Screenprinting Re-opening, May 14, 2025
Hello screeprinters,

New Exposure Unit

• It’s very nice 😊
• Directions for use will be posted but please schedule a hands-on demonstration with me first
• (those working in other exposure unit dependent processes, I’m still working on some of the exposure times but there’s already a ballpark number for photolithography and photopolymer gravure)

Emulsion

• We’ll continue to bring in Saati Grafic HU as the studio emulsion.
• We’re awaiting a re-stock but have 1 gallon’s worth to split between screenprinters who would like get back into the swing of things right away
• There will be a “Program” on the exposure unit optimal exposure times for Speedball Diazo emulsion

Emulsion Coating Room

• In an effort to reduce waste, matte board cards will no longer be provided in the emulsion coating room.
• Use a plastic gift card or something similar to even out that bead of emulsion that sometimes lingers on your screen after coating.

Transparency Film Printing

• Office film printing will resume on Tuesday, May 20
• Printing films from the studio laser printer: There are still films available. They are now located on the top drawer of the office paper cabinet underneath of central prep table. This product is self-served. Please pay for it online.

Pressure Washer

• It’s also very nice 😊
• There are several nozzles that can be switched out for different purposes
  • The “40 degrees” wide nozzle is most often on the pressure wand
  • The “Soap” nozzle is preferred if developing screens with delicate halftones
  • Please ask me to demonstrate how to change nozzles

Screen Table B Bookings

• After our renovations, Table B is the only remaining screenprinting table with a one-arm squeegee. Due to its popularity, weekly booking quotas will be implemented as we move forward. The exact quota is subject to change and will respond to expressed needs, and usage patterns over time. Any feedback on this is welcome.

Screen Storage and Rental

• Timeline for full implementation of this change will be September, 2025
  Open Studio encourages screenprinting artists to purchase their own screens, and purchase storage slots for storing them at studio during production. Screen storage slots are $85 per screen, per year. Each artist is currently limited to storage a maximum of 2 screens.
• OS will concentrate on the upkeep of screens larger than the stock 25” x 36” frames we currently have. Screen Rentals for OS screens will be priced at $20/month.
• We’ll be looking to offload some of our existing screen inventory to studio users during this transition. Many of these screens will require re-stretching, which costs on average $35+HST at Screentec. Please inquire with me if you’re interested in acquiring a frame.

• Sample maths

  • New stock screen from Screentec (25” x 36”, 305 Yellow Mesh) = $80.40 (before hst) + storage at OS  = $85; $80.40 + $85 = $165.40

  • compared to $20 monthly for 12 months = $240

That’s all for now! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.