Printers Choice Press Wash / Screen Opener – Fast Ink Removal for Screen Printing
Printers Choice
Printers Choice Press Wash / Screen Opener is a dual-purpose pressroom essential formulated to quickly dissolve plastisol and UV ink buildup on screens, squeegees, flood bars, and pallets — keeping your mesh open and your production moving. Designed to work on-press for fast color changes and screen opening during long runs, it penetrates ink residue without attacking your emulsion or capillary stencil system. Whether you’re running a one-color manual press or a high-output automatic, this press wash reduces downtime, prevents clogged mesh, and integrates cleanly into manual and recirculating cleanup workflows.
Price range: $19.99 through $1,649.99
Description
Fast Ink Removal. Open Screens. Less Downtime.
Printers Choice Press Wash keeps screens open during long runs and cleans up fast between color changes. Safe on stencil systems — it removes ink without attacking emulsion — so you protect screen life while keeping production moving.
Why Screen Printers Choose This Product
🖨️
Plastisol & UV Ink Removal
Quickly breaks down plastisol and UV ink buildup on screen mesh, squeegees, and flood bars. Apply directly, wipe, and rinse — reducing scrubbing time and keeping mesh open for consistent ink flow.
🛡️
Safe on Emulsions & Stencils
Formulated to clean ink without attacking photopolymer or capillary stencil systems. Extends screen life by removing ink residue before it hardens into stains that compromise future print quality.
🔄
On-Press Screen Opener
Keeps mesh open during long production runs when ink begins to dry in open areas. Apply at the press for fast between-job color changes without removing screens from the press.
🧹
Cleans Pallets & Adhesives
Effectively dissolves spray pallet adhesives and residue from pallets, belts, and work surfaces — maintaining consistent garment adhesion and keeping your pressroom clean.
How to Use
Lower screen to off-contact position. Dampen a lint-free cloth or scrub pad with Press Wash and wipe ink residue from screen, squeegee, and flood bar.
Apply Press Wash directly to clogged mesh areas. Allow 30–60 seconds to penetrate, then wipe or lightly scrub to restore open mesh.
Rinse thoroughly with water after cleaning. Inspect for remaining residue. Repeat if necessary before proceeding.
Fill system reservoir and run cleaning cycle. Agitate if needed. Rinse thoroughly after the cleaning cycle completes.
Apply to pallet adhesive residue, allow brief dwell, and wipe clean to remove spray adhesive buildup.
Complete Your Press Workflow
Step 1 — Ink Removal
Apply Press Wash to clear bulk ink from the screen at color changes or end of run. Wipe clean and proceed. Follow with Ink Degradent for deeper removal in reclaim.
Step 2 — Emulsion Removal
Strip the stencil with Emulsion Remover Concentrate. High-pressure rinse both sides thoroughly.
Step 3 — Haze Removal
Remove ghost images with a haze remover. Apply to dry screen, dwell, and rinse.
Step 4 — Degrease & Coat
Degrease with a screen degreaser for best emulsion adhesion. Coat with your emulsion of choice.
Important Notes & Best Practices
⚠️ Not a Degreaser
Press Wash removes ink but does not fully degrease mesh. Always follow with a dedicated screen degreaser before coating for optimal emulsion adhesion.
💡 Screen Opening Tip
For stubborn clogged mesh, apply Press Wash and allow 1–2 minutes dwell before wiping. For production, use preventively before ink dries in open areas.
♻️ Dispose Responsibly
Dispose of ink-laden wash in accordance with local wastewater regulations. Do not pour solvent-heavy rinse water directly into storm drains.
How Much Do I Need?
Per Application
Apply to screen, squeegee, or flood bar with a lint-free cloth. A small amount goes a long way — no need to flood the mesh.
Coverage Estimate
Varies by ink load and usage pattern. Contact us for volume estimates for your production level.
💡 Keep a spray bottle of Press Wash at the press for fast, controlled application during color changes.
Available Sizes
| Size | Item # |
|---|---|
| Quart (32 oz) | RC PC PW/SO-QT |
| Gallon | RC PC PW/SO-GL |
| 5 Gallon | RC PC PW/SO-5GL |
Standard ground shipping on all sizes.
Ready to Order?
Order before 3:30 PM CT for same-day shipping. Free shipping on orders $200+.
