Finding the Best Emulsion for Screen Printing: What You Should Know

If you’re diving into screen printing—whether you’re printing tees in your garage or running a busy shop—choosing the best emulsion for screen printing is a decision you can’t afford to overlook. It’s what brings your designs to life, giving you the fine detail, durability, and consistency you need for quality prints.

But here’s the thing: not all emulsions are created equal. The right emulsion depends on your ink type, exposure setup, printing volume, and even the climate in your workspace. Confused yet? Don’t worry—let’s break it down.

best emulsion for screen printing

First, What Is Emulsion in Screen Printing?

Emulsion is a light-sensitive liquid used to coat your screen. When exposed to light, it hardens and creates a stencil of your design. Where the emulsion is exposed to light, it becomes solid; where it’s blocked (by your design film), it stays soft and washes out—allowing ink to pass through only in specific areas.

Pretty cool, right?

The Three Main Types of Emulsion

1. Diazo Emulsion

   • Great for beginners

   • Forgiving with exposure time

   • Slower to expose, but more affordable

   • Good for plastisol inks

2. Photopolymer (SBQ-Based) Emulsion

   • Fast exposure time

   • Perfect for high-volume shops

   • Requires more precision

   • Excellent for water-based or discharge inks

3. Dual-Cure Emulsion

   • Mix of diazo and photopolymer

   • Balanced exposure speed and durability

   • Versatile and beginner-friendly

   • Works with both plastisol and water-based inks

So how do you know which one is right for you?

Which Emulsion Is Best for You?

Choosing the best emulsion for screen printing depends on what you’re printing with. If you’re using plastisol inks, you can’t go wrong with a high-quality diazo or dual-cure emulsion. For water-based inks, go with a durable photopolymer or a water-resistant dual-cure formula.

Need help deciding? Screen Print Direct has an in-depth breakdown of emulsion types and use cases right here.

This guide goes beyond the basics to help you match the emulsion to your setup, ink type, and desired results.

A Few Tips Before You Buy

• Always consider your exposure unit—some emulsions need stronger light to expose correctly.

• If you’re printing in humid conditions, look for emulsions with good humidity resistance.

• Don’t forget shelf life—if you’re not printing daily, choose something stable and long-lasting.

  
  

Our Go-To Pick?

If you want something reliable, forgiving, and versatile, go with a dual-cure emulsion. It offers the perfect middle ground for most printers and works great with both plastisol and water-based inks.

But the truth is—there’s no universal “best.” It’s about what works best for you.

Final Thoughts

The emulsion you use plays a huge role in your final print quality. Don’t just grab the first one off the shelf. Take a moment to match your workflow, inks, and equipment to the right emulsion type.

Want expert advice straight from the pros? Check out Screen Print Direct’s detailed guide to the best emulsion for screen printing. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to level up, this guide covers everything you need to know.