To effectively strip a screen print screen and prepare it for reuse, the crucial first step is removing the ink. This initial process lays the foundation for the subsequent removal of the emulsion.
Preparing Your Screen: The Essential First Step
Before you can strip the emulsion from a screen printing screen, you must thoroughly clean off all residual ink. According to the reference, this ink removal is the vital starting point for reclaiming your screen.
Here's how to perform the initial ink removal step, based on the process described:
Step-by-Step Ink Removal
Follow these steps carefully to remove the ink before proceeding to strip the screen:
- Remove Bulk Ink: Begin by using a card or spatula to scrape off the majority of the ink directly from the screen surface.
- Apply Screen Wash: Next, apply a light spray of a specialized cleaner like Chroma/Screen Wash iSC onto the screen.
- Work In Circular Motion: Using a soft nylon or bristle brush, work the screen wash into the mesh using a circular motion. This helps loosen and lift the remaining ink.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Finish this stage with a low-pressure water rinse to wash away the dissolved ink and cleaner, leaving the mesh clear of ink residue.
| Step | Action | Tool/Product |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Bulk Removal | Scrape off main ink deposits | Card or Spatula |
| 2: Apply Cleaner | Lightly spray screen wash | Chroma/Screen Wash iSC |
| 3: Agitate | Work cleaner into mesh in circles | Soft Nylon or Bristle Brush |
| 4: Rinse | Wash away ink and cleaner with water | Low-Pressure Water Source |
Completing this ink removal phase is essential. Failure to remove the ink adequately will prevent the emulsion remover (the product used for the actual "stripping") from working correctly and can lead to ghost images or stains on the screen mesh. Once the ink is completely gone, you can then move on to applying an emulsion remover to dissolve the stencil layer.
