Murakami Photocure SR Screen Printing Emulsion – High-Resolution Photopolymer Emulsion for Solvent, UV & Plastisol Inks

Murakami

Murakami Photocure SR Screen Printing Emulsion - High-Resolution Photopolymer Emulsion for Solvent, UV & Plastisol Inks

Murakami Photocure SR is a magenta PVA-SBQ pure photopolymer screen printing emulsion engineered for all-purpose graphics, textile, and compact disc printing applications. Per Murakami’s TDS, it’s specifically excellent for UV, solvent-based, and textile ink systems — the broader ink range than typical PVA-SBQ emulsions thanks to its solvent-resistant chemistry. 37% solids, pre-sensitized, ready to use straight out of the container. The magenta color gives excellent stencil visibility during coating, exposure, and reclaim. Can also be used as a backing emulsion for capillary and thick films.

Pre-Sensitized & Ready to Use
No diazo mixing required. Open the container, scoop, coat, expose, print. Eliminates the screen room setup step that slows down diazo and dual-cure emulsions.
Fast Exposure — 3-5× Faster Than Diazo
Per Murakami TDS, PVA-SBQ photopolymer chemistry cures dramatically faster than traditional diazo emulsions. Increases screen room throughput.
Built for UV, Solvent, and Textile Inks
Per Murakami TDS — specifically engineered for UV-curable inks, solvent-based inks, and textile (plastisol) inks. Solvent compatibility distinguishes SR from standard textile PVA-SBQ emulsions like Photocure BLU and Aquasol HV.
All-Purpose Graphics & Industrial Emulsion
Per Murakami TDS — suitable for graphics, textile, and compact disc printing. The broad application range makes SR a versatile choice for shops doing graphic and industrial work alongside textile production.
Capillary & Thick Film Backing
Per Murakami TDS — Photocure SR can be used as a backing emulsion for capillary and thick films. Bonds the film to the mesh for high-deposit work without compromising stencil quality.
Virtually Pin-Hole & Fish-Eye Free
Per Murakami TDS — the formulation is engineered to minimize the surface defects that cause production rejects on graphics and industrial work.
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: $85.75 through $3,710.00

SKU: MUR Photocure SR-01 Category: Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Description

Murakami Photocure SR Emulsion

The Solvent & UV Specialist for Graphics, Industrial & CD Printing

Murakami Photocure SR is a magenta PVA-SBQ pure photopolymer screen printing emulsion engineered for all-purpose graphics, textile, and compact disc printing applications. Per Murakami’s TDS, it’s specifically excellent for UV, solvent-based, and textile ink systems — the broader ink range than typical PVA-SBQ emulsions thanks to its solvent-resistant chemistry. 37% solids, pre-sensitized, ready to use straight out of the container. The magenta color gives excellent stencil visibility during coating, exposure, and reclaim. Can also be used as a backing emulsion for capillary and thick films.

Pure photopolymer (SBQ, solvent-resistant)
37% solids, magenta 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 that slows down diazo and dual-cure emulsions.
Fast Exposure — 3-5× Faster Than Diazo
Per Murakami TDS, PVA-SBQ photopolymer chemistry cures dramatically faster than traditional diazo emulsions. Increases screen room throughput.
Built for UV, Solvent, and Textile Inks
Per Murakami TDS — specifically engineered for UV-curable inks, solvent-based inks, and textile (plastisol) inks. Solvent compatibility distinguishes SR from standard textile PVA-SBQ emulsions like Photocure BLU and Aquasol HV.
All-Purpose Graphics & Industrial Emulsion
Per Murakami TDS — suitable for graphics, textile, and compact disc printing. The broad application range makes SR a versatile choice for shops doing graphic and industrial work alongside textile production.
Capillary & Thick Film Backing
Per Murakami TDS — Photocure SR can be used as a backing emulsion for capillary and thick films. Bonds the film to the mesh for high-deposit work without compromising stencil quality.
Virtually Pin-Hole & Fish-Eye Free
Per Murakami TDS — the formulation is engineered to minimize the surface defects that cause production rejects on graphics and industrial work.
Outstanding Resolution of Fine Lines & Halftones
Per Murakami TDS — the SBQ chemistry produces sharp stencil shoulders that hold the fine detail required for graphics, decals, and industrial component printing.
Magenta Color for Stencil Visibility
The distinctive magenta hue makes the stencil visible during coating, exposure registration, and reclaim. Stands out against the mesh more than blue against some safelight conditions.

