Practical instructions for usage of Geo Wash K, by Ad Stijnman

GENERAL

The detergent Geo Wash K is based on vegetable oils. This detergent is suitable for removing wax-based etching, litho crayon, litho-tusche, oil-based printing inks, oil paints and lacquers. It is not suitable for removing covering varnishes, shellac varnish or resin powder being melted (aquatint), which can be removed with methylated spirits. It is also not suitable for removing dried resists based on acrylics and to remove dried acrylic paints, which can be removed with an alkaline solution.

The detergent does not evaporate and remains active as long as it is on the plate. Therefore, when used correctly, but one quarter to one tenth of the amount is required compared to volatile detergents such as turpentine or benzene. In practice it is sufficient to add a few drops (small plates) or a dash (larger plates) detergent to the plate and distribute it. Then give it time to be absorbed and do its work. After removal of ink, etching grounds, etc. clean plates and tools with soap and water, dry thoroughly and immediately.

CLEANING

Removing the etching ground
Apply a few drops of detergent or a dash to the plate coated with wax-based resist. Spread this detergent with a brush, over the surface of the plate. Let the detergent be absorbed a few minutes or longer. Brush the sheet with a brush, the resist (etching ground) will mix with the detergent. Remove the mixture with a rag or tissue. Wash the plate wash with warm water and soap (detergent or soap) and dry thoroughly immediately. The plate can now be printed.

Removing the ink from the etching plate
After printing, run the plate again through the press (without re-inking), with a sheet of paper, to remove excess ink and repeat this if the plates have much relief and for mezzotint plates. Apply a few drops of detergent to the plate. Spread this detergent with a brush over the surface of the plate and rub it into the grooves of the plate. Let the detergent acting on the ink a few minutes or longer. Brush the plate with a brush, this mixes the ink with the detergent. Remove the mixture with a rag or tissue. Wash the plate wash with warm water and soap (detergent or soap) and dry thoroughly immediately.

Removing tusche and crayon from a litho stone
Moisten gummed-stone (Arabic gum) with a wet sponge. Spread a few drops of detergent over the stone with a piece of felt and let it do it's work for a few minutes. Rub the stone with a piece of felt until all the detergent is tusche have mingled. Clean the stone by squeezing a sponge with water above the stone and rub it with a rag. Use this rag only for cleaning with the detergent used. Apply arabic gum again to the stone. The stone can now be printed. Any residual detergent will be removed with the first proofs.

Removing printing ink from a litho stone
After printing, run the plate again through the press (without re-inking), with a sheet of paper, to remove excess ink. Spread a few drops of detergent over the stone with a sponge and let it do it's work for a few minutes. Rub the stone with a piece of rag until all the detergent is tusche have mingled. Clean the stone with a sponge and water, do not use this sponge for inking the stone. Apply arabic gum to the stone.

Woodblocks and Linocuts
Inked linoleum sheets and inked wood blocks can be cleaned with this detergent, but the detergent will be absorbed by the wood and linoleum. Impossible to get it out again. To clean the blocks or sheets "print them clean" until there is a vague image left. Then quickly wipe the surface with cleaning cloth moistened with a few drops of detergent, leave it to soak and then clean it with a damp rag while rubbing. This prevents the detergent to be absorbed by the lino or wood.

Cleaning inking stones and metal or rubber tools
Removing excess etching-grounds, resists, printing inks, etc. Brush smooth surfaces with a brush or rag with the detergent, let it soak a few minutes and then wipe off. Further cleaned by washing with water and soap (detergent or soap). Don't let rubber rollers, scrapers, and towels soak too long in the detergent, because the rubber may swell.

Cleaning brushes
For cleaning brushes with wax-based etching-ground, oil or enamel, fill a pot with some detergent and rub the brush against the bottom until the hairs have absorbed sufficient detergent. Let in soak for a few minutes, rub the brush on an old newspaper or rag and brush with water and green soap. Rinse thoroughly with water. For large, thick hair brushes pour the detergent on the hairs, do some "massage", let it work for a few minutes to work on and clean it with an old newspaper. Repeat until the brush is clean, then wash with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly with water. The detergent is not suitable for the removal of acrylic paints.

Tip: If you have a jar and fill it with detergent regularly to clean your brushes, make halfway the jar a grill. The bristles of the brush can be rubbed against the grill, which makes the paint easier come loose and the paint particles sink down so you do not brush through the sediment.

SAFETY

This detergent is suitable for use at room temperature.

Always wear nitrile rubber or PVC gloves when working with the detergent.

Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this detergent.

Hang out to dry the cleaning rags after use.

Wipe spilled detergent immediately with a damp cloth. If detergent is spilled on the floor clean it immediately thorougly to prevent slipping.

Ventilate workshops, to prevent accumulation of vapors and the air change.

Read the labels on the packaging.

PRECAUTIONS

Gloves

The detergent does not evaporate, you can not inhale it, but it dissolves the fats in your skin. As a result, the skin can dry out, and bacteria can penetrate the skin. Therefore, wear chemical resistant cleaning gloves, such as nitrile rubber or PVC gloves. Do not use latex or rubber gloves, household gloves, because they dissolve in the detergent.

Washing hands

This detergent is for cleaning plates and tools, not your hands or face. If ink or etching is on your skin, clean the skin with some cooking oil. "Massage" the oil into the skin, wipe with a cloth or tissue and then wash with soap and water.

Pots and bottles

Store large amounts of detergent in the container in which it was delivered, because the plastic container withstands the action of the detergent. After decanting into a smaller bottle to the clean the mouth of the container with a damp cloth and wash the used funnel with soap and water.

Don't pour the detergent in plastic coffee cups, plastic is not as such resistant against the action of the detergent. Do not use empty plastic bottles, that have been used for oil, vinegar, beverages, shampoo or soap. Do not use glass bottles for storing detergent, because they can break.

Press and plates

Avoid the detergent ends up into the moving parts of the press, because it dilutes the grease. Do not brush printing plates with this detergent before storing them. The corrosion inhibitors in the detergent prevent the metal is affected by the detergent itself, but the emulsifiers attract moisture and humidity can affect metal printing plates.

Printing ink and oil paint

Do not mix the detergent with ink and oil because they they will not dry. The detergent is not suitable to mix with acrylic or watercolor.