In this section of our shop are available many products for screen cleaning process of screen printing. Reusing your design, clean the screen correctly then you need to reclaim it. We sell a wide range of cleaning equipment and products. These are indispensable for remove the image stencil from the screen, recovering the screen frame previously treated with screen printing emulsions once they reached the end of their use for printing. Emulsion remover are useful for removing all the residuals of the previous photo cuts, so you can completely recover the screen printing frame, restarting production and minimizing costs. Choose from a wide range of screen printing supplies on our Keygadgets online store.
What Is Screen Printing Frame Stripping?
Stripping agents are often mineral salts. Stripping is the process of removing old photosensitive emulsions from the mesh of the screen printing frame used during printing. After many cycles, the gelatin (emulsion) accumulates and hardens, risking damage to print quality.
Thanks to the right products, you can recover a clean surface ready for a new screen printing cycle.
Why Is Frame Reclaiming the Winning Choice?
- Cost savings: significantly reduce production expenses, especially for small to medium runs.
- Environmental sustainability: less waste, fewer discarded materials, and lower resource consumption.
- Production flexibility: quickly adapt to new orders without waiting for new frames.
In short, stripping is a routine that improves efficiency, savings, and print shop quality.
Which Products Are Needed for Frame Reclaiming?
- Ready-to-use stripping agents (liquid or powder): dissolve the hardened gelatin without damaging the frame mesh.
- Autostrip kit + active degreaser: for thorough and deep cleaning.
- Abrasive sponges: to gently remove stubborn residues.
- Anti-ghost products: eliminate residual stains from old graphics, restoring a clean frame.
Step-by-Step Procedure: How to Reclaim a Screen Printing Frame
- Ink residue removal: clean immediately after printing while the ink is still fresh.
- Stripping application: apply the stripping product with a sponge on both sides, keeping the frame horizontal.
Let it act for 2-3 minutes without letting the product dry, then scrub well with the sponge.
- Vigorous rinsing: use a strong water jet or pressure washer to remove dissolved gelatin and emulsion.
- Ghost image removal: apply anti-ghost products on stained areas, then rinse. Alternatively, use nitro thinner and laundry soap powder for hand washing.
- Drying: dry the frame in a ventilated area or with warm air before re-coating with emulsion.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Frame Reclaiming
- Do not let the stripping solution dry on the frame to avoid gelatin hardening.
- Use abrasive sponges gently to avoid damaging the mesh.
- Avoid generic detergents or aggressive substances like bleach or ammonia.
- Rely on professional products for safe and long-lasting results.
What If the Ghost Image Remains?
Sometimes, a faint stain of the previous design remains after cleaning: this is normal, especially with highly pigmented inks or dried emulsions.
Specialized anti-ghost products are designed to remove these stains without harming the frame mesh.
When Is It Worth (and When Not) to Reclaim Screen Printing Frames?
- If the screen printing frame is severely damaged or the mesh is compromised, replacing it is better.
- If the frame is bent or rusty, reclaiming is ineffective.
- If residues cannot be removed after multiple attempts, changing the frame is advisable.
Frame Reclaiming: A Sustainable and Accessible Solution for Everyone
Whether you are a craftsman or run a small workshop, reclaiming screen printing frames with easy and safe products means saving money, respecting the environment, and maintaining high print quality.
In Conclusion
Screen printing frame stripping is at the heart of modern, economical, and sustainable screen printing.
Using professional products and following a precise routine guarantees perfect prints, savings, and lower environmental impact.
At Keygadgets, you can find complete screen printing kits, ready-to-use products, and practical accessories to make frame reclaiming easy and accessible for everyone.
A small effort to protect your tools and your daily work.
