Cleaning your xTool screen printer screen properly is crucial for achieving high-quality prints and prolonging the life of your screen. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Steps to Clean Your xTool Screen Printing Screen:
-
Remove Excess Ink: Immediately after printing, use a spatula or scoop to remove as much excess ink as possible from the screen surface. This will make the cleaning process much easier. Dispose of the excess ink properly according to local regulations.
-
Apply Screen Cleaner/Solvent: Choose a screen cleaner or solvent specifically designed for the type of ink you are using (e.g., water-based, solvent-based, plastisol). Apply the cleaner liberally to both sides of the screen.
-
Scrub the Screen: Using a soft brush or a dedicated screen cleaning brush, gently scrub the entire screen surface, focusing on areas with stubborn ink residue. Ensure you clean both the print side and the squeegee side of the screen. Avoid using abrasive materials that could damage the mesh.
-
Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the screen with water (if using water-based ink or a water-miscible cleaner) or the appropriate solvent (if using solvent-based ink). Ensure all traces of ink and cleaner are removed. A pressure washer (used carefully with a low pressure setting) can be helpful for rinsing larger screens, but avoid holding it too close as you can damage the mesh.
-
Degrease (Optional but Recommended): For optimal screen preparation, especially before applying emulsion for a new design, degrease the screen with a screen degreaser. This removes any remaining oils or residues that could interfere with emulsion adhesion. Follow the degreaser's instructions carefully.
-
Rinse Again: After degreasing (if performed), rinse the screen thoroughly one last time.
-
Dry the Screen: Allow the screen to air dry completely. You can also use compressed air to speed up the drying process, ensuring no water or solvent remains in the mesh. Make sure the screen is completely dry before storing or reusing it.
Important Considerations:
- Type of Ink: Always use a cleaner compatible with the type of ink you're using. Using the wrong cleaner can damage the screen or make the ink more difficult to remove.
- Safety: Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and eye protection, when handling screen cleaners and solvents. Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Mesh Tension: Be careful not to apply excessive pressure when cleaning the screen, as this can affect the mesh tension and distort the image.
- Emulsion Removal (If Necessary): If you need to remove the emulsion from the screen to create a new design, use a screen stencil remover according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Troubleshooting:
- Stubborn Ink: If ink remains after cleaning, try using a stronger screen cleaner or allowing the cleaner to soak on the screen for a longer period before scrubbing.
- Ghost Images: "Ghost images" or faint outlines of previous designs can sometimes remain on the screen. Screen haze removers can help to remove these ghost images.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your xTool screen printer screen and maintain its quality for many prints to come.
