Author Topic: Chemicals for cleaning screens?  (Read 1487 times)

Offline Logoman

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Chemicals for cleaning screens?
« on: May 27, 2015, 04:53:11 PM »
I saw on here where someone had gone to TSC and purchased a 5 gal chemical to clean ink from screens. I went back to find the name but had no luck. Anyone know what it could be?
Thx


Offline Screen Medics

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Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
« Reply #1 on: May 27, 2015, 08:16:51 PM »
Consider changing to XYLOL for removing ink from screens.  Vastex calls for it to remove ink from their numbering screens because it does not degrade the emulsion on the screen.  Regular screen washes do impact emulsion.  We pay under $80.00 for 5 gallons from a paint store.  We get it from Rodda paint right now but box stores like Home Depot have it too.

It is almost as smelly as paint thinner, which is what commercial painters use it for.  It cuts ink quickly with minimal mess.

We have used it for over 5 years and our same numbering screens have been cleaned with it all of that time without having to be reclaimed do to deteriorated emulsion.

Let me know your thoughts on this.

Offline Colin

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Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
« Reply #2 on: May 27, 2015, 09:44:20 PM »
Thats just Xylene.

If you are using a solvent resistant emulsion you can use it to clean screens.  But it's not the friendliest ink cleaner out there by any means ;)
Been in the industry since 1996.  5+ years with QCM Inks.  Been a part of shops of all sizes and abilities both as a printer and as an Artist/separator.  I am now the Ink and Chemical Product Manager at Ryonet.

Offline LuckyFlyinROUSH

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Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
« Reply #3 on: May 27, 2015, 10:34:37 PM »
Oderless Mineral Spirits. $8 a gal.

Or GR6V 
I spend too much money on equipment...

Offline Printficient

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Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
« Reply #4 on: May 28, 2015, 09:33:59 AM »
Xenon Plastiwash or F.S.I.C.
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Offline mk162

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Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
« Reply #5 on: May 28, 2015, 09:37:40 AM »
i would avoid mineral spirits, it's usually really bad for squeegees.

plastiwash is a great option.

Offline jvanick

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Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
« Reply #6 on: May 28, 2015, 10:18:54 AM »
Plastiwash works great...

we've had the same 10 gallons in our parts washer here for well over a year now, and it's still working great... filter out the sludge every month or 2 and away you go.

on press, which we RARELY do, FSIC is great as it doesn't leave a residue.