Drying Blockout Retouching

Drying

Indirect photostencil films are dried after mounting. Direct/indirect stencils need two drying stages - after lamination and after washout. To avoid dimensional changes, edge lifting, edge shrinkage and reduction in adhesion, stencils should be dried with cold air; i.e., at ambient temperatures. Slightly warm air is sometimes necessary when time is limited or when working in high relative humidities. Indirect gelatine photostencils will contract and become brittle if there is excessive moisture loss. Their moisture content determines their flexibility, because during washout most …