Category: Letterpress for beginners
Later topic: Teach me letterpress
Earlier topic: Photos of a Lead and slug tray and treadle needed

Cleaning Adana 8x4

  • centro
  • on 12 Jul 08 (11:31)
  • Updated 12 Jul 08 (11:45)

I am a complete beginner to letterpress and would like to know what materials I need to clean ink from an Adana 8x4 (rollers, ink disc).

I am reluctant to use strong smelling solvents/chemicals as my Adana is in the house also eco reasons reasons are a factor so something that is friendly to both the environment and nostrils would be great.

I would also like to know what to use to clean lead and wood type and what is the best process and tools to use for this.

I live in UK so any suggestions of something that can be bought here would be great!

Cheers

Log in to reply   5 replies so far

I retired some 14 yrs ago after 50+yrs in the trade located in the W. Midlands, so my suggestions maybe a little outdated.
For cleaning ink from rollers etc there were proprietory wash-up fluids, or the readily available paraffin.
As regards cleaning type; if its still locked in a forme then brush with a hard bristle brush, (commonly known as a pick brush, about 5x3 ins) and paraffin, then wipe over with a lint free rag.
If the type is loose then by far the best way is an ultrasonic cleaner, It will come up like brand new and with little effort.
Hope this helps.

Any non-solvent suggestions?

I use Mineral Spirits to clean rollers, wood and metal type and photopolymer plates.

Purchase a 5 gallon bucket from Home Depot with a lid, you will store your rags in this after you clean up the press and type. You can purchase a bundle of white rags from Sams Club for about $12, they usually last me about a year. Once a month I dry my rags in the suns and start using them again.

I’m on the three rag clean up system. I use one rag for the first clean up, then another for the second clean up and finally the last rag for the final clean up.

Casey
inkylipspress.com

I use the same process as cmcgarr, but use Neutral Thin by Eco-House instead of mineral spirits—no fumes, better for you and the environment. You can get it online at dickblick.com

Kristin
The French Press

  • centro
  • on 19 Aug 08 (07:37)
  • Updated 19 Aug 08 (07:57)

I found these in the UK – would these be a suitable non-solvent solution for cleaning up after using the press?

http://www.ecotopia.co.uk/product/82/bc0082/auro-eco-paint-191-thinner.h...

[3rd product in the list]
http://www.doart.co.uk/acatalog/Mediums_.html

Also would this be any good for cleaning the rubber rollers?

http://www.greatart.co.uk/BIO-WASH-lithography.htm

Cheers