Screen Printing Chemicals | Reclaiming, Press Wash & Degreasers | Lawson

High-Performance Screen Printing Chemicals

Comprehensive Screen Printing Chemical Solutions

Maintain a clean, efficient shop with Lawson’s industrial-grade Screen Printing Chemicals. Our comprehensive line covers every stage of the screen room workflow. From MD-100 Mesh Degreaser for perfect emulsion adhesion to ER-110 Emulsion Remover for effortless reclaiming, our chemicals are designed to save you time and labor. Minimize your environmental impact without sacrificing power using our soy-based ID-200 Ink Degradant and biodegradable press washes

Demonstration Video: In the Screen Room: Screen Printing Chemicals

Related Supplies: Screen Printing Emulsion Cleaning Frames Press Cleanup

Lawson chemicals are formulated in-house and tested by our technicians in our St. Louis and Atlanta labs to ensure they meet the highest industrial safety standards.

Chemical Types Offered:

Screen Printing Chemicals FAQ

What is the difference between a Press Wash and an Ink Degradant?

A Press Wash is designed for quick color changes on the press and evaporates quickly. An Ink Degradant is a more powerful solvent used during the reclaiming process to fully break down ink so it can be washed away with water.

Why do I need to degrease my mesh before coating?

Using a degreaser like MD-101 removes oils, dust, and fingerprints that prevent emulsion from bonding to the mesh. Skipping this step often leads to premature stencil breakdown or "pinholes" during a print run.

Are Lawson chemicals safe for dip tanks?

Yes. We offer specialized formulas like our One-Step Concentrated Dip Tank Solution, which is specifically designed to stay active in a tank environment, breaking down both ink and emulsion simultaneously.

The Professional Screen Reclaiming Guide

Step-by-Step: How to Reclaim Screen Printing Screens

Reclaiming is the most critical part of screen room management. Follow this professional workflow using Lawson’s high-performance chemicals to ensure your mesh stays tensioned and ready for the next job.

  1. Ink Removal: Card off excess ink. Apply Lawson PW-485 Universal Press Wash or ID-200 Ink Degradant to both sides of the screen to break down remaining plastisol or solvent-based inks.
  2. Emulsion Removal: Spray ER-110 Emulsion Remover (or use our One-Step Dip Tank Solution) onto the screen. Let it dwell for 30–60 seconds, but do not let it dry, as this can permanently lock the emulsion into the mesh.
  3. Pressure Wash: Use a high-pressure water sprayer to blast away the softened emulsion and ink residue.
  4. Haze & Ghost Removal: If "ghost" images remain from previous jobs, apply HR-2001 Strongest Haze and Image Remover. Scrub lightly and rinse thoroughly.
  5. Degreasing (The Final Step): Always finish with MD-100 Mesh Degreaser. This removes any remaining chemical oils and fingerprints, ensuring your next coat of SBQ-501 Emulsion adheres perfectly without pinholes.