Murakami Photocure BLU Screen Printing Emulsion – High-Performance Photopolymer Emulsion for Plastisol Ink Printing

Murakami

Murakami Photocure BLU Screen Printing Emulsion - High-Performance Photopolymer Emulsion for Plastisol Ink Printing

Murakami Photocure BLU is a blue PVA-SBQ pure photopolymer screen printing emulsion engineered for textile production shops that want pre-sensitized convenience, fast exposure, and reliable on-press performance. 41% solids for durable stencil build. Compatible with plastisol, discharge, and water-based textile inks (water-based requires Murakami hardener). Open the container, coat, expose, print — no diazo mixing required.

Pre-Sensitized & Ready to Use
No diazo mixing required. Open the container, scoop, coat, expose, print. Eliminates the screen room setup step.
Fast Exposure — 3-5× Faster Than Diazo
PVA-SBQ photopolymer chemistry cures dramatically faster than traditional diazo emulsions. Per Murakami TDS, 3-5× faster exposure speeds increase screen room throughput.
Excellent for Plastisol, Discharge, & Water-Based
Per Murakami TDS — built for the full textile ink range. Plastisol ready out of the can; water-based and discharge require Murakami hardener for water resistance.
41% Solids Content
Solid stencil build with one coat each side. Smooth coating, even coverage, fewer pinholes.
Virtually Pin-Hole & Fish-Eye Free
Per Murakami TDS — the formulation is engineered to minimize the surface defects that cause production rejects.
Extremely Durable On Press
Per Murakami TDS — the SBQ chemistry produces a tough stencil that holds up to long production runs without breakdown.
Same-day shipping · In stock at our San Antonio, TX warehouse · FREE shipping on orders over $200 · Order by 3:30 PM CT

Price range: $32.99 through $3,001.25

SKU: MUR Blue Category: Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Description

Murakami Photocure BLU Emulsion

The Pre-Sensitized Workhorse for Textile Production

Murakami Photocure BLU is a blue PVA-SBQ pure photopolymer screen printing emulsion engineered for textile production shops that want pre-sensitized convenience, fast exposure, and reliable on-press performance. 41% solids for durable stencil build. Compatible with plastisol, discharge, and water-based textile inks (water-based requires Murakami hardener). Open the container, coat, expose, print — no diazo mixing required.

Pure photopolymer (SBQ)
41% solids, blue color
Pre-sensitized — ready to use

Key Features & Benefits

Pre-Sensitized & Ready to Use
No diazo mixing required. Open the container, scoop, coat, expose, print. Eliminates the screen room setup step.
Fast Exposure — 3-5× Faster Than Diazo
PVA-SBQ photopolymer chemistry cures dramatically faster than traditional diazo emulsions. Per Murakami TDS, 3-5× faster exposure speeds increase screen room throughput.
Excellent for Plastisol, Discharge, & Water-Based
Per Murakami TDS — built for the full textile ink range. Plastisol ready out of the can; water-based and discharge require Murakami hardener for water resistance.
41% Solids Content
Solid stencil build with one coat each side. Smooth coating, even coverage, fewer pinholes.
Virtually Pin-Hole & Fish-Eye Free
Per Murakami TDS — the formulation is engineered to minimize the surface defects that cause production rejects.
Extremely Durable On Press
Per Murakami TDS — the SBQ chemistry produces a tough stencil that holds up to long production runs without breakdown.
Blue Color for Stencil Visibility
The classic Murakami blue emulsion color most printers are used to. Easy to see uneven coating, registration marks, and reclaim residue.
Outstanding Resolution & Definition
Per Murakami TDS — the SBQ chemistry produces sharp stencil shoulders that hold fine lines and halftones without breakdown.

What Is PVA-SBQ Pure Photopolymer Emulsion?

Screen printing emulsions come in three main chemistry types: diazo (slower exposure, requires mixing a sensitizer powder at first use), photopolymer (faster exposure, pre-sensitized), and dual-cure (combines both). Murakami Photocure BLU uses pure PVA-SBQ photopolymer chemistry — the pre-sensitized variety that Murakami pioneered over 30 years ago.