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 SR 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 SR 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
Photocure BLUPVA-SBQ pure photopolymerBlue41%Plastisol, discharge, water-based textilePre-sensitized — ready to useMulti-ink production, blue color preference
★ This Product
Photocure SR		PVA-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 SR Is Used For

Murakami Photocure SR 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:

UV-Curable Ink Printing
UV inks chemistry can break down standard textile photopolymer emulsions. Photocure SR is specifically engineered for UV applications — the solvent-resistant chemistry holds up to UV ink and the post-cure UV environment.
Solvent-Based Graphics & Decal Printing
Solvent inks for sign-making, vinyl decals, and rigid substrate graphics require an emulsion that won’t break down. Per Murakami TDS, Photocure SR is rated for solvent-based screen printing inks.
Compact Disc & Industrial Printing
Per Murakami TDS — specifically called out for compact disc printing applications. The fine-detail resolution and solvent resistance make SR a graphics/industrial workhorse.
Capillary Film Backing Layer
When using capillary or thick films for high-deposit work (puff, glitter base, foil base at 80-700µm), Photocure SR is the recommended backing emulsion to bond the film to the mesh.
Textile Plastisol Printing
Photocure SR handles plastisol textile work alongside its graphics applications. For shops running both graphics and textile lines, SR is one emulsion that covers both.
Fine Line & Halftone Detail Work
Per Murakami TDS — outstanding resolution and definition of fine lines and halftones. The 37% solids and SBQ chemistry produce sharp edges for high-detail graphic work.
Sign Shops & Decal Production
Solvent-resistant chemistry plus fine-line detail capability makes SR a strong choice for sign shops, decal producers, and any printer working with hard-substrate solvent inks.

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

Murakami Photocure SR 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 SR 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 SR

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

1
Coat 1+1 to Start, Build Up the Squeegee Side
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
Use Photocure SR for Capillary Film Backing
Per Murakami TDS, SR can be used as a backing emulsion for capillary and thick films. When applying capillary film for high-deposit work (puff, glitter base), apply SR over the mesh first then bond the film to it.
5
High Mesh Counts Expose Faster
The TDS exposure data shows mesh 420 yellow at just 25-30 seconds, vs 50-55 seconds for mesh 200. For fine-detail graphic and decal work where higher mesh counts are standard, exposure times are short — dial in carefully with a Stouffer wedge test.
6
Solvent Resistance Doesn’t Need Hardener
Unlike water-based applications where standard PVA-SBQ requires hardener, SR’s solvent-resistant chemistry handles solvent inks and UV inks straight out of the can. The chemistry is engineered for that compatibility.
7
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.
8
Protect From Freezing During Storage
Per the Murakami MSDS, store Photocure SR away from heat and sunlight (UV light), and protect from freezing. Store the container tightly closed in a well-ventilated, cool, dark place.

Pair Murakami Photocure SR 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 SR 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 SR
  • 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
⚠ Freeze warning: Per Murakami documentation, T9 emulsion can be affected by freezing weather. Inventory may be lower and shipping could be an issue during winter months. Store and ship above freezing temperatures.

Other Murakami Emulsions & Accessories

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

Blue PVA-SBQ pure photopolymer at 41% solids. Pre-sensitized, fast exposure, multi-ink (plastisol, discharge, water-based textile with hardener). The textile production workhorse.

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 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 SR Emulsion
SKUMUR Photocure SR
ManufacturerMurakami Screen USA
CategoryDirect screen printing emulsion (Pure photopolymer (SBQ, solvent-resistant))
Chemistry TypePVA-SBQ pure photopolymer (solvent-resistant)
ColorMagenta
Shipping OriginSame-day from RCS San Antonio, TX (orders by 3:30 PM CT)

Physical Specifications

PropertyValue
Solids Content37% (per Murakami TDS)
Viscosity3,000-6,000 mPa·s at 25°C (per Murakami MSDS)
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
UV-curable★ Compatible
Solvent-based★ Compatible
Plastisol (textile)★ Excellent — ready to use, no special considerations.

Exposure Data (Per Murakami TDS)

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

Mesh / ColorEOMExposure Time
Mesh 200 (Yellow)—50-55 sec
Mesh 250 (Yellow)—45-50 sec
Mesh 300 (Yellow)—40-45 sec
Mesh 350 (Yellow)—30-35 sec
Mesh 420 (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 SR; 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 Photocure SR Emulsion. Both documents open in a new tab.

Photocure SR Technical Data Sheet

Murakami’s official TDS for Photocure SR. Includes application instructions, exposure guidance for higher mesh counts (200-420 using 5kW Metal Halide at 40″), 37% solids specification, capillary film backing usage, and recommended workflow.

Photocure SR Technical Data Sheet

Photocure SR Safety Data Sheet

Murakami’s official combined TDS/MSDS for Photocure SR. Covers chemistry (Vinyl Acetate <0.1%), NFPA Health 0/Flammability 0/Reactivity 0 rating, handling, storage (protect from freezing), first aid, and disposal.

Photocure SR Safety Data 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 SR?
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 SR 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 SR compare to dual-cure Photocure Pro?
See the comparison chart in the Description tab. Quick version: Murakami Photocure SR 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 SR 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 SR 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 SR?
Not always. Per Murakami’s TDS, Murakami Photocure SR 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 SR 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.
Can Murakami Photocure SR freeze?
Per Murakami documentation, T9 emulsion can be affected by freezing temperatures. During winter months, inventory may be lower and shipping could be delayed to prevent freeze damage. If you’re in a cold-weather region and ordering between December and March, expedited shipping is recommended to minimize transit time. Store the emulsion above freezing once it arrives.
How thick should my stencil be?
For most textile work, one coat each side of Murakami Photocure SR 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 SR 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 SR?
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 this one. 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 magenta?
The magenta 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 SR 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 SR 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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