Impressions - March 2014 - 75

Tech Tips

talking SHOP

Top 5 Considerations for Reusing
Ink From the Screen
If you follow these
ﬁve tips, you will be able to
successfully reuse ink in
your screens.

i

sometimes get calls from customers
who have problems printing due to
thick ink clogging their screens. Although I can't rule out the occurrence of
a glitch from the ink manufacturer, I ﬁnd
that 95% of the time, the ink is not from a
just-opened bucket.
After speaking with these screen printers a bit more, I usually pinpoint several
problems that may have occurred when
reusing or storing the ink. Below are ﬁve
tips for screen printers to remember when
trying to extend the usability of their inks.
DEBRIS AND LINT from handling Tshirts, air blowing, etc., can easily get into
open ink buckets - and even ink that is
in the screen - and contaminate it, which
is part of the clogging issue. Large printing facilities are especially prone to having
a lot of ﬂoating lint on their production
ﬂoors and should be aware of this issue.
Screen mesh actually can act as a ﬁlter

1

impressionsmag.com

for such contaminates because it captures
them during the screen printing process.
In fact, it is used this way in other manufacturing environments.
TO ENSURE THE INKS are handy or
close by during the screen printing process,
many printers often keep their ink buckets
near the printing area. They don't realize
the buckets may be placed too closely to
a ﬂash unit or even the dryer. Heat is detrimental to plastisol inks, as it can cause
them to gel or solidify.
Once the ink has solidiﬁed, the process
cannot be reversed with thinners. Adding
reducers only provides a false sense of security, and adding thinners can create unbalanced ink that cannot be cured or create other problems.
WHEN RUNNING screen printing
machines at high speeds, be aware that
the platens and screens also heat up and
can cause the ink in the screens to gel,

2
3

especially if the screens are located next
to the ﬂash cure station.
AFTER SCOOPING the necessary
amount of ink from the bucket for use, remember to place the lid back on and close
it. This simple action alone could go a long
way to extending your ink's life. Contamination from lint and debris will be lessened, thus keeping the ink more pristine.
IF INK IS LEFT in the screen, do not
scoop it back into the original bucket. Instead, put it into an empty quart container
and keep it for emergency use. Placing used
ink back into a bucket with a pristine batch
will contaminate it and cause issues later.
To limit waste, put a smaller amount
of ink on the screen rather than using a
huge glob when starting a job. It's better to
add new ink more frequently to the screen
rather than storing a lot of used ink, especially during long production runs.
- Kieth Stevens

4
5

March 2014 | Impressions

75

http://www.impressionsmag.com

Impressions - March 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - March 2014

