Masking Film - Ulano Universal Tack Level

Unfortunately, because of diminishing demand, Ulano stopped making Amberlith at the end of 2007, so supplies are limited to existing stocks.

Ulano continues to make Rubylith that still has popularity in the photographic world. It is a little darker, but will function the same as Amberlith for screen making.

In 2006 Ulano re-engineered Rubylith® and Amberlith® to have a single, “Ulano Universal Tack Level.” We took a fresh look at the common uses of masking film now, not those of a generation ago. We concluded that very few customers cut intricate designs by hand, so the need for high tack masking films was was not necessary. Ulano Universal Tack Level provides the tack level most plotter customers want, and simplifies the inventory requirements of our distributors. Although you may notice slight color changes in each, these are cosmetic and will not affect the light filtration (masking) properties of the film.

We will offer Rubylith® in 300 and 500 gauge but Amberlith® in only 300 gauge. When ordering in the future, please specify RU (Rubylith® “Universal”) or AU (Amberlith® “Universal”) and 3 or 5 mil thickness: RU3, RU5 and AU3. Our numeric codes for roll dimensions (like 202 for 40" X 150"), remain the same.

Amberlith® continues to provide perfect filtration for color-blind black-and-white camera film and for screen process photographic materials.

Rubylith® offers extended spectral protection suitable for platemaking and contact work for masking of photo-sensitive materials with orthchromatic sensitivity, and, of course, screen process photo stencil making.

Rubylith® RU3 and Amberlith® AU3 - Amberlith was discontinued in December 2007

Rubylith® RU5 - Universal Tack on 500-Gauge Polyester Backing

We Invented Masking Film

The Ulano Corporation gained worldwide recognition within the graphic arts industry with the invention and promotion of the first masking film: Rubylith^®. Rubylith^® is used in every segment of the graphic arts and has gained such prominence that the Rubylith^® brand has become synonymous with masking film, much as Kleenex is synonymous with facial tissue. Ulano continues to produce and distribute Rubylith^® and Amberlith^® products to a broad graphic arts customer base, which includes the screen printing industry.

Rubylith^® and Amberlith^® brand masking films are "light safe" knife cut films coated onto a polyester backing sheet. These films can be cut manually or on a plotter to produce masks for film contacting and plate making and film positives for photographic stencil production.

Rubylith^® Masking Film

Rubylith^® is a red masking film, which is suited for use with orthochromatic films. Rubylith^® is "safe" for use with camera speed darkroom films as well as indirect gelatin stencil films and diazo, diazo acrylic, or SBQ sensitized stencil films or emulsions. Rubylith^® is primarily used in the camera and plate making operations for offset lithography, flexography, gravure, and screen processes where orthochromatic films and plates are used.

Amberlith Masking Film
Amberlith^® is used primarily in the production of stencils for screen process printing. The amber film is easier to see through than the red, particularly when several sheets of film are overlaid to prepare color separations. Amberlith^® is an amber masking film. Amberlith^® is "safe" for use with indirect gelatin stencil films and diazo, diazo acrylic, or SBQ sensitized stencil films or emulsions. Amberlith^® is not "safe" for use with camera speed darkroom films.