PVA-SBQ stands for polyvinyl alcohol-styrylpyridinium. The styrylpyridinium (SBQ) component is the light-sensitive part that cures under UV exposure, eliminating the need to mix a separate diazo sensitizer. Per Murakami’s TDS, SBQ emulsions expose 3-5× faster than diazo-based emulsions, produce sharper emulsion shoulders for better resolution, and have a longer shelf life since they don’t have the diazo-degradation problem.

Why pre-sensitized PVA-SBQ for textile work?
Pre-sensitized emulsions skip the screen-room setup step (no diazo packet to dissolve, no waiting for the diazo to mix in, no sensitized-shelf-life tracking). For high-volume textile production shops doing daily screen-making cycles, that’s real time saved every batch. The trade-off vs dual-cure emulsions: PVA-SBQ alone is less water-resistant than diazo+photopolymer, so water-based and discharge work requires Murakami hardener for extended-run durability.

The Full Murakami Emulsion Lineup at River City Supply

Murakami makes ten different emulsions for different screen-printing needs. Murakami Photocure BLU is one option in the lineup — but other Murakami emulsions may fit specific workflows better. Use this chart to compare:

EmulsionTypeColorSolidsInk CompatibilitySensitizingBest For
Photocure ProDual-cure (diazo + photopolymer)Blue38%Water-based, discharge, plastisol, solvent, UVDiazo packet included — mix at first useVersatility — one emulsion for every ink type
★ This Product
Photocure BLU		PVA-SBQ pure photopolymerBlue41%Plastisol, discharge, water-based textilePre-sensitized — ready to useMulti-ink production, blue color preference
Photocure SRPVA-SBQ pure photopolymer (solvent-resistant)Magenta37%UV, solvent, textile (plastisol); also backs capillary filmsPre-sensitized — ready to useSolvent/UV ink work + capillary film backing
T9 PinkPVA-SBQ pure photopolymerPink44%Water-based, discharge, HSA, plastisolPre-sensitized — ready to useMulti-ink, 44% solids, 17,000 mPa·s viscosity
T9 VioletPVA-SBQ pure photopolymerViolet44%Water-based, discharge, HSA, plastisolPre-sensitized — ready to useSame as T9 Pink, violet color preference
TXRPVA-SBQ pure photopolymerPink41%Water-based, discharge, HSA, plastisolPre-sensitized — ready to useVersatility, fast exposure, fine detail
Aquasol HVPVA-SBQ pure photopolymer (high-viscosity)Blue42%Water-based, discharge, plastisolPre-sensitized — ready to useThick stencils, heavy ink deposit, fast exposure
Aquasol HVP PinkPVA-SBQ pure photopolymer (high-viscosity)Pink42%Water-based, discharge, plastisolPre-sensitized — ready to useThick stencils, pink color preference
Aquasol HS3SBQ-Type one-pot (water-resistant)Blue49%Water-based, discharge, plastisolPre-sensitized — ready to useHighest solids (49%), thick high-EOM water-based prints
SP 1400DiazoBlue42%Plastisol, discharge, HSA, water-based textileDiazo packet — mix at first useTraditional diazo workflow, long stencil life, easy reclaim
Not sure which Murakami emulsion is right for you?
Call (512) 454-0505 and tell us what inks you’re running, your typical print run length, and whether you want pre-sensitized convenience or diazo flexibility. We’ll match you to the right emulsion for your shop’s workflow — not just sell you the most expensive option.

What Murakami Photocure BLU Is Used For

Murakami Photocure BLU is engineered for shops where pre-sensitized convenience, fast exposure, and reliable multi-ink performance matter. If you’re in one of these categories, this is the right choice:

