![]() ![]() ![]() After that, use the exact same process on the outside (print side) of the screen. Next go around the inside (squeegee side) of the frame, one stroke around all four sides going counter-clockwise, then the same going clockwise. Then scrub the whole screen at approximately a 45 degree angle, switch (90 degrees) and scrub in the opposite direction. Next scrub the mesh horizontally left to right working in rows from top to bottom then vertically scrub up and down working in columns from the left side of the screen to the right. Then do the exact opposite, that is, small, clockwise circles working from the lower right to upper left corner. A good technique is to start at the upper left-hand corner, using small, counter-clockwise circular motions and moving left to right in descending rows towards the lower right-hand corner. Using a scrub brush, (the long bristle kind with a handle is recommended, but almost any kind will do) methodically scrub the ENTIRE surface area of the mesh, starting with the inside, or squeegee side, first.It is possible to use a dishwashing detergent (like Dawn®) but a degreaser designed for degreasing silkscreens is best because it will not contain dyes, perfumes and other things you don’t need (those things can leave residue). Wet both sides of screen mesh thoroughly with water.It’s always easier to prevent a problem than fix it. These spots will invariably be in an area of the screen that is difficult or impossible to touch up or fix later. Failure to degrease properly will trap dirt, dust and oils that may cause streaking during coating and numerous other problems, including “fish-eyes” which are a result of oils (such as from fingers during handling) which will repel liquid emulsion leaving small open areas. Even new mesh on a screen will have small amounts of dirt, dust and oils from handling before you received it. The primary reason for this is to eliminate oils and other contaminates from the mesh prior to coating. ![]() If you have any further questions about reclaiming a screen for screen printing, please contact us today.Degreasing is not always absolutely required, but it is always highly recommended. ![]() NOTE: When using a pressure washer, always wear ear protection. Rinse both sides of the screen with pressure washer. Scrub with a brush until the emulsion starts to break down.Ĥ. Apply Chroma/Strip and let soak for 15-30 seconds. Scrub with a brush until you can see the emulsion start to break down and rinse with a pressure washer.Ģ. NEVER let the emulsion remover dry on the screen. Spray on the emulsion remover and let it soak in for about 15-30 seconds. You need around 1000-1500 PSI to properly blow the emulsion out of the mesh after the emulsion remover has been applied to the screen.Īnd finally, how you apply the emulsion remover is important. Without the proper pressure you will have a hard time getting the emulsion to wash out completely. The next thing to consider when reclaiming your screen is water pressure. If some parts of your screen are washing out fine, but other areas are being stubborn, your screen may not be coated evenly. An unevenly coated screen can cause issues when you try to reclaim the screen. First things first, make sure your screen is coated properly. When it comes to removing emulsion from your screen, there are a few things to consider. Your best best is to cut out the screen with a razor and have the frame re-meshed.Ĭlick below to watch a video in which Mick Orr, Applications & Training Specialist for Chromaline Screen Print Products, shows in detail what happens when you let emulsion remover dry on your screen. Unfortunately, the emulsion is now locked into the screen and the mesh is no longer any good. Once the emulsion remover dries on the screen, you will no longer be able to reclaim that screen. What can I do? Is my screen ruined?Įmulsion remover should NEVER be allowed to dry on your screen. The emulsion remover is now completely dried on the stencil and I can't get the emulsion to wash off. I applied Chroma/Strip screen reclaimer but then I got distracted with a phone call and forgot about it. I went to reclaim my screen after printing. In this Q&A, Mick addresses a common question we receive about what to do when emulsion remover dries on the screen during the reclaiming process. ![]()
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