Improved Emulsion Removal:
The higher water pressure associated with pressure washing can be more effective at removing unexposed emulsion compared to using a garden hose with standard water pressure. This is particularly beneficial with modern, water-resistant emulsions that might require more force to fully clear from the mesh.
- Enhanced Image Quality: Using a pressure washer can lead to several image quality improvements, including:
- Sharper edge definition
- Improved halftone sharpness
- Cleaner mesh bridging, meaning emulsion is cleared more effectively from the mesh openings
- Reduced moiré, a visual interference pattern, as halftone dots are more accurately formed and opened
- Increased Consistency and Efficiency
- Increased Consistency and Efficiency: Pressure washing can result in:
- More consistent screen-to-screen results
- Less variation between different operators
- Simplified training for screen makers
- Reduced overall washout time, which is particularly helpful with emulsions that can become soft with prolonged exposure to water
It’s important to note that the sources stress the importance of proper stencil exposure to reap the benefits of pressure washing. If a stencil is underexposed, the higher pressure from a pressure washer might damage the stencil, causing parts of the image to wash away completely.
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