Indirect Film


"How Does Indirect Film Work" video - 42 Mb 16 minutes

Ulano Indirect System Photographic Films provide the ultimate in stencil resolution and definition. The film is exposed, developed in A + B solution, (except Ulanolux UP3 and Pulsar), washed out and adhered to the mesh of a screen, after which it's transparent backing is removed.

Indirect Films, (sometimes referred to as transfer films), are ideal for applications involving shorter (2,000 - 4,000 impressions) printing runs, fine details, and excellent definition; and for easy, reproducible, clean stencil production.

All Indirect System Photographic Films consist of a light-sensitive emulsion coated on a transparent base or backing sheet, with special adhesives.

Indirect films offer superior fine detail reproduction; sharp printing edges; uniform stencil thickness; predictable standardized exposures; close control of stencil thickness, hence ink deposit; fast and simple stencil production; and easy stencil removal for efficient mesh recovery. All Ulano gelatin-based Indirect Films are totally solvent resistant. The topcoat on Ulano Indirect Films prevents tackiness underconditions of heat and high humidity.

* Longer rolls available upon request.

Synthetic Polymer-based Photographic Films

Pulsar -develops with tap water

Product Fact Sheet Technical Data Sheet MSDS

Pulsar on GlassAn innovative stencil system offering the industry’s most rapid method of making photographic stencils. Pulsar features exceptional imaging fidelity, control of EOM (emulsion over mesh thickness), and wide processing latitude. It has excellent solvent resistance and develops with tap water.

Non-gelatin diazo-sensitized coating on a 3-mil (75µ) optically clear polyester backing that develops with tap water.

Ulanolux® UP3 fine line and halftone work - Discontinued October 2007

Discontinued October 2007
Non-gelatin diazo-sensitized coating on a 3-mil optically clear polyester backing that develops with tap water.

  • Can be exposed, washed out (in room temperature or cooler water), and dried for later adhering
  • Fast exposing
  • Excellent adhesion to polyester and all other mesh
  • Resolution: 100 - 125 microns (4 - 5 mils)

UP34213 42" X 300"
UP34513 52" X 300"

Gelatin-Based Photographic Films


Quasar R 100

Red gelatin indirect system photographic stencil film with wide processing latitude, excellent edge definition and high resolution. Suitable for a wide range of applications including graphics and electronics.
Resolution: 40 - 60 microns

Ulanoprex®

Light blue gelatin coating on 2-mil optically flat polyester backing.  Fast exposing.  Suitable for negative printing and fine halftone work.  This is our finest film.
Superb resolution (30 - 50 microns).

Super Prep®

Green coating on a 2-mil optically flat polyester backing. Wide exposure latitude. Hides dust, tape marks and positive edges very well, minimizing the need for touchups. Excellent adhesion to all synthetic meshs. Not intended for high resolution applications, but suitable for general graphics work. Resolution: 100 - 125 microns (4 - 5 mils).

SP213 40" X 300" 6 18 LBS.
SP302 44" X 150" 6 15 LBS.
SP313 44" X 300" 6 21 LBS.

Blue Poly-2®

Blue, medium thickness emulsion on a 2-mil optically flat polyester backing. Combines wide exposure latitude with excellent resolution. Ideal for general screen printing work. Resolution: 75 - 100 microns (3 - 4 mils).
BP2202 40" X 150" 6 13 LBS.

Blue Poly-3®

A blue, medium thickness emulsion on a 3-mil optically flat polyester backing. Same as Blue Poly-2, except for the thicker backing, which affords additional dimensional stability and easier handling of large stencils. Slightly less resolution than Blue Poly-2. Resolution: 87 - 112 microns (3.5 - 4.5 mils).

BP3202 40" X 150" 6 16 LBS.
BP3213 40" X 300" 6 24 LBS.
BP3302 44" X 150" 6 16 LBS.
BP3313 44" X 300" 6 26 LBS.

