![]() Other options for UV light source: the good old sun. If you can’t find tanning bulbs, than black light bulbs are an alternative. Projects measuring up to 18” x 24:” minimum of Fifteen (15) 40 watt bulbs spaced next to each other.Projects measuring up to 12” x 18:” minimum of ten (10) 40 watt bulbs spaced next to each other.Projects measuring up to 10” x 13:” minimum of six (6) 25 watt bulbs spaced next to each other.A good plate with firm shoulders needs the light from multiple sides here are some guidelines based on your project: Multiple light bulbs set about two to four inches away from your plate are ideal. You can control your exposure times using bulbs that will give consistent results for each exposure. UV light bulbs (think tanning) usually work best in a light box. Making Your Own Plates: What You NeedĪre you a do-it-yourself platemaker who wants to try and master the process in your own workspace? Here are the requirements for materials needed for exposing your own plates, including some other options if you want to experiment with some more primitive equipment: UV Exposure Element ![]() Green die sealer is helpful for maintaining the seal of mounting rubber to the plastic or metal backing. If you are using a platemaker or a washout unit, a magnetic mounting rubber may be attached to the top of a platemakers unit to hold both metal or plastic backed plates. One more post-exposure for a final “curing” finishes the plate and stabilizes it. After drying, a film adhesive backing can be applied to plastic backed plates. The plate is dried at a low heat temperature. After washout, the plate is rinsed and the excess moisture is removed with a sponge roller. Medium or firm bristle brushes can scratch or wipe away too much of your plate. Washout brushes are very soft and supple. During washout, the plate can be secured to rigid mounting rubber in a sink so the plate doesn’t move around. Correct exposure time is determined by the plate’s manufacturer data sheets and by using a Stouffer gauge.Įxposed plates may be washed by hand with a washout brush in a sink or washout tray. What isn’t exposed because it’s blocked by the black part of the film negative will be washed out by water what is is exposed to the uv light hardens and will not wash away, leaving a relief surface from which to print. Where the light hits the plate, the plate is exposed and hardened. A film negative is placed over the plate surface, secured with Kreene or a glass covering, and exposed to ultraviolet light. Photopolymer plates have a light-sensitive surface on either plastic backing or metal backing. Platemaking by hand is a straightforward process.
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