How to Remove Screen Print From Clothes [4 Effective Ways]

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Perhaps you’ve made a mistake while printing a shirt, or your shirt has become so old the screen print has lost its beauty. Knowing how to remove screen print from shirts is a skill that always comes in handy.

In this article, we’ll take you through different ways you can remove screen print from your shirt. They’re easy and require little effort; you don’t have to be a pro. So, let’s get into it.

1. Using Nail Polish Remover

Nail Polish Remover

Using a nail polish remover is one of the ways you can get rid of a screen print from a shirt. This is due to the presence of acetone in the nail polish remover, which effectively removes screen prints from shirts. Let’s look at the steps involved.

  • You must wash the shirt in cold water. Avoid hot or warm water because it’ll cause the ink to harden. Any new ink on the shirt will be washed away by cold water.
  • Use a dryer to get rid of all the moisture in the shirt. Set the dryer to a temperature that’s high enough to do the job.
  • Soak a cotton ball in the liquid, and rub the ink on the shirt gently so as not to damage the shirt. As a precaution, place cardboard under the part of the shirt that has the ink. This should prevent it from staining the back of the shirt.
  • Rewash the shirt by following the instructions that came with the shirt.
  • Once again, dry the shirt with your dryer in high heat. Then, get rid of any leftover ink on the shirt using your fingers.

Following these steps should remove screen print from your shirt. However, if there are still ink marks on your shirt, follow the third step till your shirt is print-free.

2. Using Plastisol Remover

Plastisol Remover

Alternatively, use plastisol remover to get rid of the screen print from your shirt. This method requires some caution, though. Before trying this method, ensure that you’re wearing gloves and a face mask. Also, it would be best if you were working in an airy space. Follow these steps if you want to know how to get rid of a screen print with plastisol remover.

  • Apply the plastisol remover to the print, and leave it for about 30 minutes.
  • Brush the print away with a soft brush.
  • Use a cloth to remove the plastisol remover; ensure that the fabric is soft.Afterward, wash the shirt with cool water and a mild detergent.
  • You can either dry the shirt in an open space or use your dryer.

This method will remove most of the print. You can remove any leftover print using your fingers. Then, go through the process again if there’s still print on the shirt. You should be careful, though; using this process multiple times can cause damage to your shirt.

3. Using a Paper Bag and an Iron

This method is one of the most accessible and inexpensive ways to get rid of a screen print from your shirt because all the materials you need are easy to get. All you need is an iron and a paper bag or wax paper. So, let’s see how you can get rid of a screen print with a paper bag and an iron.

  • Like in the previous methods, wash the shirt with cold water, and then dry it.
  • Put the shirt on a flat surface. If you have an ironing board, you can use that.
  • Place a paper bag on your shirt targeting the print. When using this method, always make sure that the shiny side of the paper bag is on the shirt.
  • Set the iron to medium heat, and iron over your paper bag. The purpose of the iron is to transfer the design on your shirt to your paper bag.

Use your fingers to remove the remaining print from the shirt or repeat the process. Don’t forget to use another paper bag when repeating the process. Also, don’t use a steam iron for this method.

See also: Top T-Shirt Printing Machine

4. Using a Spot Removal Gun

Spot Removal Gun

Spot removal guns are easy to use and don’t require complicated steps. This is how you can remove screen print with a spot removal gun:

  • Before you start using the spot remover gun, you have to fill it with a spot removal solution.
  • Spray the solution on the print. The solution can leave a stain on the shirt, so be careful not to let any liquid get on it.
  • Gently wipe the solution off your shirt with a soft cloth and water. If you aren’t still convinced that there’s no chemical residue on the shirt, try washing it immediately. Delaying leaves more time for the solution to stain the shirt.
  • Finally, dry the shirt in a well-ventilated space.

Last Words

Whether you want to get rid of a particular spot or the entire screen print on the shirt, you can use any of the techniques above. As a precaution, always remember to wash your shirt with cold water. Using hot water will cause the screen print to harden, and you don’t want that. Also, you should dry your shirt before removing the screen print.

Although these methods aren’t complex, don’t worry if you can’t get it right on your first attempt. After a few tries, you should be a pro at removing prints from shirts.

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