Here you can discuss any issues related to working with water based screen printing inks. This would include curing, heat setting, mixing colors, additives, brands, usages and much more.
Great website and videos, always find your stuff helpful! I'm having some issues. I am using Permaset black ink onto 300gsm paper for artwork. The first print is ok but then the paper starts coming off onto the mesh in places - any idea why this is? I didn't leave a gap between screen and paper at first but I tried it with a gap which was better but still having issues. Is there any type of paper I should or shouldn't be using for this? How much pressure should there be? Secondly and more disastrously I made a mistake of using water based acrylic paint with emulsion made for water based inks. This has totally messed up my screen. Part of the image is there and wont was off as has some of the emulsion - I've tried everything! Is my screen ruined? I realise this is totally my own fault!
It maybe the ink is drying as you print and sticking to the paper. Or the paper is not appropriate for the printing. I am unfamiliar with specific papers so I can’t help much there but make sure to back flood when you are printing and keep the stencil moist with ink. Work fast and never let the screen sit open without ink flooded in the stencil. You may also want to think about using a retarder additive to the ink so it slows down the drying time.
The print pressure with papers and other very smooth surfaces should be on the lighter side depending on ink thickness. A harder squuegee may also help out. Lower off contact will be best for this paper printing.
If the acrylic ink or paint you used caused screen lock in the emulsion then it is ruined. If you can’t remove the stencil with emulsion remover and a pressure washer then it is ruined.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!
Permaset does sell a retarder, as jonathan says but you also need to keep a spray bottle with water in it as a back up if you don't flood as previously said.
Also, having never printed onto paper, don't you need some sort of vacuum table to print onto paper?
As a UK member myself, which part of the country are you in?
Yes a vacuum pallet would help greatly but it is not totally necessary. You can use minor amounts of spray tack to keep the poster board down or you can peel it off the back of the screen after lifting it up. That is a dangerous way and can ruin the print if you are not careful. You can also use masking tape at the corners to hold it down. That can work on smaller pieces of substrate.
But yeah many people use a water bottle spray to help keep the screen moist and flowing. It's worth having around to work with water based inks.I have always gotten away with back flooding and working fast LOL....
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!
