I'm a re-user. I clean my screens with Goop and re-use (Goop can be purchased at the Dollar Store in the automotive section). I found that if you don't clean off the Goop enough it does leave a greasy film. I have a hard time removing all the ink blocking. If some color is left in, it can bleed into your next color/print.
To fix these problems I decided to rinse my screens after I Gooped them. BTW I leave the Goop on for 20 minutes before wiping off (then I wipe as much as possible before rinsing.) The screen frames are made out of cardboard. Here are 2 techniques I tried, to help protect the frame from water:
Aleene's OK To Wash-It: Painted this on the side where you ink. I only painted the frame. This takes a very long time to dry. Although I did use it about 12 hours after applying. The glue was still tacky but the screen stayed fairly dry. It did get a little wet where the frame and plastic cover meet. I had hard time painting the glue there. After a couple days the glue is still a little tacky. It holds the plastic cover down, so I don't mind.
Clear Tape: I used the same kind you use with wrapping paper. I covered all the frame included sides. The water does roll right off the tape but, the tape doesn't stick to the screen very well. You definitely need to cover the spot where the frame and screen meet. A little water did seep through, but not to bad.
Next I'll try both together. I'll paint the glue then overlay it with tape. That should solve everything. I'd love to hear other techniques. If you have any, please share.
UPDATE (6/11/08): I still use Aleene's Glue. I make sure to apply it were the screen meets the frame (all the way around!). It stays tacky on the frame. I just cover those parts with tape. This technique keeps the frame about 95% dry when I give it a quick rinse under water.
10 comments:
I don't re-use mine because every time I try, the ink gets all over and I usually end up trashing the screen. Lately, I've been saving them in the freezer for more runs. When you re-use, do you mean you shoot another design on the same screen, or that you save it for later runs of the same design? I'm confused about this.
I clean the screens then use it later. I'll re-print with a new color. The most I've re-used a screen so far is 3 times...no problems. I have re-burned a already used screen. I cover up any parts of the screen that has ink stains and burn a new image in a clean space. It came out fine.
good to know! Thanks for your knowledgeable info :)
Hi, maybe you could seal the cardboard frame with acrylic paint or gel medium or a water-based varnish that dries and is water-resistant.
Angela- Thanks for the info. I don't know much about gel mediums or water based varnishes. I would definitely look into trying it now.
I have used gel medium (mostly because that's what I had) and that seems to work, although I think I need another coat after reusing the screen a couple of times...
PVA glue would probably be cheaper - I'm in the UK, not sure what it's called in the US...
Hi there..
Would you recommend glueing, taping or applying a medium on both sides of the screen or just the side that is inked?
Lorrie
Illusio - I just apply to one side, the inked side + the sides. Basically any where cardboard is showing. The underneath has the blue plastic covering and that seems to seal just fine. I've never had any problems there. Plus, adding the extra medium does slightly thicken the cardboard. Adding the extra coat on the bottom might make it to thick to fit in the machine nicely.
Thanks for all your help Tina, I am sure all these tips are going to make a huge difference. I have a design ready and will prep a screen today to give it time to dry and then have a go on Friday. I will post and link so you can see how I got on.
Cheers hun..
Lorrie
Illusio - Glad I could help, any time. I luv discussing Gocco goodness. Send me the link when your done, I'd really like to see it.
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