If you’re a screen printer, chances are the words “reclaiming screens” don’t exactly spark joy. We get it — scraping gunk and scrubbing screens ranks right up there with a root canal on the fun scale.
The good news? We've put together the ultimate guide to make reclaiming screens as quick and painless as possible. No more wrestling with dried ink and emulsion.
Ready to transform reclaiming from dreadful to effortless? Let’s do this.
When it comes to reclaiming screens, you've got options. Let's compare the key steps for old-school manual reclamation versus modern dip tank cleaning.
Before diving into the reclaim process, take a minute to gear up! Chemical safety data sheets outline the minimum protective equipment for working with cleaners and solvents. Often, that means donning rubber gloves and safety glasses.
For those who prefer hands-on cleaning, grab your spray bottles and get scrubbing:
A dip tank simplifies reclamation by automating some of the tough work:
Either reclamation method works great if done properly. Manual cleaning gives you more control over the process. Dip tanks automate much of the grunt work. Choose the option that best fits your workflow and budget. The important thing is that your screens get squeaky clean and reclaimed with care.
Like death and taxes, some amount of staining is inevitable when it comes to reclaiming screens. No matter how hard you scrub or power wash, you'll eventually encounter ghost images and stubborn ink stains lurking in your mesh.
Before you toss in the reclaiming towel, know there are a few common culprits to blame for excess staining:
Reclaiming screens is a breeze when you avoid the common mistakes. Steer clear of these goofs and save yourself a major headache down the road:
Don't skip this key step of a final gentle spray to remove any leftover gunk. Forgetting it leaves chemicals behind and makes a mess of things later. Give your screens some TLC with a thorough flood rinse when you're done.
Take time to walk new staffers through proper reclaiming techniques so they get off on the right foot. Proper training means less frustration (for them and you!).
We know reading manuals is oh-so-exciting. But take a few minutes to go over directions before trying new products. Those minutes could save hours of headaches later.
Resist the urge to cut corners with bargain bin tapes or chemicals you'll just fight to remove later. Quality supplies make reclaiming easier. Cheap ones create more work.
Leaving ink to dry on screens between print jobs? Rookie mistake. Hop to it and reclaim quickly for easier cleaning. The longer the ink dries, the harder it'll be to remove.
Choosing the right reclaiming chemicals is crucial for effective screen reclamation. The ideal cleaners can power through ink, emulsion, stains, and more in one swipe.
At Easiway, our versatile 701 Screen Wash tackles it all — from stubborn ink to ghost images — leaving screens pristine.
For recommendations on dip tanks and other reclaiming gear that pairs perfectly with our cleaners, our team is here. We love helping customers find the ideal solutions for smooth, sparkling screen reclamation every time.
With the right chemicals and equipment, reclaiming screens becomes quick, easy, and efficient.