Undeveloped MakeScreens are light-sensitive and degrade quickly in temperatures over 90°F.
Stored in its original black bag in the refrigerator, it should last about a year.
Undeveloped MakeScreens can tolerate a few minutes of exposure
to light levels found in typical homes as long as they are kept several feet away
from artificial light sources and protected from direct sunlight.
Minimize exposures to fluorescent tubes and sunlight before developing.
Illuminate working area with a 60 watts or less yellow bug light if additional
working time is required.
Create Art Screen Stencils
1.
Scan your graphic
It needs to be black & white, not greyscale.
2.
Print the image onto transparency or 20# paper using an inkjet or laser
printer set on the darkest setting. It’s important to have an opaque
image. If light gets through, the design won’t register.
3.
Gather your supplies
MakeScreensTM art screen stencil
B&W image on paper or transparency
Repositionable spray adhesive
or contact frame that comes with the Evaluation Kit
Timer
Sheet of stiff black cardboard (or MakeScreens
Evaluation Kit)
Container of water, towels & sea sponge
4.
Prepare MakeScreens for exposure
Remove the plastic protective film from the sheet of MakeScreens.
Do not remove protective film until ready to expose and then
handle the MakeScreens from the edges.
If you do not want to use the entire MakeScreens sheet at one time,
cut before peeling. Place remaining unpeeled sheet back in its
light-protective envelope for future use.
5.
Adhere the graphic to the shiny emulsion-covered side.
6.
Exposing MakeSceens
Sunlight
Hold MakeScreens perpendicular to the rays of the sun. Keep from
bending by supporting it with a stiff, black backing. Time exposure with a kitchen
timer with second indicator following guidelines in table below.
Fluorescent Light Table
Cover the back of the MakeScreens with a black sheet of paper and expose according
to the times given below for the different types of fluorescent tubes.
Time exposure following guidelines in table below. See
Build a Light Table.
Exposure Times
Bright Sunlight
Transparency
30 seconds
20-lb white paper
4 minutes
Two 15w 18” Daylight fluorescent tubes 1.5"-2" from MakeScreens
Transparency
6 minutes
20-lb white paper
24 minutes
Two 20w Cool White fluorescent tubes 1.5"-2" from MakeScreens
Transparency
14 minutes
20-lb white paper
40 minutes
Two 20w Full Spectrum fluorescent tubes 1.5"-2" from MakeScreens
Transparency
4 minutes
20-lb white paper
14 minutes
7.
Developing the Screen
Place the exposed MakeScreens in a container of tap water for at least 10 minutes.
8.
Clearing the Screen
Gently dab the screen with a natural sea sponge or a soft paint brush to clear the
design. You can also place the screen on a firm surface and hold it
shiny-side-up under cool running water.
9.
Final Step in Making the Screen
Re-expose the now-cleared screen to a light source for a minimum of 10 minutes. Let dry completely with the
shiny-side-up. If the shiny side comes into contact with another surface while
drying, the emulsion will to stick to it. If this happens, re-soak the stencil
until it releases. Once fully developed, MakeScreens are no longer light sensitive.