Impressions - March 2014
Contents
First Impressions
From the Show Director
FYI
Product Gallery
ISS Conferences
Ladies’ Choice
A Womenswear Decoration Primer
The Basics of Bling
Follow the Lead
Shop Spotlight
Embroidery Design & Digitizing
Embroidery Production
Tech Tips: Embroidery
Screen Printing Production
Screen Printing Technique
Tech Tips: Screen Printing
Digital Decorating
Classifieds
Online Directory
Ad Index
Impressions - March 2014 - BB1
Impressions - March 2014 - BB2
Impressions - March 2014 - Impressions - March 2014
Impressions - March 2014 - Cover2
Impressions - March 2014 - 1
Impressions - March 2014 - Contents
Impressions - March 2014 - 3
Impressions - March 2014 - First Impressions
Impressions - March 2014 - 5
Impressions - March 2014 - From the Show Director
Impressions - March 2014 - 7
Impressions - March 2014 - FYI
Impressions - March 2014 - 9
Impressions - March 2014 - 10
Impressions - March 2014 - 11
Impressions - March 2014 - 12
Impressions - March 2014 - 13
Impressions - March 2014 - 14
Impressions - March 2014 - 15
Impressions - March 2014 - Product Gallery
Impressions - March 2014 - 17
Impressions - March 2014 - 18
Impressions - March 2014 - 19
Impressions - March 2014 - 20
Impressions - March 2014 - 21
Impressions - March 2014 - ISS Conferences
Impressions - March 2014 - 23
Impressions - March 2014 - Ladies’ Choice
Impressions - March 2014 - 25
Impressions - March 2014 - 26
Impressions - March 2014 - 27
Impressions - March 2014 - 28
Impressions - March 2014 - 29
Impressions - March 2014 - 30
Impressions - March 2014 - 31
Impressions - March 2014 - 32
Impressions - March 2014 - 33
Impressions - March 2014 - A Womenswear Decoration Primer
Impressions - March 2014 - 35
Impressions - March 2014 - 36
Impressions - March 2014 - 37
Impressions - March 2014 - 38
Impressions - March 2014 - 39
Impressions - March 2014 - The Basics of Bling
Impressions - March 2014 - 41
Impressions - March 2014 - 42
Impressions - March 2014 - 43
Impressions - March 2014 - 44
Impressions - March 2014 - 45
Impressions - March 2014 - 46
Impressions - March 2014 - 47
Impressions - March 2014 - Follow the Lead
Impressions - March 2014 - 49
Impressions - March 2014 - 50
Impressions - March 2014 - 51
Impressions - March 2014 - 52
Impressions - March 2014 - 53
Impressions - March 2014 - Shop Spotlight
Impressions - March 2014 - 55
Impressions - March 2014 - 56
Impressions - March 2014 - Embroidery Design & Digitizing
Impressions - March 2014 - 58
Impressions - March 2014 - 59
Impressions - March 2014 - 60
Impressions - March 2014 - 61
Impressions - March 2014 - Embroidery Production
Impressions - March 2014 - 63
Impressions - March 2014 - 64
Impressions - March 2014 - 65
Impressions - March 2014 - Tech Tips: Embroidery
Impressions - March 2014 - Screen Printing Production
Impressions - March 2014 - 68
Impressions - March 2014 - 69
Impressions - March 2014 - 70
Impressions - March 2014 - Screen Printing Technique
Impressions - March 2014 - 72
Impressions - March 2014 - 73
Impressions - March 2014 - 74
Impressions - March 2014 - Tech Tips: Screen Printing
Impressions - March 2014 - Digital Decorating
Impressions - March 2014 - 77
Impressions - March 2014 - 78
Impressions - March 2014 - Classifieds
Impressions - March 2014 - 80
Impressions - March 2014 - Ad Index
Impressions - March 2014 - 82
Impressions - March 2014 - Cover3
Impressions - March 2014 - Cover4
Impressions - March 2014 - I1
Impressions - March 2014 - I2
Impressions - March 2014 - I3
Impressions - March 2014 - I4
Impressions - March 2014 - I5
Impressions - March 2014 - I6
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202404S
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202404
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202403
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https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202312
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20231011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20230809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20230506
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202304
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202303
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20230102
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202212
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20221011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20220809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20220506
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202204
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202203
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20220102
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202112
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20211011
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/DigitalDecorator_2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/20210809
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/teamactivewear_2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202106
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/202105
https://www.nxtbook.com/emerald/impressions/imp_0421_digital
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20210102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202012
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_fall2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nxtbook_bhtest/impwessons
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20201011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202009
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2020fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202008
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20200607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202005
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_2020
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202003
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202002
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/202001
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201912
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_2019
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2019fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201908
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20190607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201905
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201904
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201903
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamactive_2019spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201902
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201901
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201812
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/dd_2018
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201810
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2018fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201808
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201806
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201805
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201804
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201803
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2018spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201802
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201801
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201712
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201710
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201709
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2017fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20170607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201705
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201704
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201703
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2017spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201702
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201701
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201612
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201610
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201609
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201608
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2016fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20160607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201605
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201604
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201603
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2016spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201602
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201601
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201512
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201510
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201509
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201508
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2015fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20150607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2015summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201504
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201503
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2015spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201502
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201501
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_201412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201412
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201410
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_2014fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201409
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201408
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2014fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/digitaldecorator_2014summer
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/20140607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/sportsfanretailer_2014spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201404
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/teamspirit_2014spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/impressions/201402
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201401
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_sportsfanretailer_201312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201312
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20131011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201309
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201308
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2013fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20130607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201303
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2013spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201302
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201301
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201212
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20121011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2012fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20120809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20120607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201204
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201203
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2012spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201202
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201201
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20111011
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20110809
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2011fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20110607
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201104
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201103
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2011spring
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201101
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_sourcebook2010
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20101112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20100910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2010fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20100708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201004
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2010winter
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201003
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201002
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_200909
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_eco_2009fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_teamspirit_2009fall
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_200910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_20091112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_sourcebook_200906
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/nielsen/impressions_201001
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com