Plastisol Production Shops
Plastisol ready out of the can with the durability for long automated press runs. The most common Murakami emulsion choice for plastisol-focused shops.
Water-Based Textile Printing
Photocure BLU handles water-based textile inks when paired with Murakami MS Hardener or Hardener A&B. For shops doing soft-hand water-based prints, the hardener is essential for extended run life.
Discharge Ink Printing
Discharge inks are aggressive on emulsion. Photocure BLU handles discharge with Murakami hardener applied for the required durability.
Mixed-Ink Workflow Shops
Plastisol Monday, water-based Tuesday, discharge Wednesday. One emulsion inventory line handles all three with pre-sensitized convenience (plus hardener for the non-plastisol days).
Shops Transitioning Off Diazo
If you’re tired of mixing sensitizer and tracking sensitized shelf life, Photocure BLU is the textile-focused upgrade path. Same Murakami quality, faster workflow.
Fine Halftone & Detail Work
PVA-SBQ chemistry produces sharper edges than diazo. Holds halftones cleanly without dot gain or detail loss.
Higher Mesh Counts (200-350)
Per Murakami TDS exposure data, Photocure BLU works across mesh counts from 86 through 350. Higher mesh counts expose faster, holding finer detail.

Step-by-Step: Coating & Exposing Murakami Photocure BLU

Murakami Photocure BLU is pre-sensitized and ready to use straight out of the container. No diazo mixing required — coat, expose, develop, print.

1
Degrease the Mesh
Apply mesh degreaser to both sides of the screen and work into a lather with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the screen to dry completely before coating. Murakami 801 Screen Degreaser is the recommended chemistry per the TDS. A properly degreased mesh is the foundation of every successful stencil.
2
Set Up Your Coating Station Under Yellow Safelight
Per Murakami TDS — work under yellow safelights. Avoid exposure to sunlight, fluorescent, and incandescent lights. Set the screen on a stable surface at a slight upward angle.
3
Coat the Print Side
Per Murakami TDS — use a clean dry coating trough that has a nick-free surface for smooth coating. Pour an ample amount of Murakami Photocure BLU into the scoop coater. Apply one or two coats of emulsion to the print side. Aim for full uniform coverage with no streaks, gaps, or visible mesh through the emulsion.
4
Flip Screen, Coat the Squeegee Side
Per Murakami TDS — rotate the frame 180 degrees and apply one or two coats of emulsion to the squeegee side. Additional coats may be added to the print side if thicker stencils are required.
5
Dry Flat With Print Side Down
Per Murakami TDS — dry the coated screen horizontally with the print side DOWN in a clean light-safe area. Target 86-104°F (30-40°C) ideal and 30-50% relative humidity with good air circulation. A screen drying cabinet with heated airflow holds these conditions reliably.
6
Position Your Film Positive
Place the film positive on the PRINT SIDE of the screen with the emulsion side of the positive in direct contact with the emulsion. Lock down with vacuum (preferred) or weighted glass — no air gaps, no light leaks. Per Murakami TDS, clean the film positives and vacuum frame glass prior to exposure to minimize pinholes.
7
Expose to UV Light
Expose using a metal halide or LED UV exposure unit. Per Murakami TDS, exposure is affected by mesh color, emulsion type, coating thickness, lamp type, and bulb age — see the Technical Specs tab for the TDS exposure data table as a starting point. Run a 21-step Stouffer wedge test on your first screen to dial in your shop’s optimal time.
8
Wash Out the Stencil
Per Murakami TDS — gently spray both sides of the screen with lukewarm water, wait a few seconds to allow emulsion to soften, then wash the print side of the screen until the image is fully open. Rinse both sides thoroughly. Don’t use high-pressure water — it can damage fine detail.
9
Dry the Developed Screen
Allow the developed screen to dry completely before printing. A fan or warm drying cabinet (under 104°F / 40°C) speeds drying. Once dry, you can spot-touch any small pinholes with blockout — Murakami 901 Blockout Red is ideal for this. The screen is now ready for press.

Having an Emulsion Problem? Free Troubleshooting Guide

Every screen-printer runs into emulsion problems eventually — pinholes, washout failures, sawtooth edges, fish eyes, stencils breaking down mid-run. We’ve put together a comprehensive troubleshooting guide organized by symptom so you can find your issue fast and get back to printing.

River City Supply Free Resource
The Complete Screen Printing Emulsion Troubleshooting Guide
19 specific emulsion issues across 5 workflow stages (coating, exposure, washout, on-press, reclaim). Quick diagnostic table at top so you can triage fast. Prevention checklist so you stop the problem from coming back.

View Troubleshooting Guide →

8 Pro Tips for Murakami Photocure BLU

Distilled from Murakami’s TDS, professional shop experience, and our customer feedback. Save yourself the trial and error:

1
Coat 1+1 to Start, Then Build Up If Needed
Per Murakami TDS: apply one or two coats to the print side, rotate 180°, then one or two coats to the squeegee side. Additional coats may be added to the print side if thicker stencils are required.
2
Drying Position: Print Side Down
Per Murakami TDS, dry coated screens horizontally with the print side DOWN in a clean light-safe area. Gravity pulls excess emulsion toward the print side, building the sharp stencil profile.
3
Drying Conditions: 86-104°F, 30-50% Humidity
Per Murakami TDS, target 30-40°C (86-104°F) and 30-50% relative humidity for drying. A screen drying cabinet with heated airflow holds these conditions reliably.
4
Run a Stouffer Wedge Test on First Use
Per Murakami TDS, exposure is affected by mesh color, emulsion type, coating thickness, lamp type, and bulb age. The TDS exposure data is a starting point; a 21-step Stouffer wedge dials in your specific shop.
5
Use Hardener for Water-Based & Discharge Runs
Per Murakami TDS, Photocure BLU is suitable for water-based and discharge inks when hardened with Murakami MS Hardener or Hardener A&B. Skip the hardener and the stencil breaks down on long water-based runs.
6
Note: Hardener A&B Treated Screens Cannot Be Reclaimed
Per Murakami TDS: stencils treated with Hardener A&B will NOT be reclaimable. MS Hardener is reclaimable when proper procedures are followed. Choose based on whether you need to reclaim.
7
Coated Screens Last Up to 1 Month
Per Murakami TDS, coated screens may be stored for up to one month at 59-77°F (15-25°C), 30-50% relative humidity. Total darkness required.
8
Clean Film Positives Before Exposure
Per Murakami TDS, clean the film positives and vacuum frame glass before exposure to minimize pinholes. Frosted or weak-density positives reduce resolution.

Pair Murakami Photocure BLU With Murakami MS Hardener for Extended Runs

For water-based and discharge work running over a few hundred impressions, the stencil will gradually break down as the aqueous ink chemistry attacks the emulsion. Murakami MS Hardener is a post-exposure treatment that dramatically extends stencil life by cross-linking the cured emulsion for greater water, solvent, and abrasion resistance.

★ Murakami MS Emulsion Reclaimable Hardener

Applied after exposure, development, and blockout using a scoop coater on both sides. Cured in direct sunlight or a 100°F hot box. Compatible with diazo, dual-cure, and SBQ photopolymer emulsions across all major brands — so it works with Murakami Photocure BLU and every other Murakami emulsion.

Key benefit: Unlike permanent hardeners, MS Hardener is RECLAIMABLE when proper procedures are followed — meaning you don’t lose your screen inventory to the treatment. Ideal for water-based, discharge, and aggressive plastisol printing.

View MS Hardener →

Note on Hardener A&B: Murakami also sells a two-part Hardener A&B for maximum durability. Per the Murakami TDS, stencils treated with Hardener A&B will NOT be reclaimable. View Hardener A&B →

Storage & Shelf Life

Unsensitized Murakami Photocure BLU
  • At least 1 year at room temperature (per Murakami TDS). Use Murakami PVA-SBQ emulsion within one year for best results.
  • Store in original container, lid tight
  • Cool, dry, UV-light-safe area
  • Avoid temperature swings
Coated Screens
  • Up to 1 month at 59-77°F (15-25°C), 30-50% relative humidity, in total darkness
  • Total darkness required — no light leaks
  • Cool, dry environment
  • Stack with frames separated
Working Conditions
  • Yellow safelight (per Murakami TDS)
  • AVOID sunlight, fluorescent, incandescent
  • Drying temp: 86-104°F (30-40°C) ideal
  • Humidity: 30-50% relative humidity

Other Murakami Emulsions & Accessories

If Murakami Photocure BLU isn’t quite the right fit, here are the other Murakami emulsions we stock — plus the accessories that pair with the Murakami Photocure BLU workflow:

Murakami Photocure Pro

Dual-cure flagship. Diazo + photopolymer chemistry, 38% solids, blue. Compatible with water-based, discharge, plastisol, solvent, and UV inks. Diazo packet included.

