You can remove screen ink from clothes using rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball.
Screen printing ink, often made of plastisol, can be stubborn but is not impossible to remove if treated carefully. The reference provided suggests a specific method utilizing rubbing alcohol to break down the ink.
Method Using Rubbing Alcohol
This technique is straightforward and requires common household items. It focuses on dissolving the ink binder so it can be removed.
Materials Needed
Here are the supplies you'll need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton balls
- Plastic scraper or fingernail
- Washing machine (for final step)
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps carefully to remove the screen ink:
- Prepare: Dampen a cotton ball thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Ensure it is wet but not dripping excessively.
- Apply: Gently dab the alcohol-soaked cotton ball directly onto the screen-printed area of the clothing.
- Soak: Allow the alcohol to soak into the ink for a few minutes. This gives the alcohol time to penetrate and start dissolving the ink.
- Scrape: Gently scrape the softened ink off the fabric using a plastic scraper or even your fingernail. Be careful not to damage the fabric during this process. You may need to repeat steps 2 and 3 if the ink does not come off easily.
- Clean: Wash the shirt in a washing machine according to its care instructions. This step is crucial to remove any residual ink particles and the remaining rubbing alcohol from the fabric.
Summary Table
| Materials | Steps |
|---|---|
| Rubbing alcohol | 1. Dampen cotton ball with rubbing alcohol. |
| Cotton balls | 2. Dab on printed area; let soak a few minutes. |
| Plastic scraper/ | 3. Gently scrape ink off. |
| Fingernail | 4. Wash the shirt to remove remaining alcohol and ink residue. |
Using rubbing alcohol is one approach for tackling screen print ink on garments, focusing on dissolving the ink's binding agents. Always test the method on an inconspicuous area of the garment first to ensure it doesn't damage or discolor the fabric.
