Emulsion  is a thick liquid that is sensitive to UV light. When it dries it forms a photographic type of film. When the art work is placed on the photo sensitive emulsion, and exposed to a UV light source, it creates a negative stencil of the art as the emulsion behind the artwork is protected from exposure to the UV light source. The negative stencil will allow the ink to be printed on the garment in whatever color you choose. This print will be a replication of the film positive. Emulsions are biodegradable.   There are three types of emulsion: dual cure emulsion, diazo emulsion and the fast exposing pure photo polymer. There is also UDC-Ace for water-base and solvent based inks. All emulsions work with plastisol inks. Mix and store according to manufacture's directions.

Capillary film  is fundamentally different from liquid emulsion.  The film is liquid emulsion that has been precoated to a polyester sheet which is  applied with plain water to screen mesh. The film thickness determines the ink thickness.