View product →

Murakami T9 Pink

Pre-sensitized SBQ photopolymer — no diazo mixing required. Fast exposure (3-5× faster than diazo), pink color for visibility, multi-ink compatibility.

View product →

Murakami T9 Violet

Same chemistry as T9 Pink, violet color. Some printers prefer violet visibility under their specific safelight conditions.

View product →

Murakami TXR Pink

Pre-sensitized PVA-SBQ photopolymer with 41% solids. Fast exposure, fine detail capability, multi-ink compatibility.

View product →

Murakami Aquasol HV

High-viscosity SBQ photopolymer for thicker stencil builds. Blue color, fast exposure. For shops needing heavier ink deposit.

View product →

Murakami Aquasol HVP Pink

High-viscosity SBQ in pink. Same advantages as Aquasol HV with the pink color preference. 42% solids for very heavy stencil builds.

View product →

Murakami Aquasol HS3

SBQ one-pot emulsion specifically engineered for thick EOM (high emulsion over mesh) prints. Water-resistant out of the can.

View product →

Murakami SP 1400

Traditional diazo emulsion in blue. 42% solids. For shops wanting the classic diazo workflow with Murakami quality.

View product →

Murakami Photocure SR

Solvent/UV/plastisol photopolymer emulsion. For specialty solvent ink work and UV-curable inks that need an emulsion engineered for those chemistries.

View product →

Murakami MS Hardener

Post-exposure stencil hardener. Works with all Murakami emulsions. Reclaimable when proper procedures are followed. For extended water-based and discharge runs.

View product →

Murakami 901 Blockout Red

Fast-drying screen blockout for masking. Red color for visibility against blue stencils. Essential for touching up pinholes and masking off frame edges.

View product →

FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $200
In stock at our San Antonio, TX warehouse

Orders placed before 3:30 PM CT ship same business day. Most US destinations receive in 2-5 business days. Need help choosing the right emulsion or troubleshooting an existing stencil? Call us — we’ve helped hundreds of shops dial in their screen-making process.

Call (512) 454-0505

Technical Specifications

Product Identification

SpecificationValue
Product NameMurakami Photocure BLU Emulsion
SKUMUR Photocure BLU
ManufacturerMurakami Screen USA
CategoryDirect screen printing emulsion (Pure photopolymer (SBQ))
Chemistry TypePVA-SBQ pure photopolymer
ColorBlue
Shipping OriginSame-day from RCS San Antonio, TX (orders by 3:30 PM CT)

Physical Specifications

PropertyValue
Solids Content41% (per Murakami TDS)
ViscosityStandard photopolymer viscosity — coats smoothly with standard scoop coater technique
SensitizingPre-sensitized — ready to use
Exposure Speed3-5× faster than diazo emulsions (per Murakami TDS)
Surface QualityVirtually pin-hole and fish-eye free (per Murakami TDS)
Hardener CompatibilityCompatible with Murakami MS Hardener (reclaimable) and Hardener A&B (non-reclaimable)

Ink Compatibility

Ink TypeCompatibility & Notes
Plastisol★ Excellent — ready to use, no special considerations.
Discharge★ Compatible — pair with Murakami MS Hardener for runs over 200 impressions.
Water-based textile (with hardener)★ Compatible — pair with Murakami MS Hardener for runs over 200 impressions.

Exposure Data (Per Murakami TDS)

Light source for these times: 5kW Metal Halide lamp at 40″ distance

Mesh / ColorEOMExposure Time
Mesh 86 (White)—50-60 sec
Mesh 110 (White)—45-55 sec
Mesh 200 (Yellow)—45-50 sec
Mesh 300 (Yellow)—35-40 sec
Mesh 350 (Yellow)—25-30 sec

Note: Per Murakami TDS — exposure is affected by mesh color, emulsion type, coating thickness, lamp type, and bulb age. Use these times as a starting point. Run a 21-step Stouffer wedge test on your first screen to dial in your shop’s optimal exposure.

