Varn Super Roller Rejuvenator

I came across the “Varn Super Roller Rejuvenator”, and was wondering: (a) if folks use this rejuvenator, and (b) how to use it.

This seems to be the Varn product sheet:
http://www.flintgrp.com/en/documents/Print-Media/Europe/Super_Rubber_Rej...

Here is what it says:

“Rollers: Outstanding for hand cleaning rubber and steel rollers out of the press and the cleaning of roller ends on the press. While Varn Super Rubber Rejuvenator dries too fast for most regular roller wash-ups, it may be added to a regular Varn wash up solution to improve cleaning action and increase drying speed as part of a maintenance wash-up programme.”

- So, do I mix the liquids or do I simply wipe the rollers (after the wash) with this rejuvenator?

Do I then leave it on the rollers (or do I need to wipe off the rejuvenator).

Thanks.

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haven’t used it for a while but it really helps get the ink off the rollers. i used to wash up with regular wash then use the rejuvenator to get the rollers really clean. I only did this about every tenth washup, not every time i washup. Good Luck Dick G.

It is not for ordinary cleanup of rollers. It is for periodic deglazing, maybe tougher dark-to-light color washes, etc. Rejuvinators are among the nastier solvents available for roller cleaning. But I bet it’ll remove Crisco effectively.
Do not leave it on the rollers. Residue from solvents, especially stronger, more volatile solvents like this, are damaging to the rubber. Note also that for the most part, the instructions assume the press is a standard offfset press with washup attachment. Hand scrubbing of rollers would only only a final step to remove residue on such a press. Most letterpress machines need manual cleaning, working close to the fumes, and since solvents are easily absorbed through the skin and lungs, always wear gloves, work with adequate ventilation, and better yet, wear an organic vapor respirator.

Thanks DickG and Parallel_Imp.

A couple more questions:

(a) After I apply the Rejuvenator to the rollers (using a clean rag), how long do I leave it on the rollers?

(b) What do I use to clean-off the Rejuvenator from the rollers? (Can I use the general wash?).

For general wash of rollers I have been using California Wash, and more recently I have been trying the Colorlok Economy Wash (from Xpedex). I was told by the Xpedx guy that the Colorlok wash was the same chemical as the Varn-2995 wash, except that it comes in the smaller 1 gallon cans.

Thanks.

Like parallel says always wear gloves, don’t have to leave the rejuvenator on the rollers, just wash them with it then use your regular press wash to clean it off your rollers. You should only use the rejuvenator once in a while, maybe every 2 or 3 months, don’t use on any rollers except rubber rollers. Dick G.

Thanks Dickg — I’ll only use the rejuvenator every so often as you suggested.

When cleaning, I have been wearing the thin latex gloves (from the local Walmart or CVS pharmacy).

Thanks.

Thanks for this interesting discussion, except that it has made me even more confused about these products.

I’ve been using Anchor 7117 Wash R-228 Odorless on my rubber rollers, after cleaning with odorless mineral spirits. It’s described as a “one-step water-miscible ink glaze remover and rubber conditioner” (here’s the product data sheet). It’s amazing how much more ink this product “finds” that the mineral spirits misses. Say I clean red ink off the rollers with mineral spirits until a white rag stays white. Then, if I use the Wash R-228, my rag will turn all red again.

I’ve been thinking that it’s good to get as much ink as possible out of the rollers, so I’ve been using the Wash R-228 as a final step every time I clean the rollers. (I use the mineral spirits first since it’s so much cheaper.) But now, from what you all have said, this may be wrong. I’ve just gotten brand new rollers, and I want to treat them right. Should I be using the Wash R-228 only occasionally? I don’t print very often — maybe once a month.

Barbara

n/a

Thanks Paul. It feels room-temperature to the touch. I have the MSDS, too, but not being a chemist I don’t know how the individual ingredients affect rubber rollers (though I sure do know a whole lot about their safety!).

Barbara