Learn the step-by-step procedure for taping retensionable screen print frames, taught at the SGIA training course on screen making.
Screen printers have
devised many different ways to tape a screen printing frame. Having visited many shops in many different
countries, I have also seen all types of tape used. Some printers use packaging
tape from office supply stores. Others even use duct tape. Thankfully, many
will use the more expensive solvent-resistant block out tapes, which were
designed for screen printing inks.
The techniques that I
will review in this story, I learned about sixteen years ago, when I attended
an SGIA training course on screen making. The products that I recommend for
taping screens are the ones used in the course. They happen to be the products
that RTape makes, though I wasn’t working for RTape at the time.
What we didn’t use
was packaging tape. And we didn’t use duct tape either. Many of these packaging tapes are bad news
for screens. Here’s the reason. These tapes leave gooey residue on the mesh and
frame. Residue that is difficult to remove. Professional block out tapes peel off cleanly from the mesh without
leaving adhesive residue. Sure these tapes cost more, but you spend less time
on clean-up.
In one class we
learned the right way to tape retensionable frames, such as the Newman Roller
Frames. The technique that I learned can be applied to taping any type of
screen. This story reviews those step-by-step procedures.
When taping a
retensionable frame, there is absolutely no reason to apply the tape to the
rails of the frame. If you adhere the
tape to the rails, you will likely leave adhesive residue on them. And when you
retension the screen, the tape will pull away from the frame. What’s important
is that the block our tape forms a leak-proof seal on the mesh in the frame.
In taping the inside
or well side of the frame, I recommend using
of RTape Split Liner Tape, shown in the photo below. (The well side, which is also referred to as
the squeegee side, is the side that you pour the ink on.) This block out tape
features a back slit release liner protecting the adhesive side of the tape.
After shooting a
screen and washing out the image, make sure that the screen is completely dry
before taping. Any moisture will cause a
water-based adhesive to deteriorate.
This can result in ink leakage during printing. It can also result in
adhesive residue on the frame and mesh following tape removal.
In taping the screen,
you will remove only half of the release liner. Only this half, with the exposed adhesive, is applied
to the mesh of the frame. The unexposed
half, with the release liner in tact, merely rests along the rails of the
frame. In the procedure outlined in this instructional story, you first tape the
corners and then you apply tape along the sides. Be sure that the half of the
tape applied to the mesh is perfectly flat, without any wrinkles. Wrinkles are
points where ink leakage can begin.
1. Cut half way through
a 6” piece of block out tape, creating
two flaps, as show in the picture below. When using split liner tape,
remove the liner covering the adhesive on the two flaps.
2. Fold one flap over
another to form a corner section.
3. Apply the corner
sections to the corners of the screen. Make sure that the application of the
tape is perfectly flat against the mesh of the screen, with no wrinkles.
Remember: wrinkles will cause ink leaks.
4. Apply block out tape
between the corner sections.
5. When using Split
Liner™ tapes or Zone Coat™ tapes, tape the top halves of the sections with a
small piece of tape.
6. Turn the frame over so the print side is facing you. Apply RTape Blue Block Out tape on the print side of
the frame, aligning the tape with the tape applied to the squeegee side of the
frame. Some screen printers only apply tape to the well or squeegee side of the
frame. I recommend taping both sides of the mesh. By following this
procedure, we found that the tape applied to the inside of the mesh will last
much longer.
After applying the tape to the screen, coat
the screen using liquid block out between the stencil and the block out tape.
Do not use block out tape to mask off this area. Tape adhesive can ooze at the
edges of any tape product. During
printing, the squeegee can transfer pieces of oozing adhesive to the open areas
of the screen. This adhesive contamination can inhibit ink flow, causing
spotting and pinholes.
Vinyl Application Videos
Squeegee Technique. Nothing is more basic in vinyl application than the squeegee. But some squeegees work better than others. And there are right ways and wrong ways to use this simple tool. This video clip reviews squeegee selection, squeegee care and squeegee technique. Click to Link
Wet Applications. Dry applications are typically recommended for most vinyl applications. For those exceptions to the rule, this instructional video explains the right way to perform a wet application. Click to Link
Application of Window Graphics. Installing vinyl graphics on glass can be challenging, because the adhesive aggressively grabs onto this high energy surface. Repositioning graphics on window is generally difficult, if not impossible. This instructional video explains how to dry apply window graphics right the first time. It also describes the necessary steps required for surface preparation. Click to Link
Transferring Frosted Window Graphics Films. Because frosted window films are highly textured, transferring cut vinyl graphics can be problematic. This video provides direction in selection of the right application tape and how to apply these films quickly, easily and without problems. Click to Link
3-Step Surface Prep. This instructional video describes how to properly clean the surface of a vehicle before applying pressure sensitive vinyl graphics to a trailer or doing a full wrap of a car or van. This three step surface prep involves detergent washing, solvent cleaning and a final wipe down with IPA. Click to Link
Vinyl Application Over Rivets. Applying vinyl graphics on vehicle surfaces with rivets is challenging for most sign makers. Vinyl failures to these surfaces are all too common. This video demonstrates some tips and procedures, used by professional decal installers, which will make these demanding applications easier and more trouble-free. Click to Link
Vinyl Application to Corrugations. Learn how to apply vinyl graphics to corrugations in a relaxed state. Forcing films into the valleys of corrugations puts too much mechanical stress on the film. Sooner or later, the vinyl will lift or tent in valleys. Click to Link
Applying Air Egress Vinyls. Vinyl films with air egress release liners have almost eliminated bubbles and wrinkles from applied graphics. Air egress release liners with their highly textured surface structure are problematic. Not much will stick to these liners other than the vinyl film. At RTape our best premask solution for air egress liners is a special Conform® tape called 4761RLA. Click to Link
About Jim Hingst: After fourteen years as Business Development Manager at RTape, Jim Hingst retired. He was involved in many facets of the company’s business, including marketing, sales, product development and technical service.
Hingst began his career 42 years ago in the graphic arts field creating and producing advertising and promotional materials for a large test equipment manufacturer. Working for offset printers, large format screen printers, vinyl film manufacturers, and application tape companies, his experience included estimating, production planning, purchasing and production art, as well as sales and marketing. In his capacity as a salesman, Hingst was recognized with numerous sales achievement awards.
Drawing on his experience in production and as graphics installation subcontractor, Hingst provided the industry with practical advice, publishing more than 150 articles for publications, such as Signs Canada, SignCraft, Signs of the Times, Screen Printing, Sign and Digital Graphics and Sign Builder Illustrated. He also posted more than 325 stories on his blog (hingstssignpost.blogspot.com). In 2007 Hingst’s book, Vinyl Sign Techniques, was published. Vinyl Sign Techniques is available at sign supply distributors and at Amazon.
© 2016 Jim Hingst
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