New wash - I don’t want to ruin it!
Hi,
I’m trying to figure out what type of wash is “best” as in least-harmful, low effort, and preferably readily available. Don’t I have a list of wishes? ;-)
So far, everything I’ve run has been hand-inked because I’m terrified of ruining the brand-new rollers I was given with the press. That’s super tired/frustrating, though. So I’m looking for a wash that I could possibly pick up around town and that won’t kill me while I use it in the garage my press is in.
I’ve seen lots of recommendations on here, but all the alternatives feel very much like they’re for “advanced users,” whereas I might miss something - like not realizing I left vegetable oil on it or something.
While you’re here… The press has some old caked on ink and metal-mess (very light rust, maybe excess oil?) on it. What’s the best way to get rid of this?
Thank you so much!
(The photo is just because I think my press is pretty, not because it adds any real value to what I’ve said. )
presssidelowquality.jpg
Cleaning agents have been discussed in this forum quite often and you will get little agreement on what to use as everyone has their preference. You can’t go wrong with Odorless Mineral Spirits as it does a good job of cleaning and is less volotile than some of the others. If you are working in a garage, you probably has sufficient air flow, but you could open the door or a window while cleaning if you are particularly sensitive to solvent fumes.
I use kerosene for roller cleaning unless I need to follow up with a second color immediately, in which case I use mineral spirits.
John Henry
John Henry
Kerosene is about the best to use, save the vegetable oil for salads. To remove rust i use fine steel wool and elbow grease. Good Luck Dick G.
Try:
www,iccompoundco.com
They have a water micsiple wash which works excellent and meets the tough California Rules, also their Hand cleaner is a marvel.
Is that a Samson press? The throw-off looks similar.
And yes, you won’t find a consensus on here. I tend to use Kerosene, sometimes California Wash. I’m going to try odorless mineral spirits as well. Acetone will work on some stuff, and it evaporates nearly instantly, but don’t use it on rubber rollers.
Odorless Mineral Spirits are relatively cheap and widely available.