INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: PREPARE THE FABRIC
Used or surface-treated fabric need only be degreased using Screen Degreaser Liquid No. 3 or dilute Screen Degreaser Concentrate No. 33.
(Mechanical abrasion is an option for new fabric that is not surface treated. It increases the surface area of fabric for a better wetting of the
fabric, which improves adhesion, and a better mechanical bond of the stencil, which increases printing run length. Use Microgrit No. 2 before
degreasing. Abrading and degreasing can be combined in one step with Ulanogel 23.) Rinse thoroughly. Use CDF Mesh Prep No. 25 to
promote uniform water retention during adhering.
Step 2: ADHERE THE FILM TO THE SCREEN
Standard Method: Position CDF Direct-Film on a flat surface, emulsion side up. Place the printing side of a wet screen on top of film. Make a
single squeegee stroke across the squeegee side. Wipe off any excess water. “Roll-Down” Method: Roll the cut-to-size film, emulsion side
out, around a small plastic tube approximately 1 to 1 . inches (2 . - 4 cm.) in diameter. Soak the fabric from the squeegee side. Contact the
edge of the roll to the fabric at the top end of the screen on the printing side. Unwind the roll, maintaining contact between the film and the
fabric. Make one light squeegee stroke across the squeegee side to remove excess water.
Step 3: DRY THE SCREEN
Dry the screen at room temperature in a dirt- and dust-free area. Use a fan to speed drying. Avoid high humidity. Under humid conditions, dry
the screen with warm, filtered air, up to 104°F. (38° C.) in a commercial dryer. Use a dehumidifier in the drying area, if possible.
Step 4: REMOVE THE BACKING SHEET
Immediately before exposure, remove the backing sheet.
Step 5: CALCULATE THE APPROXIMATE EXPOSURE TIME
Refer to the Base Exposure Table (below). Base Exposure Time X Exposure Variable Factors = Approximate Exposure Time
Step 6: DETERMINE THE OPTIMAL EXPOSURE TIME
Make a Step Wedge Test (instructions can be found in the CDF Direct-Films Technical Data Booklet) or use the Ulano Exposure Calculator
Kit—carried through to actual printing—to determine your optimum exposure time. Optimum exposure is indicated: ■ At the exposure time
wen the emulsion first reaches its maximum color density and the edges of the positive do not "resolve." ■ There is no suggestion of softness or
sliminess on the stencil. ■ The print best duplicates the test positive at the level of resolution that the job requires.
Step 7: WASHOUT
Wet both sides of the screen with a gentle spray of cold water. Then spray forcefully from the printing side until the image areas clear.
Rinse both sides with a gentle spray until no soft emulsion is left on the squeegee side, and no foam or bubbles remain. Blot excess
water from the printing side, including the inside of the frame, with unprinted newspaper stock. Dry the screen.
Step 8: BLOCKOUT & TOUCHUP
For blocking out the screen, use Screen Filler No. 60 or Extra Heavy Blockout No. 10 on dry fabric. For touchups, use Screen Filler No. 60
or Extra Heavy Blockout No. 10 thinned with water.
Step 9: RECLAIM THE SCREEN
Aggressive screen openers or ink washes may cause CDF Direct-Films to lock into the mesh, making reclaiming very difficult. We recommend
removing plastisols with mineral (white) spirits, and all other inks with the solvents recommended by the ink manufacturer. Remove ink with
the appropriate solvent. Rinse the screen with water. Degrease with Screen Degreaser Liquid No. 3 to remove ink and solvent residues. Rinse
with a forceful spray. Brush Stencil Remover Liquid No. 4 or Stencil Remover Paste No. 5 on both sides of the screen. Do not let the stencil
remover stand for more than 5 minutes, and never allow it to dry on screen, as this can result in a permanent, unreclaimable stencil. Rinse off
the stencil remover with a gentle spray of water, then follow with a forceful spray. Use Haze Remover Paste No. 78 or Ghost Remover with
Ghost Remover Activator to remove any ink haze and residues.