After using my screenprinting screen with solvent-based screen printing ink, I clean it with a dedicated product. But after having left it to dry, I find that the screenprinting mesh has torn. Where am I going wrong?
Dedicated products used for cleaning screens, like any solvent, can “attack” the glue and/or the screen’s mesh.
But there is a solution.
During the cleaning process, work only on cleaning the design and stay away from the edges of the mesh and the frame, and make sure you only use just the right amount of product to dissolve and clean away the ink. Then, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining traces of solvent.
Please note: if the solvent isn’t completely removed, it will continue acting and therefore damage the screen.
Indeed, the solvent that’s used to clean the screen needs to have as little contact as possible with the glue.
This is also why the adhesive tape used to mask and protect the screen needs to adhere well to the edges, on the inner part of the screen, and needs to be removed after the cleaning process has been completed.