How to Remove Lacquer-Based Screen Printing Stencils
Lacquer-based products are regularly used during the emulsion or stenciling process of screen printing Specifically, the coating on the screen printing paper is often lacquer-based, which can be difficult to remove once the ink hardens, because like in all lacquer finishes, a curing process results in the lacquer hardening into a strong and durable gloss. However, armed with the proper treatment and method, you may be able to remove screen printing stencils from a lacquer-based printing screen. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Cleaning gloves
- Protective face mask
- Lacquer thinner
- Cloth
- Mild detergent
- Denatured alcohol
- Steel wool brush
Instructions
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Take your screen print paper or canvas into a location that gets good air circulation. The optimal location would be to work outdoors, but if you can't work outdoors, move the screen print into a room where you can open doors and windows to increase the air flow.
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Put on cleaning gloves and a protective face mask. Soak a washcloth in a lacquer thinner. This is any xylene- or toluene-based solvent used to thin and remove lacquer, which you can purchase at most hardware stores When the cloth is soaked in the thinner, wring it out so the thinner does not drop on your floor or clothes.
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Rub the cloth gently over the screen printing stencils. Continue until the stencils are dissolved.
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Clean that area with a clean cloth dampened in warm water mixed with a teaspoon of mild detergent. Then let the screen print air dry.
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Tips & Warnings
If the area you need to remove is large or the thinner is not strong enough, try dipping a steel wool brush into denatured alcohol. Rub the steel brush on the screen print to remove the stencils. Be careful not to rub too hard, as the steel brush could damage the screen print. Rinse the area with a clean cloth dampened in warm water and a mild detergent.
References
- Photo Credit Liquidlibrary/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
