Step 1: Select Art
It is very important to prepare art that avoids fine detail due to the stencil thickness and mesh count. Fine detail is not attainable when using Thik Film.
Step 2: Choose Screen Mesh Count
86 mesh count is recommended for most high density prints, but you may also use 61 mesh count for printing through the 400 micron or thicker capillary film.
Step 3: Apply Thik Film
The capillary film is best applied using a photopolymer emulsion to adhere the film to the mesh. Place a “build-up” board on a flat table. Be sure the board is not wider than the frame on any side. Remove the carrier sheet from the film and lay the film (exposed side up) on the board. Lay the screen frame on top of the Thik Film and then pour the liquid emulsion across one end of the interior of the screen, and squeegee back and forth. Allow the screen to dry with the film side up. After the emulsion is dry, apply one or two coats more with a regular scoop coater.
Step 4: Expose Thik Film
Exposure times will be much longer than traditional screens. The exact time will depend on your light source and film thickness. Try using a step test at 1 minute intervals. When washing out the image, wet both sides of the exposed screens and then use a high pressure washer from a distance to develop the stencil.
Step 5: Squeegee Selection
A sharp medium durometer squeegee rubber is recommended.
Step 6: Garment Printing
The flood stroke and off contact distance is very important in achieving uniform results. With the large amount of well space created by the thick stencil, you must flood the stencil generously with heavy pressure. Be sure to keep plenty of ink on the screen. The off contact distance should be set at the distance in which the screen mesh peels away from the garment after the squeegee passes. Additional off contact may be needed as you “stack” the ink for added image height.
Printing Notes
The flash time should be around 6 to 9 seconds at 240 - 260 F. Over flashing should be avoided.
A top coat of any plastisol ink may be applied for a special effect (glitter, clear gel, suede, or glow in the dark). Adding a top coat may increase uniformity or smoothness of the final product.
HD Series ink cures at 320 F but due to the thickness of the print, you will want to slow the dryer belt down and turn the heat up to compensate. Under curing the ink will cause the ink to crack and possibly wash off.