Available Sizes

SizeBest For
QuartFirst-time users testing Murakami Photocure BLU; very low-volume shops
1 GallonSmall/hobby shops, casual users, monthly emulsion turnover
5 Gallons★ Most popular — production shops, weekly screen-making cycles
50 GallonsHigh-volume production facilities, contract printers, multi-line shops

Shelf Life Summary

ConditionShelf Life
Emulsion (sealed, room temp)At least 1 year at room temperature (per Murakami TDS). Use Murakami PVA-SBQ emulsion within one year for best results.
Coated screens (unexposed)Up to 1 month at 59-77°F (15-25°C), 30-50% relative humidity, in total darkness
Coated screens (exposed)Indefinite — exposed/cured stencils are stable

Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents

Official manufacturer documentation for Murakami TXR Emulsion. Both documents open in a new tab.

TXR Technical Data Sheet

Murakami’s official TDS for Photocure TXR. Includes application instructions, exposure guidance for multiple mesh counts (86-350 using 5kW Metal Halide at 40″), 41% solids specification, hardener compatibility notes, and recommended workflow. Available on Murakami’s TDS hub.

MURAKAMI PHOTOCURE BLU TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

 

TXR Safety Data Sheet

SDS available on request through Murakami Screen USA. Covers chemistry composition, hazard identification, handling, storage, first aid, exposure controls, and disposal.

