Handling the mask

GLASS

It may seem obvious, but glass can break – so it’s important that the glass is handled correctly at all times. Don’t drop the glass – don’t place it on uneven surfaces – be careful when applying strong vacuums to the glass - and be especially careful if the glass has been custom cut , because the edges can be very sharp indeed ! Although the glass (and equally quartz) substrates are fairly robust compared to film, the surface itself can still be damaged through improper handling, especially when bought into surface contact with rough or abrasive surfaces. The chrome side of the glass is generally much more robust and stands up very well to knocks and scratches.

  • For wet handling, use only appropriate rubber or similar gloves, such as nitrile disposable gloves. Dispose of the gloves after each use.
  • For dry handling, use only clean approved cotton gloves.
  • Handle using the extremities of the Glass. I.e. either bottom left with top right or bottom right with top left.
  • Grip using (at least) a finger and thumb combination.

EMULSION FILM

emulsion-film

Emulsion Films are more delicate than their glass counterparts and have to be treated with the utmost care when handling. Although the surface of the film has a matting and anti-stress protection layer, these are only microns thick and even the smallest abrasion can result in damage to the image side of the film.

Wherever possible, always handle the film only by its edges. This is the safest way to ensure that contaminants are not passed onto the central image part of the film – it’s best to use just the fingertips of both hands, and it goes without saying that clean/dry cotton gloves should be used at all times.

Films are best moved from room to room by using flat boxes or trays. However, if you have to move or carry the film with one hand, then we suggest using the “3-point grip”. Gently bend the film in half and hold it in a "3-point grip" between the thumb and middle finger, with the index finger in the center to keep the film surfaces separated.

Exercise care when removing films from packaging during setup, and then carrying films from worktables to workstations. Always give yourself plenty of workspace to place the film and ensure that gloves are always worn (and jewelry is always removed!)