REMOVING INK WITH SOLVENTS NOTE: – If inks contain metal ...

REMOVING INK WITH SOLVENTS
NOTE:
– If inks contain metal, dispose of soiled rags and newsprint in “Contains Metal” storage container.
– Inks in studio that contain metals are labeled “Contains Metal.”
Cleaning Ink off Plates
Water Base Ink
1. Before cleaning the plate, print it without re-inking to remove unwanted ink.
2. Use a sponge or soft rag that is moist with water to remove ink from the raised printing surface. For linoleum, do not saturate cut
away areas.
3. Use household detergent if needed.
TIP: Do not oversaturate the plate. Linoleum and wood absorb liquid and become soft.
Oil Base Ink
1. Before cleaning the plate, print it without re-inking to remove unwanted ink.
2. Place your plate on a piece of old newspaper.
3. Apply a dab of baby oil or vegetable solvent to a soft cloth (linoleum plate)
or directly on to the plate (intaglio & plexiglas plate). For linoleum, do not saturate cut away areas.
4. Wipe ink away using soft cotton cloth. Progressively use a cleaner cloth until no more ink is removed.
5. Scrub with toothbrush if required.
6. Repeat as needed until there is no ink left on plate.
7. Degrease plate with household detergent (if you used vegetable solvent or baby oil).
8. Clean up your work area & tools, recycle newspaper.
TIP: Do not oversaturate the plate. Linoleum and wood absorb liquid and become soft.
Cleaning Ink off Rollers & Brayers
NOTE:
Never use household ammonia or rubbing alcohol on rubber rollers !!!!!
For letterpress rollers, use roller rack to keep the roller from rolling off the table.
Black 10” rollers= ONLY USE BABY OIL
Water Base Ink
1. Roll rollers on clean, flat newspaper to remove excess ink.
2. Use a moist soft sponge or moist soft rag to wipe away ink.
3. Use household detergent if needed.
4. Clean up your work area and tools. Recycle newspaper.
Oil Base Ink
1. Using a soft cotton cloth gently saturate roller with vegetable solvent.
2. Wipe ink away using soft cloth.
3. Repeat as needed until there is no ink left on roller.
4. Degrease roller with household detergent (if you used vegetable oil or baby oil).
5. Clean up your work area and tools. Recycle newspaper.
Cleaning Oil Base Ink off Glass Surfaces
1. Use a palette knife to scrape off excess ink.
2. Saturate glass with vegetable solvent.
3. Wipe ink away with soft cloth.
4. Degrease glass surface with household detergent when finished.

Cleaning Ink off Metal Press Parts
Never use water or household detergents!
Use rubbing alcohol and cloth.
Mineral spirits (paint thinner) can be used with instructor permission.
Cleaning Ink off Brushes
Water Base Ink
1. Wipe off excess ink on newspaper.
2. Wash with warm water and dishwashing soap.
3. Rinse with warm water.
NOTE:
If any inks you used contain metals, such as Titanium White, do not rinse in sink.
Wash brush in solution from container labeled “Brush Cleaning Solution: May Contain Metals”.
Oil Base Ink
1. Wipe off excess ink on newspaper.
2. Swish brushes sequentially in our four-container brush washing station.
Container 1: Murphy’s Oil Soap & Water
Container 2: Vegetable Oil
Container 3: Dishwashing detergent & Water
Container 4: Water
3. Wash with warm water and dishwashing soap.
4. Rinse with warm water.
NOTE:
Inform instructor if container contents are dirty and need replacement.
Instructor will store spent solution in container labeled “Spent Brush Cleaning Solution” for recycling.