BY JOSHUA VALENCIA

Reclaiming screens is often one of the most dreaded parts of screen printing. But with the right tools and a solid routine, the process can be simple and efficient. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure consistently clean screens every time. Plus, watch the video for bonus visual content on the process.

What You’ll Need

To reclaim screens, gather these essentials:

• Washout booth (optional)
• Cleaning chemicals (ink cleaner, emulsion remover, haze remover, degreaser)
• Pressure washer or hose with a pressurized nozzle
• Dedicated scrub brushes for each chemical

Pro Tip: Label your scrub brushes to match the chemical they’re used for — no mix-ups, no mess!

Step One: Remove Ink

Start by scraping excess ink off the screen with a spatula or card. Do this in a dedicated area to keep ink out of drains. For ink residue, apply an ink degrader to the screen. Spray, scrub with a rag, and rinse thoroughly. If you’re reusing the screen soon, rinse well to remove any lingering pigment.

Step Two: Remove Emulsion

Once the screen is ink-free, it’s time to remove the emulsion. Spray an emulsion remover onto both sides of the screen and scrub in circular motions. Be gentle to avoid damaging the mesh.

Let the remover sit for about 30 seconds, but don’t let it dry. Rinse with a pressure washer, starting from the bottom of the screen and working your way up. Keep the nozzle about 12 inches away from the mesh to prevent damage.

For stubborn emulsion spots, repeat this step as needed.

Step Three: Remove Ghost Images

Sometimes, a faint ghost image or stain remains on the screen even after removing the emulsion. To tackle this, use a haze remover or similar cleaner. Apply the product generously to both sides of the screen, focusing on edges where residue often builds up. Scrub with a dedicated brush and let it sit for up to three minutes.

Rinse with a pressure washer and then flood rinse with a hose until the water cascades evenly down the screen.

Step Four: Degrease

For a perfectly clean screen ready for the next job, finish with a degreaser. This step helps remove any lingering residue, oils, or chemicals that could affect your coating. Spray the degreaser on both sides of the screen, scrub, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse thoroughly and inspect the screen for any spots you may have missed.

Final Touches

Wipe down the screen frames with a towel, avoiding contact with the mesh to prevent fibers from sticking. Dry the screens in a rack or cabinet with proper airflow, using fans if necessary.

Reclaiming screens doesn’t have to be a chore. Stick to these four steps, and you’ll have clean, ready-to-use screens in no time. Want an even easier solution? Consider tools like dunk tanks to streamline the process. With consistency, reclaiming will feel like a breeze!

Credit: Joshua Valencia/Ryonet