www.images-magazine.com 74 images APRIL 2022 TIPS & TECHNIQUES Ask Tony This month, Artie Pallari of Fanéla asks Tony: “I hate seeing the guys taping up screens, it’s been a bugbear for me for years. Surely there must be a better solution?” This is a great question. First, we must look at why we tape screens. It’s a throwback to the early days when we were just not that great at screen making. We didn’t have auto-coaters and we used film that had been thrown around the car park before it found its way to the stencil department. Benefits of tape: ■ Stops premature stencil breakdown. ■ Fills holes we can’t see that have been caused by the stencilmaking process. ■ Seals the edges of the screen where the emulsion stops. ■ Blocks out furniture such as reg marks. ■ It makes the machine operator feel all warm and cuddly inside. Drawbacks of tape: ■ Cost! The tape is getting more expensive. ■ Time, we pay someone to apply the tape and then remove it. ■ Plastic to landfill. ■ It makes the machine operator feel all warm and cuddly inside. Let’s look at the supposed benefits of using tape and some alternative solutions. Preventing stencil break down The emulsion manufacturers tell us that the emulsion we have purchased is suitable for the ink type we use and all our in-house processes, and yet we constantly get premature breakdown. We must look at the stencil process, everything from cleaning procedures to humidity control. Measure the variables and we can start to control them. On-press settings can have a direct effect on the longevity of the stencil. For example, using so much pressure on the blade that we turn it into a shape that resembles a freaky contortionist; as it doubles over we can almost hear the emulsion screaming into submission. The edges of the blade should be rounded to prevent sharp corners wearing away a path to freedom on the same point in the emulsion 3,000 times per day. Excessive off-contact can weaken the emulsion in the same way, stretching the screen to print so far away from the garment that it causes the screen to weaken before its time. Taping can solve these issues, but the real solution is to fix these at source by introducing standard methods of working. Preventing pinholes Pinholes and other unwanted marks are caused by poor working practices and dust or other contaminants on the glass or film. These can result in defects on the print area that need to be blocked using tape or liquid blockout. The solution is simple: keep it clean. Sealing the screen edges where the emulsion stops I know of – and have seen – a print studio that uses 100% waterbased inks and zero tape. It’s not a secret method. By extending the adhesive that holds the mesh to the frame into the screen area by 40mm each side, we can create a barrier that no ink can penetrate. Ask the company that stretches your screens to run the glue in 40mm each side. Adding a thin line of silicone where the mesh touches the frame can also strengthen the bond. There are conditions here: I have seen poor quality glue applied, which then breaks down easily, and I have also seen power It is possible to use no tape if you follow Tony’s advice
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