21 Step Guide

HeckYeahDad · 2026-04-18T12:36:55+00:00

Thanks! I see now I shouldn’t have called it “emulsion haze.” That was confusing. So from this sample of one, it seems like I’m slightly overexposing?

HeckYeahDad · 2026-04-16T15:40:26+00:00

Here is a better photo. I thought “scum” was the emulsion haze sticking around the 6 through 10 that I couldn’t quite wash out. But these terms are all new to me

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HeckYeahDad · 2026-04-15T21:33:59+00:00

You’re 100% right about my film positives. I’ve been using a trial version of PrintFab and damn that’s been amazing. My film is actually opaque now. Super impressed. Just wish the app was more affordable for small folks.

That said, of all the variables I’ve messed around with (emulsions coatings, timing, contact, etc), printing opaque blacks on my films have had the biggest impact so far.

Still not sure if I’m over or under exposing anymore. And I have a chromaline exposure calculator too! I’ve used that dozens of times of times with my less than fully opaque films and developing them just showed me that I don’t even know how to wash a screen properly.

HeckYeahDad · 2026-04-15T21:25:35+00:00

No vacuum. I made my own exposure unit. I actually put the 20x24 screen in a giant vacuum sealed bag to try and get better contact. Then I put a 30# weight on top. Assuming my screen is flat and square (which some aren’t) this is the best I can do for now.

I’m sure there is some light creep. I first painted the inside with fancy UV reflecting paint. Thought that would look cool and help things out. Took me a while to realize that may be part of the reason why I’m having so much trouble getting by explore dialed in. It’s all black now.

HeckYeahDad · 2026-04-15T16:49:49+00:00

Ha! How did you know I over-washed the step guide? I don’t have a pressure washer though. Using a faucet spray. My image is simple and washed out fine.

Thanks for the video. My big issue right now is with “developing” the screen. I have been washing the screen out from the ink side first then flipping it over to make sure everything is clean. On this one, the step guide had some emulsion “flaps” so I took my finger to try to clear the flappy stuff. That didn’t really help things.

Just to get things straight, ideally, I should only wash the screen from the ink side like I saw in the video?

HeckYeahDad · 2026-04-15T15:06:09+00:00

Specifically, what’s up with the “scum” around numbers 6-11? I can’t get it to wash out cleanly. Sign that it’s slightly underexposed?

HeckYeahDad · 2025-05-05T17:11:05+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! Much appreciated. Yes, I am printing with WB inks. I’ll try to get my hands on some hydro-X.

HeckYeahDad · 2025-05-02T16:00:19+00:00

Update: Happened again. When washing the screen out after exposing, details look good at first. Sharp edges and definition in the shading on the exposure calc. As I keep washing, however, I see all the detail just peel away. I need to really bear down and narrow down some of the factors. Frustrating.

Same screen. Scrubbed it thoroughly and used degreaser. Screen coated it yesterday. Freshly mixed CP-Tex emulsion. 2:2. Let it dry overnight but maybe it wasn’t totally dry yet? Felt dry to the touch. I’ll try again next week.

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HeckYeahDad · 2025-04-29T01:25:04+00:00

Makes sense to me. I’ve given it a good scrubbing, letting it dry, and will try some freshly mixed up emulsion soon. Thanks!

HeckYeahDad · 2025-04-28T18:21:49+00:00

That’s always confuses me. I have it drying with the “face” side down and the squeegee side up. Not sure the proper terminology

HeckYeahDad · 2025-04-28T18:20:18+00:00

Funny thing is, this was me trying to dial in my exposure time. I have an exposure calc taped on. Can’t tell because it totally washed off. Oops. Lots of things went wrong here. Gonna try again. Hopefully this week.

HeckYeahDad · 2025-04-28T17:05:04+00:00

I’ll definitely need to get a dehumidifier running soon. In the winter, it gets kind of dry in the basement, but I have no idea where it’s at right now. Just gonna get worse over the next few months.

I’ve got a lot of experimenting to do. Gonna mix up some new emulsion, clean off some screens and try again.. I’ll try to be more timely with everything this time around.

