Storage of Rollers

MarkPress
on 19 Sep 13 (11:27)

Hi Folks,
I am storing some rubber rollers for a few months when they will not be used at all, and would appreciate any suggestions for preserving them. I don’t them to be cracked or hardened or get a glaze. Is there any solutions I should rub them down with? Any ideas are welcome!!

jhenry
on 19 Sep 13 (13:45)

My immediate response would be to keep them supported so they don’t touch anything, and keep them cool and dry. I looked online and found this from Katsura Roller, a Japanese company:

1.When storing a rubber roller, hold at the shafts or stand the roller upright.
2.Rubber rollers should be stored at cool and dark places.
Do not store them near electrical equipment such as a motor and a germicidal lamp which generate ozone.
3.We recommend re-polishing rollers which have been stored for more than 6 months.
Wrapping the rubber roller surface with paper will slow down the surface oxidation.
4.For large and heavy rollers with soft rubber material, rotate the rollers at regular intervals to avoid curving or bending.

It all sounds like good information.

John Henry
Cedar Creek Press

MarkPress
on 23 Sep 13 (09:57)

Hi John,
Thank you very much for the suggestions. I really appreciate it.

When it says to re-polish rollers after being stored, any idea on what they are referring to?

jhenry
on 23 Sep 13 (10:58)

I’m not entirely certain, but it could be just a good wash and possibly a going over with something like Putz Pomade to open up the pores. I think just a good wash with appropriate solvent (what is used normally for ink removal) may be all that is required.

I thought all the suggestions seemed to be sound and good to observe.