Step Tests: Where to start?!

[dummypress]

N00b post.

I've spent the last few months buying/building everything I think I'll need.
Some info about my setup:

1. Light setup is 2 x 500w Halogen shop lights, 24" above my screen (on a block of foam, black felt, glass etc)
2. Screens are Blick 8x10 (white mesh) 8XX
3. Emulsion Ulano TZ
4. Transparency was done at Kinkos (a simple row of 32pt numbers 2-16)

Here's the problem/question. The first screen I coated, I did a 1/1 scoop coat and did a 2-16min step test. When all was said and done, after an AGGRESSIVE washing out (it took quite a lot of spraying with the garden nozzle and scrubbing) it appeared the 2min and the 16min steps washed out the best while everything in between almost didn't wash out at all.

As a slight aside, after trying to reclaim the screen so I could try again, I'm left with really bad haze (can still see a ghost of where I coated with emulsion).

I decided on a 2-16min step test because I'd read someone else with a similar setup was getting good results with 17min.

But after reading lots of threads here on Gigo, I'm reading folks using only ONE 500w Halo light are exposing in 7mins?! Am I simply frying my emulsion somewhere in there?

My question is, based on the basics, is there a good/standard bracket of time for step tests? Will 2-16mins give me a good indication or should I start at 2-6 mins?

I ask simply because I'd prefer not to be all over the place if I can help it. I feel as though as I'm shooting in the dark atm.

Any help would be appreciated!

Here's to that fresh, new feeling of excitement/frustration I'm sure you all experienced when you started! *raises glass

[paul204]

buy a stouffer step-wedge test from anywhere (boxcar is only online place i know of that sells it)

put it on your screen and burn for any amount of time

follow instructions that come with step wedge test

[NeroInferno]

Hello dummypress!
is your emulsion fresh? do you keep it in the fridge?

My first screens was a pain to burn them, because my emulsion was old.

However if during the washout you remove hardly the emulsion you are totally frying your emulsion.

Another thing, try to washout the screen into the shower or something similar, but not in your garden, exposing the emulsion to the light!

Oh another thing be sure the film are dark enough to burn screens.

Let us know!
Fabio

[squeegeethree]

The stouffer test scale is continuous tone. I would buy one designed of screens instead.

[NeroInferno]

The stouffer test scale is continuous tone. I would buy one designed of screens instead.

squeegee please check your email ( info@forthestate.com ), it's quite urgent, I need a bid on eBay.

Your PM box is full!

Sorry you all guys,
Fabio

[squeegeethree]

Try now I deleted every message in and out

[paul204]

the stouffer test boxcar sells is a 21 step test, not continuous tone. maybe they make many?

works great for screens, photopolymer and offset plates for me.

[G14]

This is my setup for 8x10"

emulsion: Ulano Proclaim
Mesh 45T
light: 2x500W
distance 15"
two layers of emulsion each side
4 minutes exposure time
washout with a shower hose.

When i did my step test used a scale from 2 to 5 minutes with 30seconds step