[KaceMN]

So...I assume most people who are faced with a front/back print order use only one screen (provided it's a one-color order), burning each placement on either end of the screen. So you tape off your back stencil (on the ink side) while you print the fronts of the shirts...that way you protect the unused stencil from clogging with residue. However, when you finish printing the fronts, you can't tape off that stencil from the ink side as it won't adhere well...but when you tape it off from the shirt side of the screen, the tape adhesive reacts with the ink passing over top and clogs the stencil. In my experience...unclogging this isn't a particularly easy task...which turns out to be a huge pain when you inevitably need to print ONE MORE SHIRT that your customer forgot to order.

So, my question...is there a strategy that any of you use to tape off a stencil (that's already been printed through) that will keep the stencil from clogging should you need to reuse it?? Is there a type of tape that DOESN'T react to ink and clog stencils?? Or could some form of plastic patch be applied to the shirt-side of the screen and then be adhered to the screen surface around (rather than ON) the stencil.

Someone has to have a solution! Any ideas would be appreciated! Thanks in advance.

 

[stinky12]

The only solution I've found is to use a non-absorbent paper (old scrap banner, vinyl backing etc.) then
tape the edges of that paper to the edges of the design so it doesn't cover up the other design when flipped.
Just have to be careful not to push ink through when printing the other side since it's just a loose barrier and not taped directly to the shirt side design.

 

[Unik Ink]

We use old film positives to cover image areas. As mentioned, don't put pressure on the end that has already been used because you will press ink through the stencil and create a lump of ink between the mesh and film positive on the other side.

 

[KaceMN]

We use old film positives to cover image areas. As mentioned, don't put pressure on the end that has already been used because you will press ink through the stencil and create a lump of ink between the mesh and film positive on the other side.

Thanks for the replies. I was thinking of trying this...just didn't know how sloppy it would get between the transparency and the screen. I guess if you avoid running the squeegee through the area as much as possible, it's probably not an issue.

What about plain masking tape under the printed stencil?? Anybody use that? I've been experimenting over the past hour and it seems not to clog nearly as much as with clear/scotch-type tapes.

 

[Nouveau]

We use pallet tape, it works well because its easy to remove and in one piece.

 

[snackdaddy185]

Sometimes I tape aluminum foil to the shirt side of the screen.

 

[zoiko]

I use the 14 day release tape from Home depot. ( the 2" blue tape )
It works really nice, but I have also used the transfer tape I use for vinyl stickers.

 

[KaceMN]

I use the 14 day release tape from Home depot. ( the 2" blue tape )
It works really nice, but I have also used the transfer tape I use for vinyl stickers.

How much (if any) blockage do you see with the 14 day release tape??

 

[auggieboy]

I like the blue painters tape too. Just take it off and wipe both sides with some press wash as soon as your run is done. don't leave the tape on the shirt side for long periods of time with ink contacting the adhesive.
I have had the same problems when customers want one more shirt, now I always clean the tape off after the run just in case.
I also find that any of the orange based press wash's will clear that goo.

 

[zoiko]

Yeah It works really well, Sometimes if I leave on there a long time like 20 days ors so ( hey it happens ... ) I just use a little screen opener and it cleans right off.

 

[RatedOG]

Yeah It works really well, Sometimes if I leave on there a long time like 20 days ors so ( hey it happens ... ) I just use a little screen opener and it cleans right off.

Lol, I also leave the blue tape on my screens for a long time if I get lazy.

I use the blue tape that's got a 2 out of 4 or 5 adhesive rating. I cannot recall exactly what it says, think it's like low adhesive or something.

Do you ever have a problem with the squeegee pulling the tape off when printing? I always put my tape on shirt side cause I'm worried this will happen and I will get a misprint.