Reclaiming

This section is all about how to reclaim screens by removing the stencil with emulsion remover. Topics include working with emulsion removers, pressure washers, trouble shooting and waste disposal concerns.

Moderators: Shamax, Leadfoot, ApeShirt, Catspit Productions

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upperhandprinting
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Reclaiming

Post by upperhandprinting »

Thought everyone might like to see what reclaim days look like at the shop. Notice the tape mountain in the corner! We have a dip tank so all of these really aren't too tough. We hit the screen with a bit of ink degradeant and loosen it up with a brush, throw it in the dip tank, and then hit it with the pressure washer. Then just debase a bit and we're ready to let them dry and reuse. I remember thinking doing 6 color jobs and reclaiming sucked. Now I feel like 6 isn't even worth doing at a time! Ha. Ah the life of a screen printer!!

Cheers guys
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nswpr
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Re: Reclaiming

Post by nswpr »

Nice, I need to get a dip tank.
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Reclaiming

Post by Catspit Productions »

I remember those days myself. It can be a very wet job at times.

Even bigger shops may have a dishwasher type unit that does this automatically. It can reclaim and prep the screen as the screen moves through the machine like an industrial restaurant dishwashing machine.

Bu there’s nothing like a day of reclaiming manually ;)
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hollywoodshirts
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Re: Reclaiming

Post by hollywoodshirts »

if you have any questions about reclaiming and are in the Hollywood, CA area, please feel free to stop by our shop! we reclaim manually and do it every 3 weeks or so.

Check us out at HollywoodScreenPrinting.com if you'd like to see what else we can do for you!
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ncpawprinter
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Re: Reclaiming

Post by ncpawprinter »

Hey Johnathan,
I watched one of your youtube videos on reclaiming. The presure washer you used had two triggers, one for high pressure and another for regular line pressure. I was wondering what pressure washer it is (make or model) and where you got it. I'm in need of a pressure washer and really liked the concept of two settings for pressure usage instead of running a line splitter and having a separate hose for regular line pressure.

Thanks. Shawn
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Reclaiming

Post by Catspit Productions »

Hello Shawn,

That was an old unit from Home Depot and I forget the brand name. But they discontinued it sort of by renaming the same line Homelite I think. So you can check there. But I will tell you that the secondary water line burst on mine and I was unable to replace it. So it’s very cool but may be overcomplicated in that if that line breaks then it sucks... LOL.

But it could still be used as a pressure washer. But later it died and I finally got a professional unit.





http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/rs1 ... eavy-duty/

I know it is more costly but I share the info so you know what’s out there. But if you get one like I had at the Home Depot it will work for a long time if your usage is minimal. You only really need a heavy duty unit if you use it daily or even for several hours weekly.

It is a pain to have to hoses going to the washout booth I admit. But the splitter works well so I can use the garden hose for washing out screens.
Jonathan Monaco
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ncpawprinter
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Re: Reclaiming

Post by ncpawprinter »

Johnathan,
Thanks for the detailed response. I'm looking to get a pressure washer ASAP and just need a cheep one for now. When the day comes that I need to replace it, I'll look into a more industrialized washer like you have. Thanks again.
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Reclaiming

Post by Catspit Productions »

You're very welcome ;)
Jonathan Monaco
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Jimdi77
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Re: Reclaiming-chemical?

Post by Jimdi77 »

Can anyone recommend a good reclaiming chemical? I am using a green(safe environmental one) and I am wasting a ton of time spraying, scrubbing, respraying and scrubbing again to get it all off. It would be nice to spray it let is sit and then spray it all off. Is there such a thing?
Thanks
Jim Wilson
Methodmedia.com
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Catspit Productions
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Re: Reclaiming

Post by Catspit Productions »

Saati ER2 will do the trick. You can dilute it to make up to 9 gallons or mix it stronger for those tough screens. Then their haze remover will remove any remaining stains.

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/saa ... ncentrate/

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/saa ... n-remover/

Also make sure to use a pressure washer of course ;)
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
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