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screen printing => Ink and Chemicals => Topic started by: Logoman on May 27, 2015, 04:53:11 PM

Title: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
Post by: Logoman 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
Title: Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
Post by: Screen Medics 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.
Title: Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
Post by: Colin 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 ;)
Title: Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
Post by: LuckyFlyinROUSH on May 27, 2015, 10:34:37 PM
Oderless Mineral Spirits. $8 a gal.

Or GR6V 
Title: Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
Post by: Printficient on May 28, 2015, 09:33:59 AM
Xenon Plastiwash or F.S.I.C.
Title: Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
Post by: mk162 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.
Title: Re: Chemicals for cleaning screens?
Post by: jvanick 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.