Yes. RapidMask can resolve very fine detail and produce halftones up to 65 dpi. Hafltones should be processed using RapidMask High Detail (2 mil) and 220 Silicon Carbide abrasive. For more information on halftones, please refer to the supplemental guide for RapidMask HD.

For best results, try our new AccuArt 2 inkjet film. AccuArt 2 is a clear film media that enables you to create a real film negative from a standard inkjet printer.

Artwork should include at least a ¼” black border which will assist in the removal of the carrier sheet and for masking off.

You will need to establish the correct exposure time for your particular exposure unit. This is VERY IMPORTANT. The key to proper exposure for RapidMask is getting enough UV energy into the film so it changes color from green to dark blue where light hits the film and makes it brittle. The key requirement is that the film gets brittle. Follow the "Setting Up Your Exposure Unit" procedure in the RapidMask processing instructions.

• RapidMask HT User's Guide
• RapidMask HD User's Guide

Photopolymer films, like RapidMask, respond to UV light that peaks in the 365 nanometer (nm) range. Even though the color has changed, the film may not be getting the right wavelength of UV light to make it brittle. This can happen when lamps age. They will continue to light, but the output wavelength has shifted, meaning it's time to replace the lamps.

Place the printed side of the artwork against the slip sheet (DULL SIDE) of the film.

To minimize air entrapment and allow for proper positioning of RapidMask, the “hinge” method is recommended. Clean the substrate using a standard glass cleaner to remove dust and finger prints. Trim any exposed (blue) edges prior to application. Place the RapidMask film slip sheet side down (dull) on the substrate BEFORE removing the slip sheet and position it exactly where it needs to be. Tape along one of the edges using masking tape to hold the film in place. Hinge or flip the film back along the taped edge and remove the slip sheet by placing a piece of tape on one corner and peeling back to reveal the adhesive surface. Carefully move the film back over the substrate, but keep it elevated so it does not prematurely come in contact with the surface. Starting at the taped edge, squeegee the film down on the substrate. Remove the top carrier sheet by placing a piece of tape on one corner and peeling back.

Wet lamination application is recommended when applying halftones. Refer to RapidMask High Detail application in the RapidMask HD user guide.

Always remove the dull slip sheet and apply the adhesive side to the substrate.

For applications excluding glass, RapidMask may stain the substrate. The staining appears within 2 hours of film application to substrate. Testing the substrate is highly recommended. Please contact your PhotoBrasive representative with further questions.

Special acrylic instructions: Used alone RapidMask is not a suitable film for use with acrylic substrates. The peel after sandblasting is very difficult and becomes more difficult if the film and substrate are soaked in water. However, if the RapidMask is used in conjunction with BAT (Blastable Adhesive Tape), the peel is greatly improved, especially when the film and substrate are soaked in water. Test all acrylic applications.

Most likely, you have underexposed RapidMask. (See FAQ under Exposure)

Your pressure may be too low:

Your grit may be too old. Aluminum oxide tends to lose its cutting ability more quickly than silicon carbide. Silicon carbide 180 or finer grit is recommended for most decorative sandcarving.

It will take a few passes to break through the exposed film. The finer the detail, the longer it may take. The exposed film will continually get lighter and lighter in the blue areas before breaking through. If this is not happening, it's likely due to one of the items mentioned above.

RapidMask HT – up to 1/8” blast depth (depending on artwork)

RapidMask HD – surface etch only. RapidMask HD is designed for halftones and light etching only.

Sandblasting pressure, grit size, and blasting technique all play a role in how much depth you can achieve.

The easiest way to remove RapidMask is to soak in warm/hot wter. Another option is to peel or rub off the mask while rinsing under warm water to prevent scratching of the substrate.