About Photo Emulsion
Photo emulsion is a photosensitive substance that is often used in screen printing. It hardens when it is exposed to ultraviolet light. In order to get screens ready for printing, a coat of liquid photo emulsion is applied over it and then dried. When ultraviolet light is displayed on the screen, the emulsion then turns insoluble and hard. Afterwards, the whole screen is washed in solvent or water, letting any emulsion that wasn't hardened by the ultraviolet light rinse away.
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Function
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Photo emulsion is used for various purposes, most commonly for screen printing. It is also often used in contemporary art to transfer images to canvases or other surfaces. Photo emulsion is also a great way to transfer art to a silk screen (for making silk screen stencils).
Identification
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If you want to try photo emulsion on silk screens yourself, there are various items that you will need. In order to properly use photo emulsion, make sure that you have photo emulsion, sponges, electric fans, scoop coaters, plastic containers, plastic measuring cups, sponges, spatulas and silk screens. If you have all of these items, you are ready to start the process.
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Considerations
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If you plan on purchasing photo emulsion, the price range varies considerably depending on the brand, amount and type of photo emulsion. If you are looking for cheaper photo emulsion, you can pay about $16 for a 26.4 oz. jar by Speedball. For more expensive photo emulsion, expect to shell out $90 for an entire quart of Liquid Light VC photo emulsion.
Potential
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There are a lot of great places to purchase high quality photo emulsion from a vast, diverse selection. Some reliable places to check out are Mister Art, Silk Screening Supplies, BizRate, Dharma Trading, Image Treat, Hermes Print, Fibrecrafts and many more. Also be sure to check out your local art supply store for some more photo emulsion choices.
Theories/Speculation
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If you don't want to spend the money on purchasing photo emulsion, it's also possible (but rather time consuming) to make your own. To do this, you have to make a sensitizing solution (14 grams of Potassium Dichromate and 4 fluid ounces of water), and then store it in a dark area for several months. Then, make a photo sensitive emulsion with 10 parts of Elmer's Glue and two parts of sensitizing solution. Mix them together (make sure you are wearing rubber gloves during this process as it is toxic). Then keep it in the dark for a day or so.
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