Screen Printing Photo Emulsion

The screen printing industry offers 3 types of emulsion to the screen printing industry: Diazo,Dual Cure & Photopolymer. Diazo emulsions are still used today but the most popular emulsion used is the Dual Cure.
Listed below are our most popular screen printing emulsions.

What Is Emulsion - Screen Printing Emulsions are a paste type substance, that when coated onto a mesh with a scoop coater, it dries to form a photographic type of film.
How Is It Used - When the art work is placed on the photo sensitive emulsion, and exposed to light, it creates a stencil of the art. The stencil creates a positive, of which ink can pass through onto a substrate. Emulsions are biodegradable.

About Dual Cure Emulsions
Dual-cure emulsions have a light sensitive photopolymer system, that was added in production, as well as the diazo sensitizer that you add. These emulsions have better resolution, allow higher solid contents (for reduced shrinkage), and improved print definition. Dual cures have a wider exposure latitude than pure photopolymers. Shelf life of 30-45 days, once the sensitizer has been added. Best to keep in a cool place ( Refrigerator works fine) , do not expose to heat or extreme cold.

Diazo-Photopolymer (Dual-Cure) Emulsions

Ulano's diazo-photopolymer emulsions represent a dynamic step forward in dual-cure technology. The Ulano LX series of dual-cure emulsions provide higher solids content, faster exposure times, superior resolution and definition capabilities, and resistance to both solvent- and water-based inks. Ulano's LX dual-cure emulsions are partially presensitized and should be handled under yellow safe light conditions before exposure.

Diazo-photopolymer ("dual-cure") emulsions resemble conventional diazo-sensitized emulsions inasmuch as they are sensitized by diazo resins and contain PVOH and usually PVA. They also contain oil-based water and solvent-resistant acrylate monomers/oligomers, and a photo initiator and accelerator. Because the acrylate increases the emulsion's solids content, it possible to use less PVA in dual-cures. This spells easier reclaiming and less acetate staining. The high solids contribute to faster drying, sharp stencil shoulders and printing acutance, better mesh bridging, and higher build per coat for relatively lower Rz values.


Proclaim, a diazo-photopolymer (dual-cure) emulsion formulated to provide unequalled exposure latitude and ease of decoating, even if underexposed and used with aggressive inks and washup solvents. If you're having reclaiming problems, this is the way to go! Proclaim is multi-purpose, fast exposing, and provides superb resolution and acutance.

Its high solids content (37%) provides better stencil build per coat, excellent bridging of coarse mesh, and fast drying. Proclaim has superb coating properties and durability, and is resistant to a wide variety of solvent-based inks, as well as water-based UV. Proclaim is very suitable for general purpose graphics, textile, and industrial applications. Latitude, resolution, and edge definition are excellent, which makes it ideal for fine line and halftone printing.

Proclaim is light blue in color; light green with diazo added. Exposed areas revert back to the original blue color, providing a built-in indicator of adequate exposure.

If you don't like the blue color, try Proclaim Clear.

For the best contrast, use Red Blockout.
MSDS, Product Fact Sheet, Tech Data Sheet

Proclaim Clear Gallon, Proclaim Blue Gallon, Proclaim Blue Quart

About Pure Photopolymer
Nothing to add, 3-5 year shelf life, and extremely fast exposure time. This emulsion is not effected by humidity as is the diazo or dual cure emulsions. Best to keep in a cool place ( Refrigerator works fine) , do not expose to heat or extreme cold.

QX-1 is an SBQ sensitized, dual-cure emulsion that combines the convenience and shelf life of SBQ with the durability, versatility, and imaging properties of dual-cure emulsion.

QX-1 is compatible with all plastisol, UV, and solvent-based ink systems. Its matte finish virtually eliminates printing problems associated with high and low humidity conditions. QX-1 is formulated to provide wide exposure latitude and is easily reclaimed even if underexposed and used with aggressive inks and washup solvents.

QX-1 is durable and has excellent resolution, good definition, and very good wet strength. Its high solids content (37%) provides good stencil build per coat, excellent bridging of coarse mesh, and fast drying.

Features Benefits
Pre-sensitized with SBQ Convenience: no measuring or mixing Long shelf and
coated screen life Fast exposing

Dual-cure "hybrid" formulation Durability Good imaging properties

Contains texturing agents Easy post-printing-stroke life under high humidity conditions
Reduced hydrostatic attraction in low humidity; no ink "feathering"

Wide exposure latitude Reliable performance in less-than-ideal shop conditions
Easy to decoat, even if underexposed/used with aggressive solvents

High (37%) solids content High (37%) solids content
Good EOM (emulsion over mesh thickness) buildup per coat

Blue-green color Good see-through registration
Easy inspection on white and dyed mesh

Special wetting agents Excellent coatability
Forgiving of poor mesh preparation

QX 1 Gallon, QX 1 Quart, Aquasol Quart Waterbase, Aquasol Gallon Waterbase
MSDS, Product Fact Sheet, Tech Data Sheet