speckled mesh

We are having a huge problem with our screens coming out speckled after coating. The screens are properly de-greased and thoroughly rinsed. We are using a very strong power washer to ensure the knuckles of the mesh are being cleaned. We also run a dehumidifier in the dark room. These speckled screens range from brand new mesh to older slightly hazy mesh. 110-355mesh, though more often with the higher meshes.. We are coating slow and steady with consistent pressure using mirukami aquasol-hv emulsion. The weird thing is that this issue is not happening consistently. It's all over the place.

:eek:

Greg hamrick's picture

Sounds like a dust problem in your darkroom or on the way to the darkroom....or maybe the emulsion has been contaminated. I'd run a wet rag over the ceiling, walls and rack of the darkroom, then mop the floors. A dehumidifer can kick-up quite a bit of dust.

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At the edge of dreams lay the far-flung ideals of true creation.

SkyLinePrints's picture

i would also look at water droplets being left on the screen as they dry. sounds crazy but I had the same problem you are describing until I started blowing out all my screens after reclaiming. I use a compressor to blow out all the remaining water then put in my drying cabinet. After that, all the problems went away.

Have a great day! :)

Nathan Harrison
Skyline Prints Embroidery and Screen Printing
4982 Bill Gardner Pkwy
Locust Grove, GA 30248
(770) 914-1558
www.SkyLinePrints.com
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Greg hamrick's picture

Nathan has a good point. I forgot about water. Long ago I had to use a water-softener at one of my sites because the water had too much iron in it. When the droplets dryed, they left little specks of rust all over.

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At the edge of dreams lay the far-flung ideals of true creation.