Have you considered using PVC Board for your next screen print job? To help you get started, we worked with our experts to provide you with a quick overview of Large Format Screen Printing with PVC Board. Learn about the production process and popular applications, so you can get started on your next screen printing job!
What is the Production Process?
- Choosing a PVC Board
- Surface Preparation
- Setting Up Your Screen
- Printing and Curing Process
- Cleaning Up
Choosing a PVC Board
When choosing your PVC sign board, we suggest choosing a board that makes your printing process easy and provides quality prints. We found that iON PVC board is a great choice due to its smooth print surface, consistent white base color, bright white point, and ink acceptability. Not to mention, it's made in the USA with a competitive price point.
Surface Preparation
In any type of printing, surface preparation is the first step to a successful print. The PVC surface should be cleaned and free of any surface contaminants (i.e., oils, dust particles, etc.) prior to starting. The substrate should be cleaned with 70% isopropyl alcohol, using a non-colored cloth for best results. Any surface scratches on the substrate can be simply removed by rapidly fanning a heat gun over the affected area for a short period of time.
Setting Up Your Screen
Getting the screen prepared to print on iON PVC is like printing on other substrates. With the smooth surface of the iON PVC, you can plan to achieve excellent detail. Follow the ink manufacturer’s recommendation and choose a mesh count appropriate for the ink and the design. For UV inks the mesh count will usually be 305-420 tpi while water-based and solvent will be 230-355 tip.
Your emulsion should also match the needs of the ink, and Grimco has you covered with both the RISE Dual Cure and the RISE SBQ emulsions. If you will be printing really long runs the RISE Dual Cure is a great choice. Be sure to properly coat and expose the emulsion, and you will have excellent results. If in doubt, the Grimco Screen Team can help! Email: screencsr@grimco.com
Printing and Curing Process
iON PVC works with the most popular screen ink platforms including solvent, water-based, UV, and UV-LED. Luckily, you never have to fret over misprints because iON PVC's matte finish closed cell structure allows for mistakes to be easily cleaned off with the appropriate thinner.
To achieve maximum results, we recommend that inks are tested in a manner which duplicates your printing process before initiating production. Once your graphics have been produced it’s time for curing. Follow the ink guidelines and be sure to allow ample time for the ink to fully cure. Even UV cured inks require additional post-curing time to achieve maximum adhesion.
If printing with classic UV HID inks, use the lowest effective wattage in the curing process to keep temperatures below 140°F. From our experience UV curing systems that have variable-speed conveyors seem to produce the best results.
Cleaning Up
After your printing stage is completed, treat your screens kindly and clean them properly. This will help the screens last longer and make your next job easier. The Easiway EasiSolv 701N Screen Wash and Stain Remover will do a great job of removing most types of inks, while the RISE Stencil Remover Concentrate 1:50 will quickly take care of the emulsion. If you still have a bit of a stain when you finish cleaning the screen, a small amount of the 701N will usually take care of that too. After a quick rinse with water, the screen will be ready to use for the next job.
What You Can Create
Now that you understand the general process of large format screen printing, here are some applications to consider for your next project:
- Flat Rigid Signage
- POP Displays
- Site Signs
- Event signage
- Place cards
- Door Hangers
- Table Tents
- Tags
- and more
Have Further Questions?
We hope this overview helps you feel prepared to start your next large format screen printing project with PVC. If you have further questions about iON PVC or Screen Printing, please reach out to our experts at Boards@grimco.com or screencsr@grimco.com.
Looking for more information about fabricating with iON PVC? Download our free fabrication Guide here!