Iced up pipes bring  our workshops to a virtual stand still this week

Photography by Tony Plant

The last few days have been the coldest we can remember. After a well earned rest over the Christmas period we were all keen to leap into action and set about tackling our already growing list of screen printing jobs, however,  we were soon to realise that very little could be done without our water supply. Here are 5 good reasons no screen printer should be without a good water supply and well insulated pipes.

1. Tea and coffee.

   Nearly every member of the Advertees team has a tea or coffee requirement, in order to achieve maximum efficiency the supply needs to be maintained.

2. Washing out screen stencils.

   It is impossible to wash out stencils without water, borrowed water in a container can sort out the tea and coffee crisis, but will not help in making a good silk screen stencil.

3. Reclaiming used screens.

   Again, this is an impossible task when you do not have the use of a good pressure washer.

4. Washing ink from screens.

   Although not ideal, water from a bucket can do the job, although I would not recommend it, you may also resort to plastic inks which can be washed out with various toxic screen washes.

5. Afternoon Tea.

   Previously assumed as a workers right, this is now a cherished moment, all water is used sparingly throughout the day to ensure this ritual goes uninterrupted.

These temperatures are unheard of in this part of the world, it has been an interesting 2 days. We are fully operational again with a new found respect for our water supply, full steam ahead and we should catch up on our orders in no time.

Related posts:

1. Water-based T shirt printing | Part2
2. Water based inks, another look
3. Silk Screen Stencils
4. Water based T shirt Printing part 3
5. Growing interest in water based screen printing.