When was the last time you gave your washout booth a deep clean? If you can’t remember, it’s time to roll up your sleeves! Cleaning your washout booth might not be the most glamorous task in your screen printing shop, but it’s a crucial one. Neglecting it can lead to messy prints, clogged screens, and a less-than-ideal workspace.
In this Deep Dive with Colin episode, we dive into why and how to keep your washout booth spick and span!
WHY WASHOUT BOOTH MAINTENANCE MATTERS
AVOIDING FISH EYES AND INK SPOTS
Dirty booths mean chemical residues, dried emulsion chunks, and ink buildup. These can splash back onto your screens, creating frustrating imperfections like fish eyes and spots in your prints.
EXTENDING EQUIPMENT LIFESPAN
Regular cleaning prevents build-up that could corrode your booth or create hard-to-remove layers, saving you money in the long run.
RELATED: BEST PRACTICES FOR CLEANING INK OFF SCREENS
KEEPING YOUR WORKSPACE PROFESSIONAL
A clean washout booth looks great in photos, videos, or when visitors drop by. Plus, it sets the tone for an organized shop.
TOOLS AND PRODUCTS YOU’LL NEED
Haze remover: Breaks down stubborn emulsion and ink.
Scrapers: Metal for tough stainless steel booths; plastic for polypropylene booths to prevent scratches.
Stiff-bristle brushes: For scrubbing hard-to-reach spots.
Pressure washer: Perfect for rinsing off loosened debris.
Elbow grease: The most important "tool" of all!
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CLEANING YOUR WASHOUT BOOTH
SCHEDULE REGULAR CLEANING
Set a routine based on your shop’s workload. A quarterly deep clean works for many shops, but busier ones might need monthly upkeep.
LET CHEMICALS DO THE HEAVY LIFTING
After reclaiming screens, washout your booth with haze remover. Let it sit to soften emulsion chunks and ink residue. This will save you time and effort during the scrubbing phase.
RELATED: 4 STEPS TO CONSISTENTLY RECLAIM SCREENS
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOLS FOR YOUR BOOTH
Metal Scrapers: Use for stainless steel booths but avoid gouging the surface.
Plastic Scrapers or Brushes: Essential for polypropylene booths to avoid scratches.
SCRAPE CAREFULLY
Keep the scraper at a low angle to minimize scratches. Scratches can trap debris, creating more cleanup work later.
RINSE WITH A PRESSURE WASHER
Use a pressure washer to blast away softened debris. For stubborn spots, repeat the soaking and scrubbing process.
RELATED: DO I NEED A PRESSURE WASHER FOR SCREEN PRINTING?
FINISH WITH A FINAL RINSE
Once the big chunks are gone, do a thorough rinse to remove any lingering chemicals or particles.
TIPS FOR TOUGH SPOTS
For thick build-ups, apply haze remover and let it sit overnight. Before using a scraper or chemical, test on a small area to ensure it won’t damage your booth. Sometimes, one cleaning session won’t be enough, so plan to revisit tough areas if needed.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE
Consistent booth cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics. It ensures your screens are spotless, reduces mishaps during printing, and keeps your shop running smoothly. Plus, you’ll spend less time scrubbing if you maintain a regular schedule.