Screen printing has always thrived on precision, changing the look of your apparel, making it more appealing and stunning, and allowing you to stand in the crowd with complete confidence. However, this precision can be taken to the next level by implementing capillary film that changes the entire process. Capillary film enhances the procedure by offering a coated method for creating premium-quality stencils for screen printing services. Capillary films are mostly used in electronics and graphics industries because of the clear, high details and consistent results that can be achieved. But what makes capillary unique is its two-way process, requiring attention to further information on both sides of the screen. 

If you are new to screen printing services or looking to enhance your skills, understanding the two-way process for applying capillary film can enhance your designs quickly. 

Let’s dig deep into this article to learn how this process can transform your design.

Let’s Know What is Capillary Film

Capillary is a pre-sanitized dry photogenic sheet used in screen printing to make accurate and long-lasting stencils. It provides a consistent thickness and makes applying easier than regular liquid emulsion, which mostly needs manual applications. Comes in different prints depending on the size required for the design and the level of detail necessary when printing, especially work according to mesh count and viscosity of the ink to be used.

Advantages of Using Capillary Film in Your Screen Printing Services

Uniformity: Consistent image thickness for the screen that is significant for intricate designs. 

Efficiency: Maximizes the errors made while applying and saves time. 

Accuracy: Provides an excellent outcome due to controlled thickness and enhanced print quality.  

Versatility: Works with numerous printing applications, from simple to modern art.

User-Friendly: Easy for the newcomers, get handy with everyone, even if your team takes care of your multiple prints.

Follow these steps to achieve a stunning look through a two-way process for applying Capillary Film.

STEP 1: Setting up the Screen- The Foundation of Success

The most important and necessary point when starting up a screen is to make sure the screen is thoroughly cleaned and degreased. One of the major issues faced in screen printing services is when embedded capillary film is on a dirty screen, which is the main culprit behind print flaws. So, use a professional degreaser and rinse it thoroughly with water.  This process ensures that there is no dust or other particles on the screen, which allows capillary films to stick to the mesh smoothly. It is advisable to ensure the screen is dry after degreasing. Any moisturizer on the left screen will cause bubbles and wrinkles, leading to a lower quality of your print.

Step 2: Using a Two-Way Approach to Apply the Capillary Film

This is where the magic begins. The capillary film is a sheet directly applied to the mesh to control uniformity and liquid emulsion. The term two-way process describes. 

The Application on Both Sides:

The capillary film must be correctly tied to the mesh of the screen from the outside and inside. Starting from inside is a crucial and necessary step, but it is vital to consider how the film will interact with the mesh’s two surfaces.

Step-by-Step Guidance:

• First, place the capillary film onto the wet screen with the exposed side facing downwards. This moisture helps the film stick to the mesh. 
• Use tools like a squeegee or a roller to apply even pressure across the film, allowing the mesh to reach other sides as well.  
• Now, ensure contact between the mesh and film on the opposite side. Both sides must dry together, creating a soft, solid look. 

Drying and Applying Pressure on Both Sides:

After applying, it must be dry and flat, allowing gratuity to work on both sides of the screen printing service, inside and outside the mesh. The dryness process will solidify the adhesion of the film, so placing the screen in a dust-free space to dry or letting it dry in a natural place through a fan can speed up the process.

Don’t rush drying; the process will take time. A fully dried screen will ensure your stencil is crisp and both sides of the screen have bonded with the capillary film.

Step 3: Developing and Exposing the Stencil

Once the screen has dried completely, it is necessary to expose it to light. The light will harden the parts that aren’t covered by the emulsion, and the ones that are not covered will remain soft and easily fade with a wash.

Both sides of the screen work through this exposure process. Proper exposure ensures that both sides of the screen, inside and outside of the screen, hardens uniformly for a clear and long-lasting stencil. Once this process is done, the exposure is given to the screen, and you can wash it thoroughly and process it with the ink application part. 

Conclusion

The two processes of applying capillary film to your professional screen printing services are game changers. It can enhance the overall process and allow you to present a commendable final look. Gives pleasant details to curves and edges, making each detail sharp and unique. Mastering these techniques will ensure you get the perfect duo look with crisp details.