Using All-Purpose Glue Instead of Photo-emulsion for Photographic T-shirt Printing

Lesson # 1:
Here's a simple instructions on how to mix all-purpose glue (if no photo emulsion available) and sensitizer (Potassium Dichromate) for Photographic T-shirt Printing.

Materials: all-purpose glue, Sensitizer, plastic spoon and empty container with lid.

The mixture should be 5:1, that is, 5 parts of glue and 1 part of Sensitizer. It is a ratio, for example you're going to mix 5 cups of glue and 1 cup of Sensitizer in a container. 

You can buy Sensitizer (Potassium dichromate) in any Tulco or other T-shirt printing shops. Which I've learned once you buy unmixed of it on Tulco stores, usually they will give you a packed about 10 grams of Sensitizer to be mixed for a kilo of emulsion. And you can always ask assistance from them if you are unsure on mixing the two.

Since our topic is "when no emulsions are available", then let's stick our topic with our All-Purpose Glue, which I know have the same result anyway. 

The usual preparation for the Sensitizer (Potassium dichromate) is to mixed-dissolve it with luke warm water first. The measurement would be about 10 grams of sensitizer and 4 ounces of water. But I am much comfortable directly using the crystallized Sensitizer on processing. 

You may follow the mixture ratio, 5:1 or you can determine it by carefully checking the color produce by the combined mixtures . Since both works the same. 

The correct mixture should have an egg yolk color. It shouldn't be pale or light-yellow and it shouldn't be dark orange either. 

Materials: glue, sensitizer, plastic spoon and empty container with lid.

Mixed glue and sensitizer granules in a container.

The correct mixture should have an egg yolk color.

After mixing, keep the container close and put it in a cool place away from children.

You need more extra patience while doing this. You may not get this instructions right away just get a little more time of practice. Once you mastered the techniques and timing, then you'll get the satisfying result. 

Be cautious handling with Sensitizer. As with all hexavalent chromium compounds, it is potentially harmful to health and must be handled and disposed of appropriately. Avoid direct skin contact and wash hands thoroughly with soap after mixing. Use disposable gloves for added protection.

Read Lesson #2: How to Prepare your Silk Screen Frames.