This may surprise some of you

[screenxpress]

As some know, we had a family tragedy in 2009 and we sold our house (and my print area) in Dec '09.  All the printing stuff went into storage, including some pre-coated (Ulano QTX) screens - we just stuck them in boxes and put in storage.

Tonight I pulled out one of the screens, taped a film to it and exposed if for 18 seconds.  Washed out nearly perfectly.  Would have been perfect but the new (1700 psi) sprayer might be a bit too strong for a 110 screen (Homer, need another door stop?).  But, the image is perfectly usable. 

I know the screens were coated probably several months before they got boxed up. 

Not bad for "coated" screens still being usable in the ballpark of 2 years later, eh?  I know the subject of "how long can you store coated screens" has been discussed on several threads before on various boards.  I'm thinking of calling Ripley's. 

[Dottonedan]

Wow.  That is interesting. That makes me wonder if we don't have an opportunity here. To make pre-coated screens, and mail them out to those needing screens coated. They do it with the sale of pre-stretched mesh frames, why not coated screens?  Will you get rich?  No, but it's a niche.  Coat some of them boogers up and store them. When someone orders 6 of the 305's pre-coated, just pull those boogers off the shelf and ship.  I don't know. Maybe it's not fast enough with shipping.  Oh, I know.  You can just offer it locally to larger cities. I know in my own area of central Fl, we probably have 30 screen print shops if not more.  Some of these shops order wood frames that are pre-stretched. Some order metal frames pre-stretched. Why not pre coated?  Heck, maybe even offer an exposure service with the image washed out?

Anyways,  off subject a little but it got me thinking. Not that I'd be wanting to do that but it could be good for someone.

ok.  So, Wow,  2 years and still washed out?  Give us the details on the emulsion. What brand?

[virgil427]

Sceen sorry about your tragedy. On a brighter note thats cool about the emulsion lasting that long, after all the warnings of shelf life. Would'nt try it on a regular basis though.

Wow.  That is interesting. That makes me wonder if we don't have an opportunity here. To make pre-coated screens, and mail them out to those needing screens coated. They do it with the sale of pre-stretched mesh frames, why not coated screens?  Will you get rich?  No, but it's a niche.  Coat some of them boogers up and store them. When someone orders 6 of the 305's pre-coated, just pull those boogers off the shelf and ship.  I don't know. Maybe it's not fast enough with shipping.  Oh, I know.  You can just offer it locally to larger cities. I know in my own area of central Fl, we probably have 30 screen print shops if not more.  Some of these shops order wood frames that are pre-stretched. Some order metal frames pre-stretched. Why not pre coated?  Heck, maybe even offer an exposure service with the image washed out?

Anyways,  off subject a little but it got me thinking. Not that I'd be wanting to do that but it could be good for someone.

ok.  So, Wow,  2 years and still washed out?  Give us the details on the emulsion. What brand?

Dan hate pee on your parade. But, Ryonet has been selling pre-coats for ever. Wanted to let you know before you invest in a coating system.

[Dottonedan]

Dan hate pee on your parade. But, Ryonet has been selling pre-coats for ever. Wanted to let you know before you invest in a coating system.

SEE!    I knew it was good idea.  LOL.

[mk162]

I would imagine there is a difference between wet emulsion and dried emulsion.  I've never had a problem with screens going bad in the storage cabinet, of course, I've never let them sit for 2 years either.

[Gilligan]

Dan hate pee on your parade. But, Ryonet has been selling pre-coats for ever. Wanted to let you know before you invest in a coating system.

LOL, "forever" is quite a relative term... I only laugh because I just read their blog last night of how he got started and didn't realize (but assumed due to his age) how young the company is.

[screenxpress]

Wow.  That is interesting. That makes me wonder if we don't have an opportunity here. To make pre-coated screens, and mail them out to those needing screens coated. They do it with the sale of pre-stretched mesh frames, why not coated screens?  Will you get rich?  No, but it's a niche.  Coat some of them boogers up and store them. When someone orders 6 of the 305's pre-coated, just pull those boogers off the shelf and ship.  I don't know. Maybe it's not fast enough with shipping.  Oh, I know.  You can just offer it locally to larger cities. I know in my own area of central Fl, we probably have 30 screen print shops if not more.  Some of these shops order wood frames that are pre-stretched. Some order metal frames pre-stretched. Why not pre coated?  Heck, maybe even offer an exposure service with the image washed out?

Anyways,  off subject a little but it got me thinking. Not that I'd be wanting to do that but it could be good for someone.

ok.  So, Wow,  2 years and still washed out?  Give us the details on the emulsion. What brand?

You really did get excited,lol.
Was in the post. Ulano QTX