Screen cleanup: satisfying when done right, frustrating when hiccups happen. It’s a simple process, but there are nuances to properly cleaning your screens that will keep them cleaner and make them last longer. Colin Huggins is an expert at screen cleanup, and offers a few tips on the process.
In a nutshell: You’ll need Screen wash, Emulsion Remover, a cloth, a soft brush or soft scrubber and a hose or shower. After scraping off excess ink (return unused ink to the tub) give your screen a quick rinse to remove the bulk of any ink remaining.
HOW TO CLEAN WATER-BASED INKS OFF SCREENS
Water-based inks can be cleaned up with water. However, the water in water-based ink evaporates as soon as it is exposed to air. The more it evaporates, the more difficult it will be to clean. Using a product like Sgreen® Aquawash will greatly reduce the stain by picking up water-based pigments.
HOW TO CLEAN PLASTISOL INK OFF SCREENS
Since plastisol ink doesn’t dry out, it’s easy to clean, even if you’ve let the screen sit for a while. Once you’ve carded off all the excess ink, lay your screen flat and spray it with either Sgreen® Ink Degrader or Sgreen® Supreme Wash and wipe with a rag. Once the chemical is fully absorbed by the rag, repeat the process until the screen is fully clean.
Pro Tip: The difference between Supreme Wash and Ink Degrader is how quickly the chemical evaporates. Supreme Wash is meant to be an on-press cleaner because it evaporates quickly whereas Ink Degrader takes longer to evaporate, so it’s better to use once you’re done printing with that screen.
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How do you remove a silk screen image?
Dampen the silk screen area of the item that you would like to remove the image from with warm water. Apply a small amount of dish soap to the image, and scrub the area with a bottle brush. If any of the image starts to crack or peel off, continue using this method to remove as much of the image as possible.
How do you clean a silk screen logo?
Put on a pair of chemical-resistant rubber gloves. Pour an ink wash that contains propylene glycol ethers and petroleum hydrocarbons as its active ingredients into a small dishpan. Dampen a rag in the ink wash. Rub the silk screen logo with the damp rag. Continue rubbing the logo until the silk screen ink begins to disappear.
How to remove dried ink from silk screens?
There are a variety of chemicals that can be used to remove dried ink from silk screens. However, it is important to use the right chemical for the job. Some chemicals can damage the screen or cause the ink to spread. 2. Clean Your Screens as Soon as Possible: If you want to clean your screen, it is best to do it right after the ink has dried.
How do you clean a screen with a microfiber cloth?
A microfiber cloth is essential because other cloths or towels can scratch your screen. To make this simple cleaning solution: Mix one part distilled water with one part vinegar in a spray bottle. Shake well. Spray the solution onto your microfiber cloth. Never spray the cleaning solution directly onto the screen.