THE BASICS
Reclaiming or de-coating a screen simply means completly cleaning off the old image to allow you to re-use your screen.
WHY RECLAIM? Well, quite frankly, its going to cost you a bomb if you are purchasing a new screen everytime you want to change your image.
HOW? There are 3 main methods which can be used;
- The manual method.
- The dip tank method.
- The automated machine (way to advanced for our little studio!!)
HOW TO RECLAIM A SCREEN – THE MANUAL METHOD
If you have a small studio, home set up or only want to reclaim a couple of screens in one session – this is for you. Here are the steps you need to take;
STEP 1: Remove ink. If you have been using plastisol ink, we have a great reccomendation for easy plastisol removal. The product is featured in our video, links below. If you have been using waterbased ink – just use a sponge and some water.
STEP 2: Apply de-coater. We mix a small amount in a bucket and use a scrubbing brush to apply over the emulsion. Keep scrubbing and you will start to see the emulsion breaking down. Then scrub a little bit more.
STEP 3: Powerwash. We use a Karcher K6 powerwasher (link below) to remove emulsion. Spray the screen until it is completly clean.
STEP 4: De-grease. This step is often underestimated. DO NOT SKIP DEGREASING!!! Degreasing a screen allows for a perfect coat of emulsion when you need to reuse you screen.
HOW TO RECLAIM A SCREEN – THE DIP TANK METHOD
If you have a dedicated printing studio, a larger set up or just want to de-coat your screens on mass – this is for you. Here are the steps you need to take;
STEP 1: Remove ink. While this is not essential, we prefer to remove ink before dipping to give our diptank a longer lifespan. Also, if your screen is clear of ink before dipping – it’s likely to have a better result with less/no ghosting.
STEP 2: Dip that screen! Put that screen right into the dip tank and leave it there for 2 minutes. You want to take it out as the emulsion starts to soften and avoid letting emulsion fall off into the tank.
STEP 3: Powerwash. This is going to wash off a dream. Enjoy yourself!
STEP 4: De-grease. After degreasing you need too keep your screens in a dust free area. You can purchase special screen ovens which are great but keeping your studio clean is a cheaper alternative.
THE LOWDOWN
MANUAL DE-COATING;
- Cheap as hell!
- Great for small runs.
- You can reclaim a screen ANY size.
- Labour intensive.
- Slower process.
DIP TANK METHOD;
- Quick!
- Great for multiple screens.
- Cheaper long term.
- You need dedicated space.
- You can’t reclaim massive screens.
I’m sure there are loads more pros and cons to add to this list but these are just a few things that we like to consider in our studio.
If you make the jump into purchasing a new dip tank or you just like to keep it simple, let us know! Tag us on Instagram, we would love to see what you’ve got going on!
I STILL CAN’T GET IT RIGHT?!?
Yeah – Sometimes you might have a crazy stubbon screen or an ink which just wont budge. Which ever method you use, its not improving… this happens.
If your struggling, we have a detailed video showing all the troubleshooting from locked in emulsion, adhesive residue and de-hazing/ghosting.
You can get your hands on that video here:
STILL STRUGGLING?
Ahh f*ck it, just let us do it for you!
We provide a screen exposure service on our website. You can either send your old screen to be cleaned and re-exposed or we can send you a brand new screen with your image exposed. We even have a deep clean service if your screen is super stubbon! Check out these services here: https://www.squeegeeandink.co.uk/product-category/screen-print-consumables/
LINKS
DISCOUNT CODE : CRP5
If you are purchasing anything from the Screen Print World website, use our discount code at the checkout
Plastisol ink remover by Franmar
EasiSolv 500 by Easiway
Screen degreaser by Franmar
Waterbased ink remover
Dip Tank by Easiway
Discount code for Screen Print World : CRP5
_____________________________________________
WATCH FULL TUTORIAL HERE
Check out our overview video below:
