Offset printing chemicals for cleaning and production
Choose offset printing chemicals for the task and the materials inside your press. Explore washes, fountain additives, powders and maintenance products. Check compatibility before replacing a product in your process.
Remove ink from rollers and blankets
Printing chemicals for washing the machine
Choose a wash for manual or automatic cleaning. Then consider the type of ink, roller and blanket rubber, and installation requirements.
What to check before choosing?
- Conventional and UV inks require an appropriate preparation.
- Compatibility with NBR, NBR/PVC and EPDM check for specific variant.
- For the automatic washer, select a product approved for its system.
General purpose solvent does not automatically replace machine cleaner. Do not use it on rollers or blankets without confirming compatibility.
Brands and products on offer
| VARN | Washes for conventional and UV printing; separate variants for different rubbers and cleaning methods. |
|---|---|
| Brenntag | NEUBOL WA 130, INKOPLAST and NEUBOLITH. |
| Other washes | DruckChemie 4G, OPTIMA Wash+ and IMAGO WASH. |
| Solvents | NITRO, naphtha and ShellSol D60. Selection requires checking the place of application. |
Reduce ink bounce in the stack
Printing powders for sheet-fed printing
The powder separates the sheets and helps reduce flaking of the fresh ink. Select the type and grain size for the substrate and planned finishing.
What should you look out for?
Powder does not replace proper drying of the ink. Therefore, when selecting, take into account the ink coverage, sheet format and powdering device settings.
Moreover, check the effect of the powder on varnishing, laminating and gluing. However, do not choose the grain solely according to the paper weight.
Compare available families
| KSL | S5 and L3 series. Confirm the type and grain size for your order. |
|---|---|
| VARN and Russell-Webb | Coated and uncoated powders. |
| ABC Spray Powder | Variants 500 and 300; choose them based on the current card and ground. |
Maintain proper hydration
Buffers and additives for the fountain solution
Select buffer for water, ink and dampening system. Take into account water parameters and the current IPA percentage as they help narrow down your product choices.
How to prepare the selection?
First, provide the machine model, water parameters and concentrate used. Then describe the problem: foam, deposits, unstable dampening or the need to limit IPA.
Do not replace buffers by name alone. The dose and conditions of use depend on the specific variant. However, the preparation for cleaning the circuit has a different task than the working concentrate.
Solution and circuit equipment
| VARN | Sheet fountain solution additives, also variants for IPA reduction. |
|---|---|
| ABC All Star Fount | Dampening concentrate; confirm printing conditions without IPA for your machine. |
| Cleaning | ABC Powder System Cleaner A+B for cleaning the water system. |
| Supporting Materials | IPA and filters for dosing and mixing devices, including Technotrans. |
Cleaning and auxiliary chemicals for offset
If regular washing does not solve the problem with the rollers, check the type of dirt. For deposits, plate care and cleaning and dampening, choose an appropriate agent.
So when adding things, start with the cause of the problem. Preparations for water, foam and inactive assemblies have various applications. Don’t add them all to one tank.
How to choose printing chemicals and compare the cost?
In your inquiry, first provide the product or problem, machine model and inks used. Then add the washing method, type of rubber and water parameters, if applicable.
The price depends on the preparation, packaging and quantity. In addition, compare the working concentration and compatibility with the installation. However, a lower purchase price does not help if the measure does not fit the process.
Detailed descriptions of one brand can be found on the website VARN pressroom chemicals. Here you can compare material groups of different brands. Also match them to those used process inks and planned water-based varnishes.
Ask about selection and current offer
Describe the working conditions and expected effect. WIT will help you select printing chemicals and confirm the packaging, price and availability of a specific variant.
Selection questions and practical limits
Where should I start when replacing an offset chemical?
Identify the task first: washing, cleaning deposits, dampening or controlling foam. Then check the ink technology and materials inside the press. Compare products within the same application instead of choosing solely by price.
Can a chemical solve every recurring print defect?
No. Worn rollers, incorrect settings or unsuitable paper can cause similar symptoms. Therefore, record when the defect appears and compare the print before and after one controlled change. Stop if the treatment worsens the result.