The Basic Chemicals Used To Screen Print Tee Shirts

This is the place to talk about what it takes to get started. This would include what equipment to buy, space requirements, electrical needs and anything related to getting ready to begin screen printing. Have a question regarding what it takes to screen print tee shirts? Please post them here...

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The Basic Chemicals Used To Screen Print Tee Shirts

Post by Catspit Productions »

I was very busy this week in the shop and in the office. I meant to upload this video Wednesday or Thursday morning but it actually uploaded late last evening. This is a video I made in response to a very general question I get asked on a weekly basis. I thought this video would be a better way to answer the question without copying and pasting the same prewritten answer for everyone. And we all know people like to watch videos more than read long messages. So here is a summary rundown of the basic chemicals used in screenprinting tee shirts. For some this may be redundant but for others this may be very helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9FjQDmffbk

Mesh abrader - This product is used to abrade or rough up new mesh fibers so the liquid emulsions will adhere to the mesh well. Only use mesh abrader once on new screens to increase your ability to achieve high detail and halftones.

Mesh prep - This is used to degrease and remove debris or dirt from screen mesh in order to increase emulsion to mesh adhesion and eliminate pinholes.

Emulsion - This is used to make the stencil. It’s a direct photosensitive liquid that is applied to the screen mesh. Dual cure emulsions have a wider exposure latitude and longer exposure times. Photopolymers emulsions have a more narrow exposure range with shorter exposure times.

Press wash - This is a solvent for either plastisol or water based screen printing inks. Please check the specifications for each product. It cleans the ink from screens, squeegees, ink scoops and other tools. This is designed to be used on press when the screen is to be reused and/or kept for future usage.

Ink wash - This is a solvent for either plastisol or water based screen printing inks. Please check the specifications for each product. It cleans the ink from screens, squeegees, ink scoops and other tools. It tends to be more aggressive on finishes and emulsions. This ink solvent is excellent at removing stains and may often be used in the washout booth with water to rinse degraded inks off screens. Use this ink solvent before reclaiming screens for reuse.

Emulsion remover - This product removes the stencil without damaging the screen mesh. Use this product when you want to remove a stencil and reuse the screen. This is used during the screen making and reclaiming process.

Haze/stain remover - This is used to remove any stains in the screen mesh before degreasing and recoating with emulsion for stencil making. It will remove stubborn haze images and allow ink to pass freely through mesh openings eliminating printing problems with reused screens.
Jonathan Monaco
Catspit Productions, LLC
Learn how to screen print tee shirts!

http://catspitscreenprintsupply.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/CatspitProductions