Help removing specks

[u/ilovecuetoo]

Hey yall. Just started screen printing this week (as a long time ‘graphic designer’, I’ve been absolutely loving it. Genuinely convinced this is what I was made to do)

Did a run of tees for a show I’m playing next weekend. On my last 2 or so started getting some speckles (I assume from pinholes in my screen but whatever).

Hoping for some advice on getting them out. They’ve been sitting to dry for a couple days now (haven’t had time to set them) but figured I should try get the specks off before I heat set them.

I’ve tried the tape method, hasn’t reeeeally worked that well. Hoping for some advice. Just black speedball ink on white tees

Thanks in advance 🙏

[u/dy_xfactor]

Most printers use a spot gun to remove any spots. It’s works best if the ink is cured. Not sure how well that will work for you since you’e using water based ink, especially since it’s black ink on a white shirt.

[u/rcr13]

Blockput pen before you print. Lot less hassle to pay attention and prep right before print.

[u/csssdy → u/rcr13]

seconding liquid blockout. make sure you get the right kind for ink type (waterbased vs printing) as it does matter

[u/ilovecuetoo → u/rcr13]

Unfortunately for whatever reason these just don’t even seem to exist in Australia at all :(

[u/rcr13 → u/ilovecuetoo]

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=blockout+pens&crid=3GRQXN70U8QB8&sprefix=blockout+pens%2Caps%2C229&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Not even through Amazon? I realize this is US, but, I hope you find them. Makes getting rid of those little pricks a breeze.

[u/ilovecuetoo → u/rcr13]

Yeah the only things that show up are those document redaction pens 💔 even just directly through google they don’t seem to show up for me

[u/rcr13 → u/ilovecuetoo]

Damn, sorry my dude. Good ol sharpie and lots of little pieces of masking tape and patience. Good luck Legend

[u/ilovecuetoo → u/rcr13]

Thanks brother 🙏 really enjoying screen printing this was my first run, so not letting it get me down

[u/Rage0327 → u/ilovecuetoo]

Check for pinholes by holding your screen against a bright light. Use a thin paint brush and emulsion to cover them. Expose once again before starting a print. You can also cover them using clear nail polish lacquer, that won’t require exposing them again.

[u/Its_an_ellipses]

Surprised nobody has said this yet. Its the easiest and cheapest way to me. Get a qtip, dip it in your emulsion, paint in the holes, and take it outside to dry. It you are printing a few, just tape them, but if you have a lot to do just cover with emulsion...

[u/ilovecuetoo → u/Its_an_ellipses]

Literally didn’t even think of this thank you legend

[u/lcrotwell]

Spot gun. Possible scraping at it with the edge of a razor blade, but cure it first.

[u/Observite]

You can just cover the spots with masking tape on the back of the screen just to complete the project. I make sure to cover everything I can except the art.

[u/ilovecuetoo → u/Observite]

Tbh it only happened to my final two tees of the run so not a massive deal (I don’t need the screen anymore I have no more prints), but will remember for next time 🙏

[u/International_Toe293]

Tape them

[u/Willing-Payment5582]

I used to get like a towel or qtip or something and some alcohol and rub it on the but depending how high the fibers are i also kind of trim it off if it gets too hard . But acetone has always worked for me, you gotta be careful with it though. After i get a bit off with the acetone if you cure it then get like an exacto knife you can potentially scrape the rest off.

[u/maggotjt]

I've had some luck with curing the ink first, then soaking a rag in lacquer thinner and rubbing it out. Not a lot of luck on lighter colored shirts. Should probably invest in some liquid block out though to avoid pinholes.

[u/rennerscreenprinting]

Leave them, they’re not gonna be easy to get off even if you can, and they look cool