How to Reclaim A Silk Screen

Introduction

Reclaiming a silk screen is an important part of every printer's process. Whether your screen blows out, washes off, or you just want to get working on a new design, this guide will help you learn both how to reclaim your screen and how to add your next design onto it.

What you need

Step 1 How to Reclaim a Silk Screen

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Rinse the screen with mild power.

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Step 2

Scrub both sides of the screen with a little vigor to fully remove the emulsion.
Don’t worry if the scrubbing isn’t getting rid of your design. It shouldn’t really be coming off until you spray it down.

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Step 3

Use your pressure washer at near-full power, making sure to get the emulsion off every part of the screen.
For safety, wear safety gloves and keep your hands away from the water. A pressure washer is strong enough to pierce skin.

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Step 4

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Air dry screen for approximately 2 hours, or until completely dry.
Turn of the air dryer before opening.
Screen must be completely dried for the process to work.

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Step 5

Turn off the lights, then take out the the screen from the air dryer.

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Step 6

Apply 2 layers of emulsion to each side of your screen using the thicker side of the scoop coater, removing excess using the small plastic squeegee.
You must work quickly as emulsion is light sensitive.
Once done applying, let it air dry for another 1.5 hours or until completely dry.

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Step 7

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Once emulsion is dry, place the transparent design facing down.
Place under UV light and expose for about 3 minutes, more or less, depending on the details in your design.
UV time varies by emulsion type - check your product to see how long you should be setting it for
Keep all the lights in the room off for this process.
Do not look at the UV light. It can harm your vision.

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Step 8

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Power wash your screen with even power until your design peels off.
Spray both sides evenly.
Do not focus on a single area, as you can ruin the design and have to repeat the process again.