazo is an option for use with water-based inks. QLT should be handled only under yellow safe light conditions.

• Step 3: COAT THE SCREEN

Method 1: Apply one coat of emulsion on the printing side, then one coat on the squeegee side. Dry the screen thoroughly. Method 2: Apply two coats on the printing side, then two coats on the squeegee side, wet-on-wet. After each coating, rotate the screen 180°. Method 3: Follow Method 2 (above). Then, after drying the screen, apply two additional coats on the printing side, wet-on-wet.

• Step 4: DRY THE SCREEN

Dry multicoated screens (Methods 2 or 3) thoroughly in a horizontal position, printing side down, at room temperature in a dirt- and dust-free area. Use a fan to speed drying. If using a commercial dryer, dry the screen with warm, filtered air, up to 104° F. (40° C.). Use a dehumidifier in the drying area, if possible.

• Step 5: CALCULATE THE APPROXIMATE EXPOSURE TIME

Refer to the Base Exposure Table (reverse side). Base Exposure Time X Exposure Variable Factors = Approximate Exposure Time.,

• Step 6: MAKE A STEP WEDGE TEST

Calculate five test exposures—two below and two above the Approximate Exposure Time. Tape the test positive to the screen. Expose the screen for the shortest exposure time to be tested. Mask 1/5 of the positive and expose the screen to arrive at the next shortest exposure time. Repeat this procedure until five exposures are made, to arrive at the longest exposure time. Make a print from the stencil and compare it to the test positive. The optimum exposure is indicated by: ■ No positive outline or darkening of the emulsion color is observable if the exposure is increased. ■ The squeegee side emulsion is hard and not slimy. ■ The print best duplicates the test positive at the needed level of resolution.

• Step 7: WASH OUT THE STENCIL

After exposure, wet both sides of the screen with a gentle spray of cold water. Then spray forcefully from the printing side until the image areas clear. Rinse both sides of the screen with a gentle spray until no soft emulsion is left on the squeegee side, and no foam or bubbles remain. Blot excess water from the printing side with newsprint (unprinted newspaper stock).

• Step 8: BLOCKOUT AND TOUCHUP

Blockout Option 1: Before drying and exposing the coated screen, use excess emulsion from the coating step to cover the blockout area. Blockout Option 2: For non-water based-inks, after exposure and washout, dry the screen. Apply Screen Filler No. 60, or Extra Heavy Blockout No. 10. Touchup Option 1: Use excess emulsion and re-expose the screen. Touchup Option 2: For non-water-based inks, use Screen Filler No. 60 or Extra Heavy Blockout No. 10 thinned with water.

• Step 9: STENCIL REMOVAL

Use All-Purpose Ink Wash or the least powerful ink diluent necessary, to remove all ink remaining in the screen. Use Screen Degreaser Liquid No. 3 to help remove ink and solvent residues that might impair the action of the stencil remover. Brush Stencil Remover Liquid No. 4 or Stencil Remover Paste No. 5 on both sides of the screen. Do not let the stencil remover dry on the screen. Wash the screen with a forceful spray of water. Use Haze Remover Paste No. 78 to remove ink and haze residues.