AlbaChem® 1641 Clear Screen Opener – Fast Ink Removal for Screen Printers
Albatross
AlbaChem® 1641 Clear Screen Opener is a fast-acting aerosol spray that instantly unclogs printing screens of dried or fresh ink — without stopping the press. Its water-free formula dissolves ink in the image area in 2–3 squeegee passes while leaving emulsions completely unaffected. Perfect for spot cleanups during a run, clearing problem areas in fine mesh, and keeping production moving with zero downtime. Works on plastisol, solvent-based, and other common screen printing inks.
Order before 3:30 PM CT.
Free shipping over $200.
(512) 454-0505
$9.99
Description
AlbaChem® · Item #1641 · 14 oz Aerosol · Shop All Aerosols
Unclog Any Screen Instantly — Without Stopping the Press
A clogged screen mid-run is one of the most frustrating production interruptions in screen printing. AlbaChem® 1641 Clear Screen Opener was built to eliminate that problem. Its unique water-free formula cuts through dried and fresh ink in the image area in just 2–3 squeegee passes, all without lifting the screen off the press. Critically, it contains no water — so it will not soften or damage emulsions on photographic stencils or water-soluble hand-cut films.
What’s Included
Key Performance Features
On-Press Use — No Production Stop
It is not necessary to stop printing when using Clear Screen Opener. Apply after a squeegee pass and the screen opens in 2–3 passes. Keep production rolling without pulling the screen or losing registration.
Water-Free Formula
Contains no water — a critical distinction. Water-based screen openers can soften photographic emulsions and compromise stencil integrity. The 1641 cleans ink without touching your emulsion.
Works on All Ink Types
Dissolves plastisol ink, solvent-based ink, and other common screen printing inks — both fresh and dried. A single can covers everything your shop runs.
Leaves No Film
After clearing, the 1641 leaves no oily film or residue in the mesh. Your next print comes through clean and sharp — no ghosting, no smear, no buildup affecting print quality.
Extension Tube Reach
The included extension tube lets you direct the spray into tight spots, corners, and hard-to-reach areas of the screen frame where a standard nozzle can’t get precise coverage.
Spot Cleanup Ready
Ideal for spot cleanups between color changes, clearing problem areas in fine mesh counts, and handling isolated ink buildups without a full screen wash-out cycle.
Safety & Ventilation Requirements
PPE Required
Wear chemical-resistant gloves and safety glasses or goggles. The aromatic petroleum formula requires skin and eye protection.
Ventilation
Use in a well-ventilated area. The aromatic hydrocarbon formula has strong solvent vapors. Keep exhaust running during use.
Aerosol Flammability
Highly flammable aerosol propellant. Keep away from open flames, sparks, and all ignition sources. Do not puncture or incinerate.
VOC Note
100% VOC by weight — this is a solvent-based screen opener. Ground shipping only. Cannot be shipped by air. Not for sale in California.
Why the 1641 Belongs on Every Press
The Mid-Run Clog Problem
Ink dries in mesh during long runs, color changes, or brief pauses in printing. Fine mesh counts — 200+ mesh — are especially vulnerable. Traditionally, clearing a clog meant stopping, pulling the screen, and washing out — losing registration and costing time.
The 1641 Solution
Spray onto the clogged area from 6–10 inches after a squeegee pass. The aromatic hydrocarbon formula immediately penetrates and dissolves the ink blockage. Two or three squeegee passes later, the mesh is clear and printing continues without a stop.
Stencil-Safe Design
The 1641 is formulated for use on photographic stencils and water-soluble hand-cut film. Its water-free chemistry ensures the emulsion is not softened or undermined during spot cleaning, protecting stencil life and edge definition.
How to Use the 1641 On-Press
Step 1 — Identify the Clog
Notice dropout or streaking in a specific area of the print. This indicates ink has dried in the mesh at that location.
Step 2 — Make a Squeegee Pass
Make a normal squeegee pass as usual, leaving the screen in the print position. Do not remove the screen from the press.
Step 3 — Spray the Clogged Area
Hold can 6–10 inches from the clogged area and spray directly. Use the extension tube for precision in tight spots. Hold a rag below if spraying overhead to catch drips.
Step 4 — 2–3 More Passes
Make 2–3 more squeegee passes. The ink dissolves and clears from the mesh. The screen opens without removing it from the press.
Step 5 — Resume Printing
Continue printing normally. No film is left in the mesh and print quality is immediately restored. No registration loss, no downtime.
After Use — Nozzle Care
After use, invert the can and spray until clear air flows to prevent the nozzle from clogging between sessions. Store upright at room temperature.
Screen Opener Comparison
| Feature | 1641 Clear Opener | 1634 Citrus Opener | CCI Blast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scent | Aromatic petroleum | Pleasant citrus | Solvent |
| Emulsion safe | Yes — water-free | Yes | Yes |
| On-press use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Leaves no film | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Size | 14 oz | 15 oz | 12 oz |
Browse all aerosol screen openers →
⚠️ Ground Shipping Only
The 1641 is 100% VOC and ships by ground only — it cannot be expedited by air. Plan orders accordingly for time-sensitive needs.
💡 Prefer Citrus Scent?
If strong solvent odor is a concern, try the 1634 Citrus Screen Opener — same on-press performance with a much friendlier aroma.
💡 For Stencils Only
Use the 1641 on photographic stencils or water-soluble hand-cut film only. Not formulated for use with direct-to-screen or capillary film systems without verification.
Ready to Order?
Ground shipping — order before 3:30 PM CT for same-day dispatch. Free shipping over $200.
(512) 454-0505 · [email protected]
Technical Specifications
AlbaChem® 1641 — Technical Specifications
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Product Name | AlbaChem® Clear Screen Screen Opener |
| Item Number | 1641 |
| Manufacturer | Albatross USA / AlbaChem® · Long Island City, NY |
| Container Type | Aerosol spray can with extension tube |
| Net Weight | 14 oz per can |
| Case Pack | 12 cans per case |
| Case Weight | 14 lbs |
| Hazmat Info | Consumer Commodity ORM-D / Limited Quantity Exemption |
| Physical & Chemical Properties | |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear liquid in aerosol can |
| Odor | Aromatic petroleum |
| Chemical Family | Aromatic hydrocarbon with hydrocarbon propellant |
| Solubility in Water | Not soluble |
| Water Content | None (water-free formula) |
| VOC Content | 100% by weight |
| Alkylphenol Ethoxylates | None |
| Ozone Depleting Substance | No |
| Hazardous Air Pollutant (HAP) | No |
| Shipping & Compliance | |
|---|---|
| Shipping Method | Ground only — cannot be shipped by air (domestic or international) |
| VOC Compliance | Not compliant — 100% VOC. Check local/state regulations before ordering. |
| UN Number | UN 1950 (Aerosols) for air shipment labeling |
| Application Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Spray Distance | 6–10 inches from screen surface |
| Compatible Stencil Types | Photographic stencils and water-soluble hand-cut film only |
| Effect on Emulsion | Will not soften emulsions (water-free formula) |
| Ink Types Dissolved | Plastisol, solvent-based, and other common screen printing inks — fresh and dried |
| Passes to Clear Screen | 2–3 squeegee passes after application |
| Residue After Use | Leaves no film in the mesh |
Data sourced from AlbaChem® official TDS. Contact River City Supply at (512) 454-0505 for current documentation.
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions — AlbaChem® 1641
Order AlbaChem® 1641 — In Stock at River City Supply
Ground shipping only · Order before 3:30 PM CT for same-day dispatch · Free shipping over $200 · (512) 454-0505
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