********************************************
Step One: make a sensitizing solution
Use rubber gloves, apron, and eye protection.
This is toxic and can penetrate skin.
14 grams of Potassium Dichromate (from ceramic chemical suppliers)
4 fluid ounces of water
This can be stored in a dark glass bottle in a dark place for several months.
Step Two: make a photo sensitive emulsion
Use rubber gloves.
This is toxic and can penetrate skin.
10 parts Elmer's Glue (by volume)
2 parts
sensitizing solution
mix it
Keeps in total dark for a day or so
Work in dim light.
Use a small piece of mat board to spread the glue thinly across the fabric to close the mesh with glue as thin as possible to stop up the fabric. Work from both sides to spread it thinly.
Dry in a dark closet.
When dry, it is ready to expose and wash out the unexposed portions. Overexposing to light makes it too hard to remove. Underexposing to light makes it too easy to wash out.
Instructions to set up the exposure using the sun, a sun lamp, or a bunch of fluorescent tubes (this is outside page, so contact me if it is gone).
REMOVAL FROM FABRIC
IT MAY BE POSSIBLE to remove the emulsion with household bleach during the first few days. Generally, new fabric is used for each stencil.
Also see Silk Screening with Slip by Marvin Bartel. Ceramics Monthly, March, 1973
Marvin Bartel
