Ulano 925WR, QX-5 & Orange Emulsion: Which to Use and Exposure Time

Buckets of Ink stocks three Ulano emulsions for textile screen printing: Ulano 925WR, Ulano QX-5 and Ulano Orange. Here is how they differ and how to dial in exposure. For the whole Ulano line see our Ulano emulsion brand page; to compare every brand see screen printing emulsion.

Ulano 925WR emulsion: phthalate-free, water-resistant diazo emulsion for a tough stencil on long runs.
Ulano QX-5 (quart): ultra-fast-exposing SBQ photopolymer, ready to use, great for fine detail with plastisol.
Ulano Orange (quart): pre-sensitized SBQ textile emulsion, an easy all-purpose choice for plastisol shops.

Ulano Emulsion Questions

What is the exposure time for Ulano emulsion?

There is no single number: it depends on your light source, mesh count, coating thickness and the emulsion. SBQ emulsions like QX-5 and Orange expose much faster than diazo emulsions like 925WR. Run an exposure calculator (step test) for each emulsion on your own unit, then use the time that gives a hard, non-slimy stencil with sharp edges.

Is Ulano 925WR a diazo emulsion?

Yes. Ulano 925WR is a diazo-sensitized, phthalate-free emulsion built to resist water, so the stencil holds up on long production runs.

Which Ulano emulsion is best for plastisol?

QX-5 if you want very fast exposure and fine detail, Orange as an easy all-purpose emulsion, and 925WR when you need extra water resistance and durability.

Do you ship Ulano emulsion?

Yes. We ship Ulano emulsion nationwide from Tempe, Arizona. Call 480-229-7806 for help choosing one.

Screen Printing Emulsion FAQ

What is the difference between direct emulsion and dual cure emulsion? Direct emulsion is ideal for fast exposure and easy reclaiming, while dual cure emulsion offers greater durability and resistance to aggressive inks.

Which emulsion is best for water-based or discharge inks? Dual cure emulsion provides superior resistance for demanding ink systems like water-based and discharge inks.

Is reclaiming easy with these emulsions? Direct emulsions are easier to reclaim, while dual cure emulsions require proper reclaiming chemicals but deliver longer stencil life.

Do you ship emulsions nationwide? Yes, Buckets of Ink ships emulsions, screens, and supplies nationwide, ensuring shops stay stocked and production schedules stay on track.

Do you offer technical support? Yes, we provide expert technical guidance on emulsion selection, coating, and exposure, helping decorators achieve optimal results.

Shop online: Ulano emulsion

Screen Printing Emulsion | Direct Emulsion | Dual Cure Emulsion

Buckets of Ink offers premium screen printing emulsions, including direct emulsion and dual cure emulsion, designed to deliver precise stencils, fast exposure, and excellent image quality. Whether you are coating screens for short-run graphics or long-run specialty production, our emulsions support consistent results while reducing downtime and improving efficiency.

Direct Emulsion

Direct emulsions are known for their exceptional light sensitivity, which allows for faster exposure and easy reclaiming. They are ideal for decorators who prioritize quick setup and simple cleaning, making them perfect for shops focused on short runs, fashion printing, or rapid prototyping. With direct emulsion, screen printers achieve crisp detail and smoother halftones without sacrificing durability.

Dual Cure Emulsion

Dual cure emulsions provide superior durability and chemical resistance, making them ideal for longer runs and aggressive inks such as water-based or discharge inks. They maintain stencil integrity under high production demands, ensuring consistent image reproduction and reduced press downtime. Dual cure emulsions offer decorators the flexibility to handle complex designs, multi-color prints, and challenging ink systems without compromising quality.

Emulsion Support for Specialty Inks

Our emulsions work seamlessly with plastisol inks, water-based inks, discharge, high-density, metallic, and other specialty inks. Stable stencil edges and proper emulsion-to-mesh bonding ensure sharper details and smooth ink flow, essential for both high-fashion apparel and heavy-duty promotional products. Whether using direct or dual cure emulsions, decorators benefit from cleaner edges, improved durability, and faster turnaround times.

Nationwide Delivery and Technical Support

Buckets of Ink provides nationwide shipping of emulsions and supporting products such as reclaiming chemicals, mesh screens, and screen printing inks. Our expert team assists with selecting the right emulsion type, coating techniques, and exposure settings to match your shop’s workflow and printing demands, helping improve efficiency and print quality for every job.

Upgrade Your Screen Room

Upgrade your screen room today with screen printing emulsion, direct emulsion, and dual cure emulsion from Buckets of Ink. Backed by expert advice, fast shipping, and industry-leading quality, our emulsions help professional decorators produce sharper stencils, faster setups, and lower long-term operating costs.