RhinoTech's answer to the most asked Screen Printing question - How Do I Stretch A Screen?

HOW DO I STRETCH A FRAME? Here is the answer and “how-to” for new screen printers and those interested in upping their in-house excellence with RhinoBond Adhesives from RhinoTech.

1. PREPARATION
A new aluminum screen must have its surface prepared first so there will be no adhesive failure! In fact, all new or bare frame surfaces must be cleaned prior to beginning the stretching process.

• With the aluminum frame, the surface needs to be either ground or sandblasted to reduce the oxide build-up on the surface. This will enable the most surface area as possible in which to apply RhinoBond adhesive. This will help to ensure a strong bond between the frame and mesh.

• Using a Hand Grinder, such as the Dewalt DW400 4 ½” Angle Grinder with a Grinding Wheel for metal, roughen the surface of the frame working in a circular fashion.

• Wipe the frame surface with a cloth that has a small amount of solvent such as ethyl acetate or acetone. This will remove dust, dirt and other contaminants.

2. STRETCHING THE MESH

• Stretch the mesh over the frame, making sure that the frame is in direct contact with the fabric (any gap between the frame and fabric will result in a poor bond).

• Now that the mesh has been stretched tightly and is in contact with your frame, apply a small bead of adhesive onto the frame with your squeegee and spread it over the surface of the frame.

NOTE: RhinoBond Instant Frame Adhesive comes in a variety of viscosities (the lower the number, the thinner the product). Low viscosity adhesives are designed to be used with high mesh counts such as 280, 305, 355 etc.

3. APPLYING THE ACTIVATOR/PRIMER

• Now that you have applied the RhinoBond adhesive, use either RBP1500 Pump Spray or RBP1500A Aerosol activator/primer to dry the adhesive. Once sprayed, it will dry in approximately 15-30 seconds.

NOTE: the RhinoBond adhesive is sensitive to RBP 1500 Pump Spray or RBP 1500A Aerosol so…very lightly, spray the activator onto the frame from a distance of at least 10”-12” (25-30 cm). If you spray on to much it will cause the adhesive to turn white and ruin the bond.

• After spraying on the activator, press down on and smooth the fabric to help insure proper frame to fabric contact.

The frame is now ready for production.

When the frame needs to be re-stretched, simply peel off the mesh. If the surface remains smooth, simply follow Sections 2 and 3.

If the surface is not smooth, begin at Section 1 and repeat steps.


For more information call RhinoTech at 651-686 5027; info@rhinotechinc.com

We knew Tom Frecska in his 20’s and cheered his accomplishments as he made his way up through the ranks at Screen Printing magazine. We were in awe of his writing skills, enjoyed his sense of humor, have been grateful for his kindness and constructive criticism of our feature submissions to the magazine. Like our colleagues, we are devastated by his early death. Tom’s many gifts as a human being, an editor and friend will be remembered and missed by all of us at RhinoTech.

Helping screen printers stay viable!

The pages of our industry’s magazines are shrinking. We noted just 44 in the last issue of Screen Printing magazine. Is our industry really shrinking too? We’ve observed that screen printers are trying to spend wisely regarding on-going supply needs and new equipment purchases. And there’s a question in that too - will purchases be strictly based on price or will brand loyalty preside? We’ve heard both. We urge a conversation if a change in supplies is strictly based on price. In this economy, it’s worth it. Talk to us. info@rhinotechinc.com.

RhinoTech RhinoBond Crystal

Rhino Bond~Crystal has been tested by beaders and crafters (including our in-house jewelers). It's non-toxic, not sticky or runny and bonds even quicker in Florida or other high humidity areas. It dries clear and will adhere gemstones, rhinestones, sequins, shells or glitter to fabric. Works great to secure a knot. Our beaders have tried the other glues. Hands-down, RhinoBond~Crystal is a great product. It will bond skin to skin or anything else due to its strength, so handle with care and follow the directions.

RhinoBond~Crystal: 888-717-4466, 651-686-5027; info@rhinotechinc.com; www.rhinotechinc.com

Wild Use for RhinoBond

Wild! The following came to RhinoTech from a customer who shall remain nameless.

“I’m going to comment on endurance. I have your current product, Rhino Bond. I chipped a tooth on a candy bar one day and I had a bottle of your Rhino Bond RBA 1500. I would have to say a dentist couldn't have done a better job. My tooth hasn’t decayed or anything and the tooth is still there. I know this is not the recommended use for your product, but I just wanted to give you props. I plan on using it more often (in screen printing).”

He’s correct. Stick to using RhinoTech RhinoBond adhesive to adhere mesh to screen printing frames; not recommended ever for dental use! What an endorsement, though.

RhinoClean Green for T-shirt and Hat Printers

I know…more green stuff, but RhinoTech shares the responsibility to influence the use of proactive green elements into the screen printing industry. We love our mother earth. With RhinoClean™ Green² ™, especially RhinoBond™ Green², this biodegradable, no waste adhesive will bond to all types of frames, dry in seconds and help reduce the carbon footprint on our environment. Love your mother earth too.