Questions?
Our screen printing experts can help you find the right chemical for your shop.
The Complete Printers Choice Product Line at River City Supply
Printers Choice (PC) offers a complete integrated screen printing chemical system available at River City Supply. Each PC product is designed to work together — from mesh prep through emulsion removal.
| Process Step | Product | What It Does | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 — Mesh Prep | PC Degreaser (1:3 Concentrate) | 1:3 concentrate mesh degreaser. Removes oils and contamination before emulsion coating. | Shop |
| Step 1 — Emulsion Hardener | PC Emulsion Hardener | Increases emulsion durability and resistance to solvents and press washes. Applied after coating. | Shop |
| Step 2 — Pallet Adhesive | PC Liquid Pallet Adhesive | Water-based aerosol-free pallet adhesive for standard cotton, poly, and blended fabrics. | Shop |
| Step 2 — Heavy Fabric Adhesive | PC Thick Liquid Pallet Adhesive | Heavy-duty adhesive formula for fleece, hoodies, and sweatshirts. | Shop |
| Step 3 — On-Press Cleanup | PC Press Wash / Screen Opener This Product | Fast-acting on-press plastisol ink remover. Also reopens clogged mesh areas during production. | Shop |
| Step 4 — Ink Removal | PC Ink Degradent | Liquid plastisol ink degradent for daily-use screen reclaim. | Shop |
| Step 4 — Anti-Foam | PC De-Foaming Agent | Controls foam in recirculating wash systems and dip tanks. Prevents nozzle clogs. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Dip Tank | PC 30-Gallon Dip Tank | Professional dip tank for screen reclaiming. Accommodates standard screen sizes. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Dip Tank Solution | PC Dip Tank Solution | Chemical solution for dip tank screen reclaim. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Dip Tank Kit | PC Dip Tank Start-Up Kit | Complete dip tank kit — everything needed to start a professional dip tank reclaim operation. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Emulsion Removal | PC Emulsion Remover Concentrate | Concentrated emulsion remover for standard screen printing emulsions. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Emulsion Removal | PC Part C Emulsion Remover | Part C emulsion removal component for the PC reclaim system. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Auto Reclaim | PC ECO-STRIP Part A | Combined ink and haze remover for automated reclaim systems. | Shop |
🏆 Why Order from River City Supply?
📦 Deep Inventory
Top screen printing chemical brands in stock year-round — no waiting on backorders.
🚚 Same-Day Shipping
In-stock orders placed before 3:30 PM CT ship the same day from San Antonio, TX.
🌡️ San Antonio Advantage
South Texas winters mean warmer temps and less freeze risk than northern warehouses.
🎁 Free Shipping Over $200
Free ground shipping on all orders over $200. Stock up and save on delivery.
More Printers Choice Chemicals:
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Press Wash / Screen Opener |
| Compatible Inks | Plastisol, UV inks |
| Primary Use | On-press ink removal, screen opening, color changes |
| Safe on Stencils | Yes — does not attack emulsion or capillary films |
| Pallet Cleaning | Yes — removes spray adhesive residue |
| Application | Manual cloth/pad; recirculating system compatible |
| Flash Point | Contact us for SDS |
| VOC | Contact us for SDS |
| Sizes | Quart, Gallon, 5 Gallon |
| SKU | RC PC PW/SO |
| Brand | Printers Choice / River City Supply |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions from screen printers:
Is Press Wash safe to use on screens that still have emulsion?
Yes. Printers Choice Press Wash is formulated to remove ink without attacking photopolymer or capillary stencil systems. It is safe for on-press use while the stencil is still on the screen.
Can I use this in a recirculating automatic press wash system?
Yes. It is compatible with recirculating press wash systems. Follow manufacturer guidelines for your specific equipment on dilution and system maintenance.
Does Press Wash replace a degreaser?
No. Press Wash removes ink but is not a degreaser. For proper emulsion adhesion on reclaimed screens, always follow reclaim steps with a dedicated screen degreaser before coating.
Can Press Wash remove pallet adhesive?
Yes. It effectively dissolves spray adhesive and adhesive residue from pallets, belts, and work surfaces.
What is the shelf life and how should I store it?
Store in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Keep container tightly sealed when not in use. Contact us for specific shelf life information.
Ready to speed up your color changes? Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT.
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