Ulano QT Discharge

[Doug S]

Has anyone used the Ulano QT Discharge?  If so, what do you think of it and also is it good for halftones?

[balloonguy]

I tried and did like the res. I never did huge runs. I felt like reclaim was tough. I use icc stencil remover though. I am not sure if it is meant for wr emulsion.

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

Yes, I went through several gallons of QT Discharge. It was the only emulsion that didn't reclaim "Stringy" for me, back before I bought a dip tank. I haven't used it for a couple of years, but it was definitely OK.  It works on plastisol too (duh) and I used it for everything.

Nowadays, I use CCI's WR-25 Emusion for everything, and my dip tank is loaded with Microwash II, also from CCI.  It softens plastisol, so that the pressure wash blows out 90% of it (which collects on top of the drain filter--which are disposable makeshift "disks" cut from washable furnace filters with scissors) then I spray HR-30 Ink Degradant also from CCI on the screen and scrub lightly with a shoe brush over any remaining plastisol residue. I finish with the power washer and rarely use haze remover, and use degreaser even less frequently.

I find WR-25 much more to my liking, and bought in a 4 gallon case directly from the warehouse, it is quite economical.  WR-25 seems less viscous, especially in the winter than QT Discharge, and I suspect a thicker stencil would be harder to achieve.

If your aim is a higher EOM (Emusion Over Mesh) ratio, and have an economical supplier, use it by all means.  If I remember correctly, Diazo Staining is minimal, compared to WR-25.

Stan

[Doug S]

Thanks for the input.  I've been through about 10 emulsions in the last year to find out which I like the most.  One of my least favorites is Chromaline Blue.  Man that stuff is nice and sticky.  That's with the humidity at around 40%.  I almost need a spatula to get the screen off of the glass.  Itsa, did you change from Qt Discharge to WR-25 mainly because of the price or does the WR-25 perform better?

[Itsa Little CrOoked]

Price mostly, but I like the WR-25 absolutely as well as the Ulano...if not just a skoshe better.

I don't worry too much about EOM, but I am aware that this is considered a serious error by several people on this board that I TRUST explicitly.  I print all manual, and the screenprint area is mostly all ME from separation to conveyor's end. (Except for a sweet, hard working, notably attractive part timer. Wish she coulda been a daughter in law, but I digress.) When I move to an auto, if ever, I might put a fresh battery in my micron gauge.

If you want to try the Ulano, you'll find it an excellent emulsion that holds detail nicely. They know what they're doing. 

I do think the WR-25 reclaims a little easier, but I shouldn't really assert that, since I didn't have a dip tank at the time. If your chems are different, dismiss everything I've said. Too many variables. 

I get a RIDICULOUS number of screens from a gallon of CCI. But I use the sharp edge, 2 over 2.   I know, I know...that is all wrongo.  But there is more than one way to skin a rat. You see, I DO print shirts.  I get paid.  I see my customers again and again.  (Well I don't, but the girls do.)  If I move to an auto, I will become a FRESHMAN all over again, despite the fact I'll surely by over 60 by that time.

You'll like the Ulano, but if you print BIG numbers of DISCHARGE you might want to consider a hardener.  That is the case with most all emulsions. (I THINK...)

[Doug S]

Itsa,

Thanks for the time to reply.  I also use microwash II.  I also do everything from the beginning separations, film printing, exposure to printing and then cleanup and reclaiming.  I do have an auto so I can imagine how busy you are.  Even with an auto it seems a bit overwhelming.