Red TI®

A dark red film with a thick emulsion on a 2-mil optically flat polyester backing. Produces a thick stencil that adheres well to all meshs, yet has extremely high resolution and definition and wide exposure latitude. Thin topcoat for use with automatic developing machines. Ideal for fine line and halftone work and a wide range of electronic printing applications, especially solder mask.
Resolution: 50 - 75 microns (2 - 3 mils).

UPT 14213 42" X 300" 6 20 LBS.
UPTI 4231 42" X 600" 6 52 LBS.

Hi-Fi Green® Ideal for general printing applications on a vinyl backing

A thick, green gelatin coating on 5-mil matte vinyl backing. The vinyl backing helps hide dust, tape marks and positive edges very well, reducing the need for touchups. There is a slightly textured surface to the stencil bottom, allowing easy lift off when printing on smooth surfaces under humid conditions. The thick backing facilitates the handling of large format stencils and coarse mesh and is excellent for heavier ink deposits
Resolution: 125 - 150 microns (5 - 6 mils).

HFG302 44" X 150" 6 27 LBS.
HFG313 44" X 300" 6 41 LBS.

Troubleshooting Checklist
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Slow Drying Improper blotting Use newsprint pad; change bottom sheet 5 - 6 times
Poor air circulation Use cool air fan
Excessive relative humidity Dehumidify drying area
Emulsion delaminates during washout Developer concentration low Mix fresh Ulano A & B Developer; use correct size package and amount of water; use only Ulano brand developer
Developer too cold Keep developer at room temperature. Cover developer tray to prevent cooling from evaporation. Put bottle filled with hot water in corner of tray.
Washout temperature too high Use thermometer. Water should feel a little warmer than body temperature
Exposed through wrong side Film should be exposed through backing sheet
Underexposure Perform Step Wedge Test; check age of bulb
Poor adhesion Improper mesh preparation Degrease all mesh; roughen and degrease synthetics
mesh too coarse Use finer mesh
Over / underexposure Perform Step Wedge Test
Improper blotting Use pad of newsprint and firm pressure. Use buildup board
Excessive washout temperature Use thermometer
Excessive washout pressure Use aerator nozzle
Insufficient drying Don't rush; don't use heat
Pinholes Underexposure Perform Step Wedge Test; check light output
Dust Clean positives, contact glass, film backing
Poor adhesion See above
Particles in washout water Use aerator nozzle, plus water prefilter or strainer
Particles in ink Avoid coarse frit or pigmented ink
Moisture in thinner or washup solvent Avoid condensation during solvent storage. Use best grade ink and solvent.
Mesh too coarse for stencil details Match mesh count to fineness of detail.
Off-contact too high Stretch mesh tight for proper snap at minimum off-contact.
Poorly stretched mesh Check proper mesh tension.
Stencil brittleness Stencil dried out Humidify printing area in winter; use glycerine treatment.
Poor resolution (loss of detail) Poor vacuum contact Check vacuum; use board behind film in soft-blanket vacuum frame.
Light reflectance Use black backup sheet behind film if vacuum frame blanket is of light color.
Poor light source Upgrade light source.
Poor positives Check optical density, especially with pen or airbrush positives.
Light too close Minimum exposure distance should be at least 1½ times image diagonal. Increase exposure distance.
Overexposure Perform Step Wedge Test.
Poor washout Check washout procedure - duration, pressure, and temperature.
Poor definition (edge sharpness) Insufficient washout Wash out thoroughly and chill.
Heat from light source Increase exposure distance.
Improper developing Check developer concentration.
Excessive drying heat Use cool air only.
Positive oriented incorrectly Emulsion side of positive must contact film backing during exposure.
Excessive blotting pressure Blot gently with a pad of newsprint.
Underexposure Perform Step Wedge Test
Stencil cracking or brittleness Low humidity Humidify work area; use glycerine treatment
Excessive drying heat Use cool air only.
Excessive off-contact Stretch mesh better.
Marginal adhesion See Poor Adhesion above.
Overexposure