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Welcome
Welcome to our first newsletter. Maybe newsletter is too narrow of a description. Maybe web magazine is more appropriate since our newsletter will cover a wide range of projects, techniques, and uses for our innovative silkscreen films – PhotoEZ™ and StencilPro™. After all, it’s NOT only for t-shirts! We will also introduce new products, promotions and upcoming events. These newsletters will be posted on our web site.
Our intent is to cover a wide variety of uses, from commercial to artistic and for a variety of skill levels from beginner to advance. Hopefully the structure of our premier issue satisfies this.
To that end let me introduce our first recurring section entitled “Basics”. This section will cover in detail the basics from proper exposure and developing to what paints work best for what surfaces or how best to use your squeegee or paint brush, etc. We will also present detailed troubleshooting guides.
“Project of the Month” will go through all the steps necessary to complete a finished project using our stencils. For this premier issue we will silkscreen a tote bag using several stencils and colors.
“Tip of the Month” will describe within a paragraph a tip or technique to stir your imagination. Future issues may go into more details in our “Basics” section.
“FAQ” is a collection of questions and answers we’ve come across since our last newsletter.
Check out our new online shopping cart. We now support Visa, Master Card and Discovery, in addition to Paypal. We also support international shipping using US Global Priority or Parcel Post Airmail. Be sure to check out our forum and customer showcase.
Well that’s it! Thank you for supporting our products and please feel free to give us any constructive criticism or future article suggestions.
Happy stenciling! And make sure that you take advantage of our special offer that was sent to you with this newsletter.
Sincerely,
Circuit Bridge Team
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Basics
What are silkscreen stencils?
Silkscreen stencils were originally made from silk fabric hence the name. These days a silkscreen stencil is basically a piece of polyester fabric (screen or mesh) that has been tightly stretched over a wooden or aluminum frame. Paint will pass right through the porous surface of the fabric so a variety of materials are used to block out areas on the fabric to prevent paint from passing though thus forming a pattern. This can be something as simple as pieces of paper glued to the fabric or special block-out paint allowed to dry on the fabric. Most modern silkscreen houses coat the surface of the fabric with a photosensitive emulsion. Next, a photographic process is used to open up areas on the coating to allow paint to pass through the fabric.
A pattern is printed on the desired surface by applying a bead of paint on one end of the stencil and then scraping the paint to the other side by using a special squeegee.
Silkscreening is a popular method for creating custom t-shirts and marking many items from commercial packaging to electronic equipment.
 What is PhotoEZ™?
PhotoEZ™ is basically a silkscreen stencil. However, unlike traditional silkscreens, PhotoEZ comes in sheets made from a white polyester mesh that is pre-coated with a light sensitive film. Normally, silkscreens are tightly stretched onto a rigid wooden or aluminum frame and then coated with a light sensitive emulsion. This is a very time consuming and messy process. By doing away with the rigid frame and pre-coating the mesh, PhotoEZ opens up a whole new world of possibilities and convenience.
Making a Stencil
Create your own custom stencils in three simple steps.
Step 1 – Print your design
Images must be black and white only, no grays. Start with a simple design with lines no thinner then 1/16”. We recommend printing your design on transparency or vellum paper available from our site here.
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Step 2 – Expose to light
No special equipment needed. Simply expose PhotoEZ™ to the sun or artificial light. Remember, the key to a successful stencil is to have your drawing tightly in contact with the film. To this end, be sure to use the contact frame that came with your starter kit or purchase one separately from our online store.
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Step 3 – Develop
Simply soak your film in plain tap water, rinse and dry.
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Your stencil is now ready to use over and over again. Be sure to check out our website for additional tips and information.
Using Your Stencil
Create your own custom stencils in three simple steps.
Step 1 – Apply paint on one side
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Step 2 – Brush across stencil
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Step3 – Remove stencil
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 Project of the Month : Embellished Tote Bag
Global Warming - What can I do? Plant a Tree.
This project guide will show you how to embellish tote bag using our silkscreen stencils along with your artwork. View the Embellished Tote Bag Project Guide.
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Tip of the Month
Using PhotoEZ™ stencils on hard surfaces. Preventing paint from bleeding under hard surfaces such as plastics, metal or ceramics can be challenging. However, with proper technique and practice excellent result can be achieved. One of the most common causes of bleeding is painting too fast which forces paint under the stencil.
For small stencils try using a medium stiff chisel shaped paint brush as shown in the photo. Use plenty of paint and stroke from one side to the other using a slow steady motion as demonstrated in step 2 of “Using Your Stencil”. Avoid the tendency to paint or stroke too fast. Follow the same technique when using a squeegee. Paint brushes are particularly handy on curved surfaces such as bottles.
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Try taping the stencil down using low tack blue painters tape.
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| Alternatively, use repositionable spray adhesive. Be very careful not to clog your stencil. A quick squirt from a foot away is all it takes. Also give the adhesive a minute or two to dry on the stencils before using. |
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| Use a thick paint such as Liquitex Heavy Body acrylic. |
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If you still experience bleeding, try slowing down your paint strokes even further and make sure you hold your brush or squeegee at and angle no lower then 45 degrees.
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FAQ
How can I prevent paint from bleeding under the stencil?
- Use plenty of paint. Too little paint tends to lead one to paint instead of squeegee across the stencil.
- Keep your squeegee at a 45 degree angle or more. Too shallow of an angle will force paint under the stencil instead of through the mesh.
- If you still experience bleeding, try slowing your stroke down or switching to a thicker paint.
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