Printers Choice Ink Degradent – Liquid Ink Remover for Screen Printers
Printers Choice
Printers Choice Ink Degradent is a fast-acting liquid ink remover engineered to break down and dissolve ink residue from screen printing mesh quickly and efficiently. Designed primarily for plastisol inks, it also works on water-based, vinyl, epoxy, and enamel inks — making it a reliable single-product solution for daily screen reclaim prep. The fast-acting liquid formula penetrates ink buildup to loosen and dissolve residue, reducing scrubbing time and restoring mesh clarity before emulsion stripping. Important: Ink Degradent is an ink remover only — it is not a degreaser and should be followed by a dedicated degreasing step before coating.
Price range: $14.99 through $169.99
Description
Fast Ink Breakdown. Less Scrubbing. Cleaner Reclaim.
Printers Choice Ink Degradent penetrates plastisol, water-based, vinyl, epoxy, and enamel inks to dissolve residue before the emulsion removal step. Reduces labor, speeds reclaim cycles, and delivers screens that are genuinely ink-free before stripping. Not a degreaser — always follow with a degreasing step before coating.
Why Screen Printers Choose This Product
🧪
Liquid Plastisol Ink Removal
Fast-acting liquid formula penetrates and breaks down plastisol ink deposits quickly, reducing the manual scrubbing required to clear mesh before reclaiming.
🎨
Versatile Ink Compatibility
Effective on plastisol inks and works on water-based, vinyl, epoxy, and enamel inks — making it a single product solution for shops printing multiple ink systems.
⚡
Faster Reclaim Workflows
Apply before emulsion removal to dissolve ink residue first, making the entire reclaim sequence faster and reducing wear on mesh from aggressive scrubbing.
🛡️
Screen-Safe Formula
Safe for all standard screen printing mesh types when used as directed. Compatible with aluminum, retensionable, and wood frames. Does not attack emulsion.
How to Use in Your Reclaim Workflow
Remove bulk ink from the screen with a squeegee or palette knife before applying Ink Degradent.
Spray or apply Ink Degradent to both the ink side and squeegee side of the screen, ensuring all inked areas receive coverage.
Allow the Ink Degradent to penetrate ink residue for 1–2 minutes. For older or thicker deposits, additional dwell time may help. Do not allow to dry.
For stubborn residue, lightly scrub with a soft brush or pad. Avoid abrasive materials that may damage mesh.
Rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water from top to bottom on both sides until all ink and chemistry is removed.
Once ink is cleared, apply your emulsion remover. Follow with a degreaser before coating — Ink Degradent is not a degreaser.
Reclaim Workflow: Step by Step
Step 1 — Ink Removal
Apply Ink Degradent to dissolve bulk ink. Scrub lightly and rinse with high-pressure water.
Step 2 — Emulsion Removal
Strip the stencil with Printers Choice Emulsion Remover Concentrate. High-pressure rinse both sides.
Step 3 — Haze Removal
Remove ghost images with a haze remover. Apply to dry screen, dwell, and rinse.
Step 4 — Degrease & Coat
Degrease with a screen degreaser before coating. Ink Degradent does not degrease — this step is required for proper emulsion adhesion.
Important Notes & Best Practices
⚠️ Not a Degreaser
Ink Degradent removes ink but does not degrease mesh. A dedicated degreasing step is required after reclaiming before coating for proper emulsion adhesion.
💡 Dwell Time
1–2 minutes is sufficient for most applications. Older or thicker ink deposits may benefit from additional dwell. Do not allow to dry on the screen.
🔧 System Compatible
Can be used with spray bottles, automated wash equipment, and recirculating systems. Rinses clean with water.
How Much Do I Need?
Per Application
Apply to both sides of the screen to cover all inked areas. Scrub lightly where needed. A moderate application is sufficient — avoid flooding the mesh.
Coverage Estimate
~80–120 screens per gallon depending on ink load and screen size.
💡 Using Ink Degradent before emulsion removal reduces chemical load on your emulsion remover and speeds the overall reclaim cycle.
Available Sizes
| Size | Item # |
|---|---|
| Quart (32 oz) | PC-ID-QT |
| Gallon | PC-ID-GL |
| 5 Gallon | PC-ID-5GL |
Ready to Order?
Order before 3:30 PM CT for same-day shipping. Free shipping on orders $200+.
Questions?
