TLC for Your Silk Screen Frames.

The Truth About Screen Care

You’ve spent the money, bought some new screens; how do you keep your investment in good shape for a long time to come? Here’s the low-down on what to do and what you don’t have to bother with when it comes to screen maintenance.

Myth #1 • Once properly tensioned, new mesh should be chemically scrubbed and degreased before use, to allow the stencil to adhere properly.

I asked Don and Allen at Ink4U and they told me that used to be the case but the mesh that is now available can be used right away. You can clean it when you get it but skip the chemical concoction and just use dish detergent. That’s my cleaner of choice.

Myth #2 • Whatever the stencil system, the screen must be cleaned and degreased before each use. Failure to do a proper degrease on the mesh can result in the stencil delaminating or breaking down during the print run. Failure to clean the screen before re-use leaves ghost images and blockages that will haunt your next stencil and cause problems in future prints.

You need to clean your screen after each use when you use when you use water-based pigments, but water is sufficient. If your pigment type is a bit more sticky then use dish detergent. You never need to ‘degrease’ when you use water-based. Cleaning your screen well with water between uses is enough to keep it from clogging. Also, ghosting will not harm in any way subsequent stencils. The previous pigments have stained the fibers which have caused the ghosting but it will not affect the new stencil.

If you properly strip and rinse your screen between stencils (I use an environmentally biodegradable product called Envirotec), wait for your stencil to be totally dry, then apply the photo emulsion you should have a stencil that adheres perfectly well. 

That being said I take the time twice a year to de-haze and reclaim my screens. I use an ‘environmentally sound’ product that will remove the ghosting and any clogs. Some pro printers do this after every use but I think it’s a waste and bad for the environment. I mostly do this because after a while the previous ghost images start to make it harder to see my new print- which in turn makes it harder to register.

If you are using solvent based inks- you’ll know that they don’t dry on your screen and so there is no need to wash up between use unless you want to change to a new colour or remove the stencil. But the current degreasers are so toxic I can’t recommend them. If you choose to use solvent based inks, which are getting more environmentally responsible, then also choose to use soy based cleaners.

Here’s and interesting article about better solvent clean-up.

And here’s a video about the biodegradable solvent ink wash system.

Truth #1 • When not being used for printing, screens should be stored to avoid being accidentally ripped or damaged. During printing, avoid contact with knives or other sharp objects. And they should ideally be stored horizontally. 

Truth #2 • If screens are cared for properly, they can be used over and over, sometimes for years and thousands of impressions, before requiring replacement. They can even be used if they get ripped or torn as long as you fix or repair your silkscreens right away.

Truth #3 • It’s always a good idea to mark the mesh count and age of the screen on the side of the frame, and institute a rotation and replacement system to ensure that screens are always in good shape for printing.

These tips should help you to keep your screens in great shape for a long time to come. Happy printing!

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