Diazo Emulsion

What Is Diazo Emulsion?

Diazo emulsion is a two-part system consisting of an emulsion base and a diazo sensitizer. Once mixed, the emulsion becomes light-sensitive and can be coated onto a screen to create a stencil.

Compared to other emulsion types, diazo emulsions expose more slowly but provide greater flexibility during the exposure process.

When to Use Diazo Emulsion

Diazo emulsions are best suited for:

• plastisol ink printing
• water-based and discharge printing (when using water-resistant formulations)
• solvent-based printing (when using solvent-resistant formulations)
• shops using fluorescent or metal halide exposure systems
• printers who need wider exposure latitude and forgiving exposure times

Because diazo emulsions vary by formulation, selecting the correct emulsion for your ink system is important for achieving consistent results.

Diazo vs Photopolymer Emulsion

Diazo emulsions require mixing and expose more slowly, but they provide a wider exposure latitude, making them more forgiving during the exposure process.

Photopolymer emulsions expose much faster and require no mixing, but they are less forgiving and require more precise exposure control.

Diazo vs Dual Cure Emulsion

Dual cure emulsions combine the benefits of diazo and photopolymer chemistry, offering improved durability and faster exposure times.

Diazo emulsions remain a good option for printers who prefer a simple, forgiving system and do not require high-speed exposure.

Choosing the Right Emulsion

Not sure which emulsion is right for your shop? Choosing the correct emulsion depends on your ink system, exposure unit, and level of detail required.

For more options see our full selection of screen printing emulsions. Selecting the proper size scoop coater is essential for proper coating.

Not sure which emulsion is right? See our Screen Printing Emulsion Guide for a full breakdown.