I've been using black Versatex water-based ink to screen print posters. After I am done printing, I rinse the ink out as best I can using warm water. However, no matter how well I rinse and scrub, the ink seems to stain the mesh. Even after I remove the emulsion, I can clearly see the image that I printed ghosted into the screen. I bought some HR 2020 Haze Remover from ryanrss, but it had very little effect. When I called the company, they said that it didn't work because the ink I used was water-based, not plastisol. So I contacted Jacqaurd Inks (the makers of Versatex), and asked them what to use to remove a water-based ink stain. She seemed confused and told me to use equal parts bleach and water. I tried this and nothing.
Is there anything that will successfully remove this water-based ink ghost image from my screen? I'd hate to think it is permanent after only one use... I need it to be clean because it is nearly impossible to line up my screen when there are dark stains throughout the mesh.
Please help!
-JohnBen
P.S. I don't have access to a pressure washer. Only a garden hose and sprayer...
I use a lot of WB inks as well. For me, Franmar D-Haze is the best for removing ghost images. You just have to make sure to do it after every print run. Also, don't ever let your screens sit after printing with WB inks. Clean them right away. It makes a world of difference.
I also just ordered some ink cleaner made specifically for WB inks from silkscreeningsupplies.com. I hope this stuff works well too.
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Thanks for your reply Neato! I'll have to try that stuff out. Do you know if you can use the D-Haze before removing the stencil? A lot of times I will print a run of posters in a day, then clean my screen out, only to print some more the next day. I guess my question is, what is the best way to fully clean the screen of any ink while still leaving the emulsion intact?
Dehazer is essentially mega-stripper. It won't leave your emulsion intact. Personally I also wouldn't use it without a pressure washer and a proper wash out booth (it may not even be legal to). Maybe there are gentler products on the market than what I'm used to though.
While that's not what I meant, in Australia at least that will happen (if it hasn't already). Water restrictions are in effect around the country. It's only a matter of time before the entire world regulates what you're allowed to waste water on, and efficiency will be key.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ImageIt
Maybe i miss read your post, but here in america there is no legislation which defines a proper washout booth from a sink, tub or shower stall.
But there is legislation on what is drain safe, which is what defines a proper washout booth.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ImageIt
If the washout booth only has a high pressure power washer, how will you wash out your eyes???
That's easily fixed by not making it the only source of water
I'm guessing (haven't needed to try it) that a pump bottle full of water would work about as well. (I've printed in a few locations, and the only location I've actually used dehazer has a proper eye wash station so it hasn't been a concern, plus safety googles or face masks minimise that risk to near nothing).
Water-based Ink Haze Remover? 
