IkonArt Films: New Possibilities Without Additional Investment

Would you like to create colorful designs in addition to sandblasting, print on fabric, or repeatedly transfer the same design onto different products? IkonArt Stencil Film and IkonArt Textile Film allow you to expand your existing production to include screen printing and filling motifs with color without having to purchase a complete screen printing setup.

When creating stencils, you can use a process similar to that for standard washable UV photosensitive films used in sandblasting. If you already use an exposure unit and prepare your own print templates, you can integrate IkonArt into your existing workflow with relative ease.

What Are IkonArt Films?

IkonArt is a system for producing reusable stencils designed for applying paint to various types of surfaces. Using a single stencil, you can create the same designs on, for example:

glass
ceramics
acrylic
wood
metal
textiles
paper and cardboard
clay
flat surfaces

IkonArt foils can thus complement glass sandblasting with additional decoration methods. A motif can first be sandblasted and then filled with color, or the foil can be used on its own as a stencil for screen printing or applying paint.

Video: Screen Printing and Color Filling Using IkonArt Films

Easy expansion of existing sandblasting operations

The production of IkonArt stencils is based on processes already familiar to users of washable UV-photosensitive films, such as the R or UltraPro series.

First, print the artwork onto a transparent ImageBlack master sheet, then expose the film, wash out the design, and let the stencil dry. If you already have equipment for preparing UV sandblasting stencils, you don’t need to learn an entirely new production process.

The films are compatible with various types of exposure units, including, for example:

The specific exposure time must always be adjusted to the exposure unit used, the light source power, and the processing conditions.

Integrated mesh allowing for repeated use of the stencil

The key difference from standard UV photosensitive films for sandblasting lies in the material’s construction. IkonArt films contain a fine mesh integrated directly into the photosensitive layer.

The mesh remains intact after the design is washed out and holds the individual parts of the stencil together. Ink can pass through the open areas of the design, while the covered areas remain protected.

Thanks to this design, the finished stencil can be used for:

screen printing
filling sandblasted designs with ink
applying paint to solid surfaces
textile decoration
repeatedly producing the same design

When properly cleaned and stored, a stencil can be reused. This is particularly advantageous for producing small batches, personalized items, or repeating designs.

Video: Coloring the lettering on monuments

Screen printing without high upfront costs

For companies and workshops that have primarily focused on sandblasting until now, traditional screen printing equipment may be too expensive or take up too much space. IkonArt films offer a simpler way to get hands-on experience with screen printing and ink application.

If you already use an exposure unit, all you need to get started is the right film, a high-quality printed template, and tools for applying paint. This means you can use your existing equipment for preparing sandblasting stencils for other decorative techniques as well.

IkonArt is suitable for professional operations, small workshops, schools, designers, and hobbyists who want to expand their range of decorated products without a high initial investment.

TheDifference Between Blue and Purple IkonArt Foils

The IkonArt system includes two main types of foils. They differ in mesh density, adhesion, and recommended use.

A) Blue IkonArt film

The blue film has a mesh density of 120 mesh and a less aggressive adhesive layer. It is primarily intended for hard, flat, and smooth surfaces.

It is suitable, for example, for:

glass,
ceramics,
acrylic,
metal,
smooth wood,
flat surfaces.

Lower adhesion makes it easier to remove the stencil from smooth materials and reduces the risk of damaging the created design.

B) Purple IkonArt Film

The purple film has a mesh density of 110 mesh and a thicker adhesive layer. Thanks to its higher adhesion, it adheres better to absorbent, soft, or textured surfaces.

It is primarily used on:

textiles,
T-shirts,
bags,
coarser wood,
other slightly textured materials.

Choosing the right film helps prevent the stencil from shifting and ink from bleeding under its edges.

Video: The Difference Between Blue and Purple Film

How to Make an IkonArt Stencil

Making a stencil consists of 4 basic steps.

1. Printing the Graphic Design

Print the prepared graphic onto ImageBlack transparent inkjet film. The black areas must be as dark as possible so that they reliably block UV radiation during exposure.

Therefore, adjust the printer settings so that it applies a sufficient amount of ink. When held up to the light, no light should be visible through the black areas of the design.

The quality of the printed template directly affects the precision of the edges and the preservation of fine details in the final stencil.

2. Exposing the Film

Place the film with the glossy backing side facing down. The photosensitive emulsion layer must face up.

Place the printed graphic on the film in the correct orientation. If the design contains text, it should be legible when viewed from above. Then expose the film according to the parameters of the unit being used.

The actual exposure time may vary depending on the condition of the light source, the type of original, and other operating conditions. We therefore recommend performing a test exposure before mass production.

3. Washing Out the Design

After exposure, wash the stencil with water. You can use a suitable pressure washer.

During the washing process, the unexposed portion of the emulsion is removed, revealing the prepared design. Work evenly to ensure that even fine lines and small details are washed out properly.

4. Drying and Additional Exposure

After rinsing, blot off any excess water and let the stencil dry in a horizontal position. A film dryer can also be used to speed up the process. Once the stencil is completely dry, the manufacturer recommends performing an additional exposure of approximately two minutes. This will help increase the material’s durability during ink application, cleaning, and repeated use.

Video: The Complete Process of Creating and Using IkonArt Templates

How to Get Started with IkonArt Films

To begin, you need to choose the right type of film based on the surface you’re decorating. Blue IkonArt Stencil Film is primarily designed for smooth and rigid materials, while purple IkonArt Textile Film adheres better to fabric and textured surfaces.

It is also important to have a high-quality print template, correctly set exposure time, and to thoroughly dry the finished stencil. Before producing a larger batch, we recommend testing the entire process on a sample of the specific material using the selected type of ink.

IkonArt films can expand the possibilities of glass sandblasting to include color finishing, screen printing, and the decoration of other surfaces. They thus enable the creation of a wider range of personalized products without the need to fundamentally change your existing methods for preparing graphics and stencils.

Do you need advice on selecting the right film, preparing a print template, or setting up the exposure? Contact us. We’ll help you choose the right material and process for your specific application.

Article written by:

Katarína Porubová

Sandblasting stencils, Custom decals

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