[TableSyrup]

Ok, I am using International Coatings HP Poly White, as well as a Yellow, Orange, and Green - all IC - for a new job.

I will need to be switching between colors on a run tonight and tomorrow and looking for any pointers for changing color - same design - different colors...

In the past, especially with the white, I have had a very hard time getting the ink cleaned off and out of the screen.... it tends to smear like crazy....

I would like to save the white for last since it is the most difficult to clean, but I am concerned that if I dont get it perfectly clear I am going to contaminate the white.... regardless, I have been having issues getting any colors completely out

I have been using Chemical Consultants NW Ink Wash

I also just picked up some Screen Systems 2550 Screen Wash thinking maybe my other stuff just sucked???

This has been a huge ongoing issue for me, so any help would be appreciated... I am nearly to the point of making duplicate screens just to handle color change quickly

This can't be right....

Thank You

 

[20vK]

Card off as much as possible first (ink cards or squeegie). This is the most important step.

Use an old shirt to mop up remaining ink (not paper towels - these do nothing for me)

Spray ink cleaner onto screen and use t-shirt straight away.

The ink should clean up nice and quickly

Richie

 

[TableSyrup]

Thanx, I've been carding, but haven't been using fabric... I'll give that a go.

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[o rangutang]

i have not posted here on this forum for years and only got into screen printing for a short time years ago. so here goes and this is like an exam for me.

but i would never consider cleaning an ink off to put another color on the same screen. i would duplicate the design on to another screen. too easy! OR! hit the screen with the water blaster. you have to clean 'em at the end of the printing day anyway.

did i pass?

 

[Preston]

Simple,

1. Start with the lightest color and end with the darkest color.
2. Remove all the ink.
3. Spray with an ink degradent.
4. Lightly scrub with a screen scrubber to imulsify the ink.
5. Roll up a scrap t-shirt and place it at the top of the screen.
6. Take a clean squeegee and starting at the bottom pull the squeege to the top of the screen pushing the emulsified ink into the rolled up t-shirt.
7. Take the scrap t-shirt and wipe the rest out of the top of the screen.
8. Put the next darkest color in, print a test or two and then print.
9. Repeat steps 2 - 8 until done.

 

[WHCustomRainMan]

i found the fastest way to do an ink change is to us fast open screen opener (aerosol can) and an old test print shirt (pure cotton)...scrape out as much ink as u can...use a few dustless paper towel like wipes or whatever u use (paper towels will prob work)...wipe out as much ink with the screen opener and paper towel as u can...this will leave a haze...take the cotton test print shirt and just wad it up in ur hand (dont fold it!!!) and use it and the screen opener to remove haze...this really doesnt take that long...maybe like a minute...and use whatever ink wash u have on hand if u dont have the screen opener.
later

 

[ScreenFoo]

Seems to be pretty well laid out--I'd emphasize the more ink you get out before you start wiping, the better off you are, and you also, sometimes you don't need to use a press wash or degradent--I rarely use press wash on color changes from medium colors to very dark ones, or black.

 

[TableSyrup]

Now I'm curious....

I have:

Chemical Consultants NW Ink Wash & Screen Systems 2550 Screen Wash

Are these NOT intended for color change on press???
Any issue with using these rather than a 'press wash' ??

 

[Preston]

i found the fastest way to do an ink change is to us fast open screen opener (aerosol can) and an old test print shirt (pure cotton)...

The problem with using screen opener is that if your emulsion is under exposed it can lock the emulsion into the mesh making reclaiming hard if not impossible. Be very careful with this stuff.

 

[DedMan]

as others have said go light to dark with your ink changes. Screen Opener is quick but it can damage your stencil as Roy said and has health concerns. From White to Yellow and Yellow to Orange I would just card out all the excess ink , put the new ink in and do 3 or 4 test prints until the old ink is clear and go. Changing to Green will require using a solvent or ink degradent (we use mineral spirits) and a cloth rag or old shirt to clean the ink out.

 

[doskalata]

Ive had issues with using screen wash 147, the solvent leaves a residue that prevents tapes from adhering.

Any tips in removing the residue?

 

[sben763]

I use some alcohol 91% medical grade to remove residue. You can also use some instant screen opener but that stuff stinks up the entire shop.

 

[beanie357]

We have color changes regularly.
We fell in love with franmars color change.
In fact, we use it instead of the premade wipes for hand and press area cleanup. Cut up rags, spray some on, wheee!

Rest of the procedures outlined are on the money.

 

[mmonk]

i have not posted here on this forum for years and only got into screen printing for a short time years ago. so here goes and this is like an exam for me.

but i would never consider cleaning an ink off to put another color on the same screen. i would duplicate the design on to another screen. too easy! OR! hit the screen with the water blaster. you have to clean 'em at the end of the printing day anyway.

did i pass?

nope...lol

 

[mmonk]

We have color changes regularly.
We fell in love with franmars color change.
In fact, we use it instead of the premade wipes for hand and press area cleanup. Cut up rags, spray some on, wheee!

Rest of the procedures outlined are on the money.

LOVE Franmars!

 

[reelguitars]

Lacquer thinner...

 

[williekid]

Odorless mineral spirits. Like $13 at home depot. Cost less than what they sell you at your local vendor and you get a whole gallon of it and it doesnt stink.

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