FAQ
Why use Burnishine products?
Products work first time, every time and require none to very little technical support. Our products are formulated to solve common plate and press problems, are environmentally responsible with most meeting or exceeding AQMD standards in California, and are competitively priced. All our products are made in the United States.
What are the benefits of Gold Miracle?
Gold Miracle can save printers money by reducing the need to stock separate cleaners for laser and silver based plates. In addition, Gold Miracle improves productivity by reducing waste and downtime. Printing looks sharper.
What plate cleaner do you recommend for laser plates, such as Hurst SmartPlate and Genie?
How do I know which metal plate cleaner is right for my plates?
As a general rule, older analog plates can use Plate Sav-Ur, which is an alkaline cleaner. CtP plates and aqueous analog plates should use Aqua Blue, which is an acidic cleaner. Plate Care, which is a finisher, cleaner, preserver, can be used with any analog or CtP plate. When in doubt, contact your plate manufacturer and ask if your plate needs an alkaline or acidic cleaner.
What cleaner do you recommend for newspaper presses - i.e. Southern Litho Plates, Kodak, etc? And do you have cleaner that can be used "on the fly"?
Yes! We highly recommend Aqua Blue plate cleaner. It can be used "on-the-fly".
How long can you store a plate that's been cleaned with Plate Care?
A properly stored plate can last up to a year.
How do you remove Plate Care from a stored plate?
Simply wipe the plate with water before mounting on the press or mount the plate and Plate Care will be removed within a few revolutions.
What is the difference between Putz and Clear Gel?
Putz contains fine granules, which makes it slightly abrasive, and should be used while the press is inked up. It removes ink and glaze build up mechanically. Putz is excellent for rejuvenating old, neglected rollers.
Clear Gel is a non-abrasive roller cleaner that removes ink, glaze and other impurities chemically. It can be used safely every day and is ideal for quick color changes.
Do you have anything that will clean OPC drums on Xeikon digital presses?
Yes! Liquid Flow Putz Pomade can clean and extend the life of OPC drums by 50%! Directions can be found on our Putz product page.
What makes Clear Gel better than other glaze removers?
It is safer and easier to use than liquid glaze removers. It can also save money because there is no need to stock extra roller cleaning products.
What makes Burnishine Chrome Roller Cleaner different than other brands?
Burnishine CRC is a one-step cleaner - simply wipe on and leave on. Others require 2 steps - wipe on and clean off.
Can you use Chrome Roller Cleaner on metering rollers?
Yes. It will help repel ink and make the metering roller more water receptive.
How do I know which fountain solution is right for me?
Use #3457 if you are running metal plates on small presses and duplicators.
Use #3459 on presses running both metal and silver plates.
Use #3464 is ideal for presses running metal, silver and laser plates. It has extra wetting agents that help plates roll up faster, colors stay truer, and works with most 40" and under presses and dampeners.
Use #3476 - best for use with continuous dampeners - i.e. dahlgren units - running silver or metal plates. This solution runs drier, so it's recommended for humid environments. Also helps eliminate alcohol.
Do your fountain solutions contain alcohol?
No. None of our solutions contain alcohol.
Why should I measure conductivity? Isn't measuring pH good enough?
Most fountain solutions contain excellent buffering agents so pH will be maintained consistently throughout the press run. However, conductivity, which is the measure of dissolved solids, can vary dramatically due to paper stocks as well as inks. pH does not measure these changes. Measuring conductivity periodically throughout the press run will help avoid downtime by allowing press operators to change/refresh solutions before problems occur.
Is it normal for conductivity readings to be lower with some of your solutions?
Yes. Normal readings may be in the 600-800 range due to buffers and other ingredients.
What makes Thumbs Up better than other hand cleaners?
Our award-winning hand cleaner is gentle on the skin but very effective in removing ink, grease and grim. The cleaning granules we use are safe for the environment, and will help keep sinks and pipes clean.
Which is your most popular deletion pen?
CTP1000 is our most popular deletion pen. It is compatible with a wide variety of CtP plates.
Why is CTP1000 more expensive than other pens?
CTP1000 has 3 tips, which means you don't need to buy and stock different size pens. This reduces inventory and saves money in the long run. Why buy a fine, medium and broad tip pen at $10-12 each when you can buy one that contains all 3 for about the same price? Also, our tips and barrels are top of the line so they don't wear out as quickly as other pens.
Which deletion pen is best for Kodak Trillian and Sonora plates?
CTP1000 is the first choice for these plates. You can use KP4 for making quicker deletions but you must use extreme caution due to the strength of our formula. Be sure to thoroughly clean any deleted area with plate cleaner after making deletions.
What plate can use KP4 deletion pen?
KP4 was specifically formulated to work with post -baked Electra XD plates.
What is FBP3000?
FBP3000 is for use with baked Fujifilm LH-PSE and LH-N13 plates.
What pen do you recommend for IBF plates?
We developed IBF5000 for use with Million DV, Negfast, Eco-T and Million SR.
What are the most important things to remember when using your deletion pens?
It's important not to use too much pressure when using our pens. Rub gently, and clean area thoroughly with plate cleaner after making deletions. Replace cap securely to prevent pen from drying out.
What is the shelf life of your products?
Most of our products are good for 12-18 months. Keep in mind all chemicals will oxidize once opened.