SCREEN WASH-OUT

I have been having a few problems with my screen wash-out process.  I can't seem to get the screen completely clean and it has been driving me nuts since I started this whole adventure.  I have watched so many videos showing the wash-out process and their screens look like new when they are finished.  My screens never look new after wash-out.  I always seem to have some emulsion left on the screen or a very noticeable ghost image.

I used my new aluminum 156 mesh screens once and now they look awful.  It is quite irritating because I feel like I am ruining my screens.  I want my screens to look new when I am done washing them out.  I finally called Ryonet and spoke with TJ.  She was very helpful.  TJ said my whole issue probably starts at the beginning when I expose my screens.  At the moment I am using a 500watt halogen work light as my exposure unit.  My exposure times have varied from 12+ minutes down to 8 minutes.  She said if my screens are under exposed or over exposed I could be getting some cross hatching of chemicals (mixing of chemicals).  I am pretty sure that is what happened with my screens that I exposed for 8+ minutes.  I had a little ink build up in the image and I used Sprayway 957 Screen Opener.  On the screens that I used the screen opener on, the emulsion will not wash out around part of the image. Ugh!  :(

The ghost image  is not the real problem because it does not block the mesh opening.  I can still see the holes in the mesh.  But the emulsion not washing out is a big problem because it blocks the holes in the screen.  TJ gave me some pointers that will hopefully solve my problem.

First, I will need to figure out my exposure times better.  The light on my exposure unit  might be going out too, so I will be getting a new light tomorrow.  I am sure that will help.  The good news is, I have a 20 x 24 aluminum exposure unit being delivered in the next week or so. :)  Yippie!   I will be so glad when it gets here.  I can't wait to see the difference in exposure options.

Next, I need to use a pressure washer instead of the garden hose I have been using.  TJ said I need the high pressure in order to force the emulsion out.  I already have a pressure washer but it has been leaking and my wash-out room is my extra bathroom.  I will be solving that problem this weekend.  I will be moving my wash-out room to the garage.  I think the pressure washer will really do the trick.

I am also trying the Enviro Green Line of products from Ryonet.  I recently switched from Screen Wash 147 to Citra Paste, which is biodegradable.  I love the Citra Paste.  I have read up on the Enviro Green line of products and they have received great reviews.  A lot of people say they work better and they are also better for the environment, which means they are better for us. :)

I have seen lots of videos on how to wash-out a screen but I have not seen any videos that show what is normal and what is not normal after a screen is washed out.  Maybe I will make that video once I get my ducks in a row. :)Hopefully, my screen wash-out problem will be solved with the above remedies and my screens will look like new after each job.  :)

If you have any questions or problems with your screen printing, don't hesitate in contacting Ryonet.  Their staff is ALWAYS very helpful.  I know I have contacted them quite a few times myself. :)

Take Care.
Jeanette