Getting the right screen exposure time is essential for producing sharp details, durable stencils, and consistent screen prints. Underexposure can cause stencil breakdown and lost detail, while overexposure can make fine details difficult to wash out.
At Blue Ridge Screen Products, we've created a FREE Screen Printing Exposure Calculator to help you dial in your exposure times and take the guesswork out of burning screens.
How to Use the Exposure Calculator
Step 1: Download and Print
Download our Free Screen Printing Exposure Calculator and print it onto transparency film.
Step 2: Calculate Your Starting Exposure Time
Estimate your current exposure time in seconds, multiply it by 1.5, then divide by 10.
For example, if your estimated exposure time is 120 seconds:
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120 × 1.5 = 180 seconds
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180 ÷ 10 = 18 seconds per exposure interval
Step 3: Expose Your Screen
Place the calculator against your coated screen. Using thick, opaque paper, cover all but the first numbered row.
Expose the screen for your calculated interval (18 seconds in our example). Move the paper down to uncover the next row and expose again for the same interval.
Repeat until all 10 rows have been exposed.
Step 4: Wash Out and Evaluate
Wash out your screen, allow it to dry, and identify the row with the best detail and stencil quality.
Subtract that row number from 11, then multiply the result by your exposure interval.
For example, if row 5 looks best:
(11 − 5) × 18 = 108 seconds
That's your recommended exposure time based on the test!
Get More Consistent Screen Printing Results
For the best results, we recommend performing this test for each mesh count you use and maintaining consistent emulsion coating techniques.
Whether you're just getting started with screen printing or fine-tuning your production process, our free calculator can help you achieve more reliable exposure times.
Download Your FREE Screen Printing Exposure Calculator Today!
