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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is PhotoEZ?
A: PhotoEZ is a material for creating custom stencils without the tedious process of cutting your own. Instead it uses black and white images on plain white paper, sunlight and tap water. And because it's based on silkscreen with a light sensitive coating, you can create very intricate designs that are virtually impossible with traditional stencils. Plus, no expensive equipment or toxic chemicals are required. PhotoEZ stencils are reusable. Clean with plain tap water, latex paint remover, paint thinner or oil based paint remover, let dry and reuse. Glass etching creams won't harm PhotoEZ. Etch glass with the same stencil over and over again. When etching glass, be sure to use a light coating of stencil adhesive spray, tape, or slightly dampen the stencil. PhotoEZ becomes tacky when damp and will adhere to glass or hard surfaces.
Q: How do I know which PhotoEZ to use, Standard or HiRes?
A: There are a few things to consider when choosing Standard or HiRes PhotoEZ.
Standard is typically used for fabric such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and other porous surfaces. Standard is easier to clean after exposure to light source, easier to use when applying ink or paint, and is more suited for multiple printing. Standard is appropriate for most projects and can achieve incredible details. However, a mesh pattern transferred to the paint may be more visible, and the edges may not be as sharp on hard surfaces. Applying paint or ink to fabric or other types of porous surfaces will not have this problem.
HiRes is intended for artwork with smaller details or halftones. Typically used for hard surfaces such as glass and metal. Hires has a higher thread count so the green residue clings to the mesh making it harder to clean after exposure to light source. More pressure is needed when applying paint or ink. Not all paints are suitable for Hires, such as ceramic or metallic paints; the pigments are too large and may not go through the mesh. It is important to test the paint first. You can achieve superb details with HiRes and the mesh transferred to the paint is less visible on hard surfaces.
Q: How long will the stencil last and how many times can it be used?
A: With proper care PhotoEZ Silk Screen Stencil will last a long time and can be used over and over again. After applying ink or paint immediately clean the stencil, let it completely dry then use it again and again. Do not allow paint to dry on stencil.
Q: Can PhotoEZ be exposed on a cloudy or overcast day?
A: Exposure time may vary too much if it’s cloudy or overcast, therefore, we DO NOT recommend exposing on a cloudy or overcast day as it may filter the UV at different levels. Expose PhotoEZ in DIRECT SUNLIGHT only. You can expose PhotoEZ anytime day or night with our exposure light table.
Q: Can PhotoEZ print in multiple colors?
A: Typically no. PhotoEZ is intended for one color printing. The color separation is a challenge. The silkscreen mesh will shift and will not align properly for the next layer of color. However, you can achieve simple multi color application that does not require precision registration.
Q: Can PhotoEZ be cut to the size I need?
A: Yes, you can cut PhotoEZ and make a stencil to the size you need. Allow at least a half-inch border all around the artwork.
Q: What can I use to hold the stencil in place?
A: Use tape or try stencil adhesive spray. Just a light spray will do the job. The stencil will remain tacky even after cleaning it. For hard surfaces wet the stencil, then blot on paper towels. The stencil becomes tacky when wet and adheres to hard surfaces like glass, plastic, and metal. Make sure the stencil is not too wet otherwise the paint will bleed.
Q: How large are the PhotoEZ sheets?
A: Our regular sheets are 8.5"x11". Mini kits comes in smaller sheets 4.25"x5.5". Our largest size is the PhotoEZ Standard Roll, 11"x17", to be used with the large exposure frame 13"x19", sold separately.
Q: Will PhotoEZ work with printed circuit board (PCB)?
A: In theory it should, however, since printed circuit boards require precise alignment, it is not recommended. The fact that PhotoEZ comes in sheets can cause it to deform beyond the ability to make a good circuit board.
Q: What is the thread count on the silk screen stencils?
A: Standard silk screen is 110 and HiRes silkscreen is 200.
Q: Can I make PhotoEZ with halftones?
A: Yes. Unlike traditional plastic stencils that are essentially silhouettes, our stencils can do halftones and line art and even contain floaters. Draw your own images using black opaque pens on white paper and use it directly without damaging the original. Test out a small piece first before committing to a larger piece of PhotoEZ. Use larger dot per inch halftones. For best results use transparency printed on the best print quality and heavy ink. PhotoEZ Hires Stencil is recommended for more detailed images and halftones.
Q: How do I clean the PhotoEZ stencil?
A: PhotoEZ typically cleans with regular tap water, soap and water, latex paint remover, acetone or paint thinner. Type of cleaner depends on the paint being removed. Test small area before cleaning. Although PhotoEZ silk screening stencils are fairly rugged, do not scrub film side, fold or ring out to dry. After cleaning, place on flat surface on top of paper towels for drying. Lay stencil with shiny (tacky) side facing up. Note: Never place shiny side of PhotoEZ silkscreen on any surface while drying. Doing so will cause the stencil to stick to the surface. If this happens, re-soak the silk screen stencil until it releases.
Q: Do I need a photographic dark room to develop PhotoEZ?
A: No. PhotoEZ can tolerate a few minutes of exposure to light levels found in typical homes as long as it is kept several feet away from artificial light sources and is protected from direct sunlight. Minimize exposure to florescent tubes; they emit more UV energy then incandescent bulbs. Illuminate work area with yellow bug lights (60 watts or less) if additional lighting/working time is desired. Fully developed PhotoEZ silk screen stencils do not require protection from light. Do not remove protective clear backing until ready for use. Once backing is removed, handle PhotoEZ silk screen stencil from edges only. Avoid putting fingerprints or scratching surface of photosensitive film.
Q: How should I store PhotoEZ?
A: Keep undeveloped PhotoEZ in black bag and store in refrigerator. Protect from freezing and high humidity. Ideal temperature range is 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. PhotoEZ degrades quickly above 110 degrees.
Q: Does PhotoEZ have a shelf life?
A: Yes. We recommend you use it within six months of purchase. Shelf life can be dramatically affected by temperature conditions while storing. For longer shelf life, store undeveloped PhotoEZ Screen Printing Stencil in your refrigerator.
Note: Once the stencil has been developed there is NO longer a shelf life. Be sure to store the stencil flat such as in a folder or sheet protector in a binder.
Q: Can I use my own artificial light source to expose PhotoEZ?
A: Many artificial light sources may work. However, there are too many to know what the individual exposure time would be or if it will work properly at all. Therefore, we do not support alternative light sources, other than our own exposure light table. If you choose to use your own artificial light source, you will need to experiment with the exposure time using small test pieces. Halogen and blue lights do not work. Use direct sunlight if possible, or our own exposure light table.
Q: What do I need to get started?
A: If you are new to PhotoEZ, here is a list of items you will need to get started. Click here
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