| Cause | Solution |
| Exposure lamp too close to the stencil. | • Lamp should be distanced a minimum of 1 times the diagonal measurement of the coated area. |
| Emulsion not suitable for fine detail. | • Select an emulsion suited to your requirements. |
| Poor contact between the screen and film positive. |
• Check vacuum contact. |
| White mesh causing ‘light scatter’. | • Use dyed mesh. |
| Incorrect mesh selection with respect to artwork. | • Re-evaluate mesh count and its ability to reproduce your artwork. |
| Incorrect emulsion thickness with respect to artwork. | • Adjust emulsion thickness. |
| Over-exposure. | • Adjust exposure time (use exposure calculator) |
| Positive not dense enough. | • Re-evaluate film processing. |
| Insufficient washout causing unexposed emulsion to remain in image area (scumming). | • Ensure adequate washout after exposure. |
| Light source inadequate for artwork requirements. | • Upgrade to single light source. |