Emolsion Vs. Capilary film?

Threaded Design & Apparel · June 28th, 2011, 03:07 PM

Hey guys, I am a little new to the printing world, and have been using the capillary film provided by the company I bought all my equipment from. Does anyone have experience using both and a favorite? So far, I have had some issues with the film. If the water coverage isn't perfect when applying the film it seems to be a waste. Also if the screen seems to be perfect, after about 10 prints, I start to get pin holes here and there, that allow ink to seep through where it's not suppose to! Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for your time!

srimonogramming · June 28th, 2011, 03:13 PM

Direct emulsion is much cheaper, but for the beginner, the film is much easier to use. We use direct emulsion for 99% of what we do, but we have film on hand for emergencies or if we ever need more exact stencil thickness for whatever reason. Film is also much faster to turn around and get a screen into production. I'd advise that you get used to direct emulsion and learn how to do it so you can save lot's of money. It takes some getting used to, but once you get good at coating screens, you'll not go back to the film.

Threaded Design & Apparel · June 28th, 2011, 03:42 PM

This is what I keep hearing, so looks like another thing to learn lol. Thanks for your advice! So I am guessing the emulsion adheres to the screen better once exposed? Does it stay stronger through out the printing process? I guess what I am asking, do you still get pin holes popping up through the printing process with emulsion?

srimonogramming · June 28th, 2011, 03:55 PM

The emulsion will hold up better and can potentially last 10's of thousands of prints if properly exposed. Pinholes can be caused by several different things in the process and probably isn't related to the film versus emulsion discussion, it's likely being caused on the exposure unit glass since your getting them with film.

preston · June 28th, 2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by srimonogramming

The emulsion will hold up better and can potentially last 10's of thousands of prints if properly exposed. Pinholes can be caused by several different things in the process and probably isn't related to the film versus emulsion discussion, it's likely being caused on the exposure unit glass since your getting them with film.

Also from what I have read most people are using cap film wrong anyway. The directions that I have read on the manufactures sites have stated that you apply the cap film and then use a liquid emulsion of the same type/exposure properties and coat the ink side of the screen to bond the cap film and seal the mesh threads. From what I have heard is people that use cap film just put it on the shirt side and go without also using liquid emulsion to bond it in and seal the mesh threads.

chubsetc · June 28th, 2011, 04:24 PM

I printed with cap film for almost 10 years on my manufacturer's suggestion. I was lead to believe coating screen was old technology and cap film was the only way to go. I had more screen failures during washout than was acceptable for a number of reasons and was looking for a change. I decided to try liquid emulsion over a year ago and have not looked back. I use a liquid emulsion with about 50% solids and had no problems learning to coat them from the first screen. The hardest part at first was getting the emulsion from the full gallon pail into the scoop coater without spilling it all over the sides of the pail. Figured that out in about 2 attempts and was good to go. I've had very minimal screen failures since and could not be happier. Actually used the cap film about a week ago for the first time in about a year and the way I had to baby the screen during washout brought back unhappy memories.

tompainesbones · June 30th, 2011, 06:29 AM

Film is basically emulsion that has been pre-coated. It gives a nice even coating which is essential for some applications but is much more expensive.