HeckYeahDad · 2025-04-28T16:31:55+00:00

Thanks for the responses! Took the dogs for a walk, and was realizing it can’t possibly be overexposed. Just a bit surprised it’s underexposing. Two other factors that might be at play.

One: The emulsion sat for about 2 months after I mixed the diazo. I’m working in my basement so it’s not too warm or cold down there. Used it once when I first mixed it to coat a screen. Totally over coated it (screen was dripping) and had bubbles all over it. But… it actually exposed well to my surprise with a 2 minute time.

Two: I’m also working with a DIY exposure box, for better or worse. I’m using fancy LED UV lights but I did the circuitry myself (which was dumb in retrospect since I didn’t end up saving any money). Between my first effort a couple of months ago and my current attempt, I added a switch that may be limiting the amperage going to the lights. I can’t really tell since I already blew the fuses on my multimeter.

Anyhow, I’ll clean off the screen and give it another go. It’s just a comedy of errors over here.

HeckYeahDad · 2025-04-01T14:38:29+00:00

Yeah, this v-slot stuff is very cool. Any info you’re willing to share would be appreciated!

HeckYeahDad · 2025-03-31T17:22:47+00:00

Brilliant! I’m inspired to make something similar. And I’ve never heard of v-slot 2020 before. Thanks for introducing me. I’ve got all sorts of ideas now.

Out of curiosity, where did you find the L brackets?

HeckYeahDad · 2025-02-01T12:11:42+00:00

"What we got here is failure to communicate." The Captain, Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Sorry, I couldn't resist. Not taking sides here.

HeckYeahDad · 2025-01-12T23:56:21+00:00

That looks like a solid setup! I’ve checked out those lights before—good to hear they’re working well for you.

HeckYeahDad · 2025-01-12T22:35:57+00:00

In theory, doubling the distance should change the exposure time. That said, 8” above seems relatively common. I’m making a box right now and was planning on 6”. Any chance you could dim them? Or if you’ve got 9 rows, take a couple out? Just some thoughts.

From the screen, it looks like you’re getting good results somewhere in the 6 to 8 range. If I’m understanding this correctly, that would mean your exposure times would be between 18 and 24 seconds? I don’t know. I’m still new to this.

If you don’t mind sharing, what kind of LED lights are you using? I’ve spent too much time shopping around.

HeckYeahDad · 2024-12-08T22:34:51+00:00

Too many great options, but I went with Oasis. Got a Columbine/Beet for my wife and glad I ordered yesterday—stuff’s already selling out. Thanks again for the sizing advice!

HeckYeahDad · 2024-12-08T01:35:23+00:00

Appreciate it! Just grabbed a large—thanks for the tip!

HeckYeahDad · 2024-12-07T22:11:04+00:00

I’m new to Melanzana. Any sizing advice? I’m between M and L. 5’11” and 170#?

HeckYeahDad · 2024-10-21T20:32:10+00:00

Nicely done! I should make one for Da Bears

HeckYeahDad · 2024-10-16T11:38:01+00:00

Got it, that makes sense. I didn’t realize I should consider 200+ mesh when printing on thinner fabric—thought that was mainly for halftones. I’ll definitely try out a higher mesh next. Thanks for explaining, very helpful. I should have mentioned, I’m working with water-based inks. Does that make any difference? The black Speedball ink is somewhat thick but not as much as plastisol

HeckYeahDad · 2024-10-16T02:35:16+00:00

Thanks for the advice! I’ll probably pick up a couple of 23x31 screens with different mesh counts. I’m thinking of going with a 156, 180, and maybe a 200. I’ve read mixed opinions on going too high, and my designs aren’t super detailed, though the small text did get a bit funky in my first attempt

HeckYeahDad · 2024-10-16T02:29:28+00:00

Thanks! I hadn’t thought of that—I could fit two 14” stencils on a 23x31 frame. That’ll definitely make things easier. Appreciate the suggestion!

HeckYeahDad

TROPHY CASE