Murakami Photocure BLU Safety Date Sheet

For additional product information, technical bulletins, and the full Murakami emulsion catalog, visit Murakami Screen USA → · Have a question about specifications or application? Call us at (512) 454-0505.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does pre-sensitized mean for Murakami Photocure BLU?
Pre-sensitized means the light-sensitive chemistry is already mixed into the emulsion at the factory. You don’t need to mix a separate diazo packet. Open the container, scoop, coat, expose, print. Compare to dual-cure emulsions like Photocure Pro that ship with a diazo packet you mix in at first use.
Why is Murakami Photocure BLU called “PVA-SBQ”?
PVA-SBQ stands for polyvinyl alcohol-styrylpyridinium. PVA is the base polymer; SBQ (styrylpyridinium) is the light-sensitive component that cures under UV. The SBQ-based pure photopolymer category was pioneered by Murakami over 30 years ago and is the foundation of nearly every modern pre-sensitized emulsion on the market.
How does Murakami Photocure BLU compare to dual-cure Photocure Pro?
See the comparison chart in the Description tab. Quick version: Murakami Photocure BLU is pre-sensitized PVA-SBQ photopolymer (no diazo mixing, faster exposure, but requires hardener for extended water-based or discharge runs). Photocure Pro is dual-cure (mix diazo at first use, broadest ink compatibility including solvent and UV inks). Choose Murakami Photocure BLU if you want simpler workflow and stick to textile inks; choose Pro if you need solvent/UV compatibility or want the widest exposure latitude.
How fast does Murakami Photocure BLU expose compared to diazo?
Per Murakami’s TDS, PVA-SBQ pure photopolymer emulsions like this one expose 3-5× faster than traditional diazo-based emulsions. The exact exposure time depends on your light source (metal halide vs LED), mesh count, mesh color, coating thickness, and bulb age. See the Technical Specs tab for the TDS exposure data as a starting point, then dial in with a Stouffer wedge test.
Do I need to use a hardener with Murakami Photocure BLU?
Not always. Per Murakami’s TDS, Murakami Photocure BLU is suitable for water-based and discharge inks WHEN HARDENED with Murakami MS Hardener or Hardener A&B. Without hardener, water-based and discharge ink chemistry will eventually break the stencil down on extended runs. For plastisol runs of any length, no hardener is required. For short water-based or discharge runs (under ~200 impressions), you may not need it. For extended water-based or discharge runs, the hardener is essential. View MS Hardener →
What’s the difference between MS Hardener and Hardener A&B?
Both are Murakami stencil hardeners that add water and solvent resistance. MS Hardener is single-part, applied with a scoop coater, and is RECLAIMABLE when proper procedures are followed — meaning you can still strip the stencil after using it. Hardener A&B is a two-part system that delivers maximum durability but is NOT reclaimable per Murakami’s TDS. Choose MS for screens you want to reclaim and reuse; choose A&B for screens you’re planning to retire or for single-use applications. MS Hardener · Hardener A&B
How long does Murakami Photocure BLU last in storage?
Unsensitized emulsion has a shelf life of at least 1 year at room temperature (per murakami tds). use murakami pva-sbq emulsion within one year for best results.. Coated unexposed screens last up to one month at 59-77°F (15-25°C), 30-50% relative humidity, in total darkness. Exposed (cured) stencils are stable indefinitely. Unlike dual-cure or diazo emulsions, pre-sensitized PVA-SBQ doesn’t have a separate sensitized shelf life since it ships already sensitized.
How thick should my stencil be?
For most textile work, one coat each side of Murakami Photocure BLU is sufficient. Per Murakami’s TDS, additional coats may be added to the print side or squeegee side if thicker stencils are required. For very high deposit work (puff plastisol, glitter ink, foil base), consider building up the squeegee side with multiple wet-on-wet coats, or use Chromaline Super PHAT capillary film bonded with Murakami Photocure BLU for 100-700µm stencil thickness.
What’s the right drying temperature and humidity?
Per Murakami’s TDS, target 86-104°F (30-40°C) ideal drying temperature at 30-50% relative humidity relative humidity, with good air circulation. A screen drying cabinet with heated airflow holds these conditions reliably. Drying temperatures over 104°F (40°C) can pre-cure the emulsion and cause exposure problems.
How do I reclaim a screen after using Murakami Photocure BLU?
Per Murakami’s TDS — (1) use Murakami 501, 505, or 507 Screen Cleaner to remove all excess ink from the frame; (2) remove the emulsion with Murakami 601, 605, or a solution of Strip Super-P; (3) rinse thoroughly; (4) use Murakami 701 to remove haze and ghost if required; (5) degrease with Murakami 801, rinse both sides thoroughly, and let dry. View screen cleaning chemicals →
What if my stencil washes out during exposure?
Most common cause: underexposure. Per Murakami’s TDS, exposure depends on mesh color, emulsion type, coating thickness, lamp type, and bulb age. Run a Stouffer wedge test to dial in correct exposure time for your specific shop. Other possible causes: emulsion that’s too thin (add more coats), light source too weak (consider upgrading to metal halide or LED), screen positioned too far from exposure source, or contaminated mesh (re-degrease and recoat). The Emulsion Troubleshooting Guide covers each scenario in detail.
What exposure unit do I need?
Per Murakami’s TDS, exposure data is provided for 5kw metal halide lamp at 40″ distance. LED UV exposure units also work well for PVA-SBQ emulsions like Murakami Photocure BLU. Standard fluorescent exposure units can work but require longer exposure times. The exposure data in the Technical Specs tab is a starting point; a 21-step Stouffer wedge test takes 5 minutes and dials in your specific exposure unit accurately.
Why is the emulsion blue?
The blue color makes the stencil visible during coating (so you can see uneven coverage and fix it), during exposure registration (so you can align film positives accurately), and during reclaim (so you can see when the stencil is fully removed). Pure-clear or near-clear emulsions are harder to work with for these reasons. Murakami offers emulsions in blue, pink, violet, and magenta depending on the formulation.
Can I use this emulsion for water-based printing without a hardener?
Yes for short runs (under ~200 impressions) and for single-job use. Per Murakami’s TDS, Murakami Photocure BLU is suitable for water-based and discharge inks when hardened with Murakami Hardener and/or Hardener A&B for extended-run durability. Skip the hardener and the stencil chemistry will gradually break down as the aqueous ink attacks the emulsion. The decision is run length: short runs don’t need it, long runs benefit dramatically from it.
Is shipping really same-day?
Yes — Murakami Photocure BLU ships from RCS’s San Antonio, TX warehouse. Orders placed before 3:30 PM Central Time on a business day typically ship the same day. Most US destinations receive shipment in 2-5 business days via standard ground. FREE shipping on orders over $200. Need it faster? Call us at (512) 454-0505 for expedited shipping options.
Questions Before Ordering?

Call us — we’ll help you pick the right Murakami emulsion for your inks and workflow. RCS has supplied screen printers since 2008. We use Murakami emulsions ourselves and can talk through specific issues.

(512) 454-0505

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