Maximizing Efficiency in Screen Printing: Easiway’s Expert Tips

Easiway has long been a trusted name in the screen printing industry, known for manufacturing a comprehensive range of reclaiming chemicals and equipment. While we don’t produce screen mesh or screen printing inks, our extensive experience in troubleshooting these products has made us a valuable resource for screen printers of all sizes. From small silk screen shops to large industrial plants, we’ve spent countless hours ensuring our customers get the most out of their screen printing processes.

In our journey, we’ve noticed that sometimes the most basic steps can be overlooked, regardless of the shop’s size. To help you streamline your operations, we’ve compiled 5 Quick & Easy Screen Reminders that can make a significant difference in your workflow.

1. Invest in a Back-Lit Sink or Washout Booth

If you don’t already have a back-lit sink or washout booth, it’s time to invest in one or create your own. Properly washing exposed screens in a back-lit environment reduces washout time and prevents screens from weakening due to over-washing. This setup ensures half-tones are washed correctly, resulting in fewer screen re-shoots. For our DIY customers, Easiway offers an affordable solution with our E-32 Washout Booth. It comes with an opaque backing, allowing you to easily mount light kits from a local hardware store to the back of the booth or the wall where the booth stands.

2. Proper Wetting and Washing Techniques

Gently wet both sides of the screen and let it stand for about a minute before washing the emulsion from the print side. Properly coated emulsion will be thicker and more resistant to washing outside the image area on the print side. Washing from the image side increases the likelihood of removing emulsion from non-image areas.

3. Blot Excess Water

Always blot the screen to remove excess water. Larger shops often use vacuums for this purpose. Blotting screens helps them dry faster, increasing the throughput of screens to the press. Additionally, removing excess water prevents the emulsion from weakening before it fully dries.

4. Use the Right Vacuum Nozzle

If you use a vacuum, ensure the nozzle is specifically designed for water removal. Several companies manufacture nozzles for this exact purpose. Always inspect the nozzle before each use for any nicks that could damage the emulsion and fabric.

5. Accelerate Screen Drying

Whenever possible, accelerate the drying process of your screens. This reduces the chances of an image being blocked by clear residue from water running into the image.

By regularly reviewing and refining your procedures, you can ensure your screens process faster and experience fewer breakdowns on the press. Even the most experienced shops can benefit from revisiting these basic steps to maintain efficiency and quality in their screen printing operations.

At Easiway, we’re committed to helping you achieve the best results with our products. For more tips and solutions tailored to your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experts. Happy printing!