A system and method for applying a thick layer of luminescent emissive material, such as phosphor, to a substrate, such as a data storage cartridge, is provided whereby a luminescent emissive material is mixed with a binder, the mixture is dispensed onto a mesh screen placed over a substrate, and the mixture is then pushed through the mesh screen and applied to the substrate at a predetermined thickness. The predetermined thickness of the deposited phosphor layer is preferably between about 8 and 12 mils.