Don't breath in ink remover and emulsion remover any more....

[Screened Gear]

I use spray bottles for the chemicals a few sprays then a light rub with a scrub brush to move the chemicals around. One chemical is kinda harsh but does a great job on removing ink and ink stains. After cleaning about 20 of them I was coughing. I hate wearing masks so I tried to figure out how to make less of the spray go into the air.

THE SIMPLE FIX
I took the end of the sprayer off. Now it just shoots out a splash of chemicals. Nothing goes into the air. I didn't like how it wasn't directed at all so I took the old cap and drilled out a quarter ink hole in the end. Now the cap keeps the splash of chemicals going in the right direction. I have cleaned about 60 screens now with this "fix" and have not coughed once and I wasn't wearing a mask. The smell of the chemicals does not fill the room as much either. (I have ventilation in my dark room but before it would still fill the room and you would smell it in the shop.)

I hope this helps others. I know the chemicals we use are suppose to be safe but the less you breath in the better.

[Inkworks]

Good idea, but doesn't the chemical atomize into the air when you hit it with the pressure washer?

[Screened Gear]

That's a very good point. Haven't been in chemistry class for a few years. Not sure if it atomizes or not. All I know is it doesn't bother me done this way.

[ZooCity]

we use pour tops for everything but degreaser. totally helps but, yes, it does atomize when you hit it with the washer.  the solution is, preferably, to ventilate the living hell out of the wash room followed by using a paint vapor respirator.

our new washroom used to be a paint spray booth and I'm very happy having that fan in there. you can use the stinkiest chem in the shop, Spiff II blowout fluid, and barely smell anything when it's on. the fan is powerful enough to ventilate the whole shop with the doors left open.  I think it's the best solution if you can fit it in.

[RICK STEFANICK]

I like the smell.

[Inkworks]

we use pour tops for everything but degreaser. totally helps but, yes, it does atomize when you hit it with the washer.  the solution is, preferably, to ventilate the living hell out of the wash room

I agree, we ventilate the living hell out of the wash-booth itself.

[Screened Gear]

I thought about pour spouts but I what’d to work with what I had to come up with a solution. This is just a tip. Try it and see if it helps. Venting the hell out of you washout area is fine but if you can limit the amount of airborne chemicals in the first place, the venting will work just that much more.

[RICK STEFANICK]

A dip tank really helps as everything blows out so much quicker and your not spraying anything.

[alan802]

What is the couching thing you speak of?

[Frog]

What is the couching thing you speak of?

Coughing so badly, that he needed to take a break on the couch.

[Screened Gear]

Sorry my spelling is not the best and never really have time to proof anything.

[chriscole205]

Jon,

 I don’t know if you have tried these products from Franmar they have a very low odor. They might cost more than what you are using but thought I’d share.

http://www.franmar.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=95_96&products_id=49
http://www.franmar.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=86&products_id=42