Permaprint clogging in the screen

Permaprint Premium is VERY highly pigmented + contains lots of resin/binder, so there is very little free water.

Lose a little bit of water + the whole thing tends to seize up, but there are plenty of ways to get around this.

First, make sure that the screen is completely clean, dehazed etc. particularly around the edges.

Second, before starting the print run, let the screen soak in water for 5 minutes. Allow to drain + dab off excess water with a damp (lint free) sponge (this will allow slightly better ink release). You might also add a teensy bit of water (1-2%) to the ink if it’s already too stiff. Generally the ink is supplied at or slightly below ideal print viscosity, but thickens up over time on the screen.

Third, be really well set up + be prepared to work quickly.
• As part of the set-up, have a spray/spritzer bottle handy either with straight water or anywhere between 10-50% Retarder in it.

Fourth, ALWAYS leave the image area flooded between prints. So the print sequence would be FLOOD, PRINT, Crack the screen off the shirt, then FLOOD prior to taking the shirt of the platen. Failure to flood between prints will exacerbate drying-in problems.

Fifth, if the flooded area looks a bit dull, then spray over the ink area with the spritzer bottle until the ink looks glossy again.

(One final thought: If you’re using multifilament mesh, consider changing to monofilament; multifilament is MUCH worse for drying-in)

So interesting that you are experiencing clogs. I just started using premium in s. calif. Printing on coroplast 280 mono. No clogging, the ink is actually easier to use than solvent ink in temps of high 90 degrees. If anything, the ink is hard to dry, takes some time. I don’t prewet the screen and wash up with water only.