Which emulsion should I use?Updated 17 minutes ago
Choosing the right emulsion depends on your equipment, the inks you're printing with, your experience level, and your darkroom environment.
What type of exposure unit do you have?
If you're using an exposure unit without a vacuum or one that uses multiple fluorescent tubes or blacklight bulbs, we recommend using a dual-cure (diazo) emulsion that's compatible with your ink type. These emulsions are generally more forgiving with lower-output exposure systems.
If you're using a newer LED exposure unit with a vacuum blanket, you can use nearly any emulsion that matches the type of ink you're printing with. No matter what equipment you're using, it's always important to choose an emulsion that works well with both your exposure unit and your darkroom setup.
What type of ink are you printing with?
Always choose an emulsion that's designed for the ink you'll be using, and make sure it's compatible with your exposure unit.
Some emulsions are formulated to work with a wide range of inks. For example, Baselayr Complete is compatible with virtually any screen printing ink. Others are more specialized—for instance, Baselayr Plastisol Emulsion is specifically formulated for plastisol inks.
Are you new to screen printing or do you have more experience?
If you're just getting started, a diazo-mixed emulsion such as Baselayr Long Lasting is an excellent choice. Because it has a longer exposure time, it's generally more forgiving of minor exposure inconsistencies or small amounts of light contamination in your darkroom.
Keep in mind that diazo emulsions have a shorter shelf life after they're mixed and should be stirred thoroughly before each use, as the diazo can settle over time.
If you have a well-controlled process and more experience, you may prefer a pre-sensitized emulsion such as Baselayr Complete or one of the Chromaline emulsions, which offer faster exposure times and excellent detail.
What is your darkroom environment like?
One of the biggest factors when selecting an emulsion is how light-safe your workspace is.
If you're coating and drying screens in a spare bedroom, bathroom, garage, or another area where stray light may occasionally enter, a diazo-mixed emulsion is usually the better choice because it's more tolerant of less-than-perfect darkroom conditions.
If you have a properly light-safe darkroom and the appropriate exposure equipment, you'll have the flexibility to use either a pre-sensitized or a diazo-mixed emulsion, depending on your printing needs.
To learn more about emulsions, check out this article. If you'd like to learn more about the Baselayr emulsions, read this blog.