If your squeegee rubber is bowing or warbling, it is probably time to get a new one. But before you get started, here are some tips to clean and care for your squeegee. Read on to learn more! Also, keep in mind that rubber will not lay flat with only 2 clips. Therefore, it is essential to clean your squeegee on a regular basis to prevent warping.
Changing squeegee rubber
If you use a window cleaning squeegee to clean your windows, you will need to change the rubber from time to time. It is important that you learn how to do this so you won’t end up buying a new one when the old one wears out. Professional window cleaners use Ettore squeegee rubber, which is rated as one of the best squeegee rubbers.
To replace the squeegee rubber, you must first remove it from the guide and put it in a secure place. Next, you need to pull out the squeegee rubber from the guide and expose the steel clip. When you begin drawing on the new side, the steel clip will pop out. Once you have the new squeegee rubber, it is time to reassemble the squeegee.
The squeegee rubber ends wear out faster than the rest of the rubber. You can easily fix this without throwing away the rubber. To cut the rubber ends, remove the “teeth” on the squeegee handle. Then, cut the ends with a glass scraper or a razor blade. Make sure to make the edge of the rubber 90 degrees. If the rubber ends are rounded, then the squeegee will not glide properly through the window.
If you are using plastic handles, you may have to change the rubber on the handle or channel. The plastic handles of squeegees often have rounded edges and streaks. A new rubber will prevent these problems. Also, you’ll want to check the rubber’s color if it’s faded or has a ragged edge. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a squeegee that looks like a car’s tire.
Changing squeegee rubbers can be a pain but you can make the job easier and faster. With proper care, your squeegee rubbers will last for years. You can flip them over if you feel that it’s time to replace them. After all, you’ll want to give your customers a picture-perfect window that you can be proud of. It’s definitely worth the extra effort.
Getting squeegee rubber to lay flat
If you have ever struggled to get the squeegee rubber to lay completely flat, you may wonder how you can get it to do this. Here are a few methods you can try. To get the rubber to lay flat, simply remove it from its guide. Once you have done this, you can discard the rubber. Before you can remove the squeegee, you need to pull out the metal clip at the bottom of the rubber.
To make sure the rubber is laid flat, unclip its clips. Most squeegees come with 2 clips. Remove one clip from each end and the rubber will lay more flat. The sorbo squeegee has a 40 degree channel. Once you remove the clips, you can lay the squeegee rubber flat. If this tip doesn’t work, you may need to adjust the tension of your squeegee.
To flip the rubber, you can use pliers to lift it out of its channel. However, you should be careful while holding the squeegee rubber. The rubber can easily stretch out of the channel when you hold it using pliers. It may even drag on the steel clip, which is intended to come out with the rubber. This can lead to streaks on the window.
The squeegee is commonly made of three basic materials: Natural rubber, Neoprene, and Polyurethane. Natural rubber is the least expensive, but has poor abrasion and chemical resistance. The more popular choice is Neoprene, which costs a bit more than natural rubber but has better chemical resistance and is easier to clean. You can use plastic squeegees as long as you can remember to take care of them.
You can also try sharpening your squeegee before using it. If you have a normal press, a 3/8″-inch blade is sufficient. But if you have a CD printing press, you may want to try a squeegee with a slightly longer blade. If this isn’t the case, you can always sharpen it again.
Choosing the right squeegee
Squeegee rubber is the most important part of your window cleaning arsenal. Different types of rubber have different profiles and fit on different types of windows. While most squeegee rubber brands are interchangeable, there are a few differences to keep in mind. For example, some brands have a rounder profile than others, and some are made with silicon. While you should use a soft rubber for cooler weather, choose a hard one for warmer temperatures.
Generally, polyurethane squeegees come in three different hardness levels: 61, 65, and 68. The color-coding scheme is helpful, as most manufacturers label their squeegees by hardness. Some manufacturers use red, blue, and green color-coding systems to distinguish among the types. If you plan on using your squeegee to remove heavy ink deposits, you’ll need a blade with a durometer of at least sixty. To be on the safe side, you’ll also need a durometer gauge, which you can buy at your local printing store or online.
Another consideration for choosing a squeegee is the material of its handle. A wooden squeegee is more comfortable, but it also absorbs more solvents and moisture. It also takes longer to clean. Plastic or aluminum handles, on the other hand, are easier to clean and can be switched out more frequently. Choosing a squeegee rubber that conforms to the glass is important for consistent performance.
Although natural rubber is the most inexpensive option, it is not the best option for screen printing. Natural rubber is prone to absorbing solvents and breaking easily. Neoprene is more expensive than polyurethane, but it has the advantage of being less sensitive to solvents. However, it’s important to remember that neoprene squeegees offer better chemical resistance.
When choosing a squeegee rubber, consider the durometer. The hardness of the blade determines how well it will lay down the ink on the surface. Softer blades will lay down more ink than harder blades, so they’re best for prints on rough surfaces. Also consider the screen mesh. For example, if your screen is more coarse, you’ll want a lower durometer Squeegee.
The durometer of a squeegee blade is an important factor in the process of transferring ink from one surface to another. A lower durometer means the blade is softer, while a higher durometer means the blade is firmer. Choosing the right squeegee rubber is critical for the smoothest, highest-quality print quality. With the right kind of squeegee rubber, you can avoid the hassle of repeatedly reworking a job.
Screen printing squeegees need to be kept clean and properly stored in order to maintain their performance. Improper storage can lead to heavy ink deposits and degraded print quality. Therefore, it’s essential to clean and store your squeegees after each use. While cleaning a squeegee, keep in mind that the squeegee rubber should always be in good condition and ready for the next time you use it.
About The Author
Mindy Vu is a part time shoe model and professional mum. She loves to cook and has been proclaimed the best cook in the world by her friends and family. She adores her pet dog Twinkie, and is happily married to her books.