Our screen printing experts can help you find the right chemical for your shop.
The Complete Printers Choice Product Line at River City Supply
Printers Choice (PC) offers a complete integrated screen printing chemical system available at River City Supply. Each PC product is designed to work together — from mesh prep through emulsion removal.
| Process Step | Product | What It Does | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 — Mesh Prep | PC Degreaser (1:3 Concentrate) | 1:3 concentrate mesh degreaser. Removes oils and contamination before emulsion coating. | Shop |
| Step 1 — Emulsion Hardener | PC Emulsion Hardener | Increases emulsion durability and resistance to solvents and press washes. Applied after coating. | Shop |
| Step 2 — Pallet Adhesive | PC Liquid Pallet Adhesive | Water-based aerosol-free pallet adhesive for standard cotton, poly, and blended fabrics. | Shop |
| Step 2 — Heavy Fabric Adhesive | PC Thick Liquid Pallet Adhesive | Heavy-duty adhesive formula for fleece, hoodies, and sweatshirts. | Shop |
| Step 3 — On-Press Cleanup | PC Press Wash / Screen Opener | Fast-acting on-press plastisol ink remover. Also reopens clogged mesh areas during production. | Shop |
| Step 4 — Ink Removal | PC Ink Degradent This Product | Liquid plastisol ink degradent for daily-use screen reclaim. | Shop |
| Step 4 — Anti-Foam | PC De-Foaming Agent | Controls foam in recirculating wash systems and dip tanks. Prevents nozzle clogs. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Dip Tank | PC 30-Gallon Dip Tank | Professional dip tank for screen reclaiming. Accommodates standard screen sizes. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Dip Tank Solution | PC Dip Tank Solution | Chemical solution for dip tank screen reclaim. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Dip Tank Kit | PC Dip Tank Start-Up Kit | Complete dip tank kit — everything needed to start a professional dip tank reclaim operation. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Emulsion Removal | PC Emulsion Remover Concentrate | Concentrated emulsion remover for standard screen printing emulsions. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Emulsion Removal | PC Part C Emulsion Remover | Part C emulsion removal component for the PC reclaim system. | Shop |
| Step 5 — Auto Reclaim | PC ECO-STRIP Part A | Combined ink and haze remover for automated reclaim systems. | Shop |
🏆 Why Order from River City Supply?
📦 Deep Inventory
Top screen printing chemical brands in stock year-round — no waiting on backorders.
🚚 Same-Day Shipping
In-stock orders placed before 3:30 PM CT ship the same day from San Antonio, TX.
🌡️ San Antonio Advantage
South Texas winters mean warmer temps and less freeze risk than northern warehouses.
🎁 Free Shipping Over $200
Free ground shipping on all orders over $200. Stock up and save on delivery.
More Printers Choice Chemicals:
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Liquid Ink Degradent / Ink Remover |
| Primary Ink Compatibility | Plastisol inks |
| Additional Ink Compatibility | Water-based, vinyl, epoxy, enamel inks |
| Form | Liquid |
| Is it a Degreaser? | No — a separate degreasing step is required |
| Application | Spray bottle, brush, automated wash system |
| Dwell Time | 1–2 minutes typical; adjust for heavily inked screens |
| Rinse | High-pressure water |
| Sizes | Quart, Gallon, 5 Gallon |
| SKU | PC Ink degradent |
| Brand | Printers Choice / River City Supply |
Technical Sheets / Safety Data Sheets / Documents
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions from screen printers:
Is Ink Degradent a degreaser?
No. Printers Choice Ink Degreaser is specifically an ink remover and is not formulated as a degreaser. After completing ink removal and reclaiming, always apply a dedicated screen degreaser before coating emulsion for proper stencil adhesion.
What inks does it work on?
Primarily formulated for plastisol inks, and also effective on water-based, vinyl, epoxy, and enamel inks.
How long should I let it dwell?
Typically 1–2 minutes for standard plastisol deposits. Older or heavily built-up ink may benefit from slightly longer dwell. Do not allow the product to dry on the mesh.
Can I use it in an automatic wash system?
Yes. Ink Degradent is compatible with spray bottle application, automated wash equipment, and recirculating systems. Rinses clean with water.
What is the shelf life and how should I store it?
Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight with the container tightly sealed. Contact us for specific shelf life information.
Ready to order? Same-day shipping before 3:30 PM CT.
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