How To Reclaim a Screen for Screen Printing
Reclaiming a screen is a basic step in the screen printing process, but learning the basics can sometimes feel overwhelming when it comes to screen printing. Equip yourself with the right screen printing products, and the right knowledge, to avoid frustration when reclaiming a screen. Check out our easy step-by-step guide on how to reclaim your screen after screen printing.
STEP 1: Wet The Screen
The first step to reclaiming your screen is to wet the screen on both sides. Clean off any excess ink from your screen using Chroma/Screen Wash 920. If your screen is already clean, then simply wet your screen with water.
STEP 2: Apply Screen Reclaimer
Next you will want to remove the emulsion from your screen using a screen reclaimer. Apply Chroma/Strip Screen Reclaimer to both sides of the screen and let soak for 15-30 seconds. Pro Tip: Never let screen reclaimer dry on your screen.
STEP 3: Scrub Emulsion
Scrub both sides of the screen with a brush until you can see the emulsion start to break down. We don't recommend using a scrub pad, which will start to break down and will leave little particles in your screen. Instead, we recommend a soft nylon bristle scrub with no metal on it.
STEP 4: Remove Emulsion with Pressure Washer
Remove the emulsion by rinsing both sides of the screen with a pressure washer. Without the proper pressure you will have a hard time getting the emulsion to wash out completely. 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. When using a pressure washer, always wear ear protection. Pro Tip: If some parts of your screen are washing out fine, but other areas are being stubborn, your screen may not have been coated evenly.
STEP 5: Apply Degreaser or Dry Screen
After you have removed all the emulsion from your screen you can add a degreaser, such as Chroma/Clean Degreaser, to the screen and degrease the screen. Or just dry the screen and degrease when you are ready to use it next.
Click below to watch a video in which Mick Orr, Applications & Training Specialist for Chromaline Screen Print Products, shows in detail how to reclaim a screen.
Contact Chromaline Today
If you have any further questions about reclaiming a screen for screen printing, please contact us today.
