Your Old Screens

One of dad’s prized posessions (I still have and work with it) is a more than 50 year old screen. It has seen so much wear that it is nearly as soft as a tissue. In fact, dad affectionately referred to it as the doylie. It still has grit, however, despite being very soft. This allows it to work in areas and complete finishes that new or mediumly used screens can’t get to. For example, its softness allows it to perfectly round tight curves. Its slight grit will get rid of the faintest marks so that you have a perfect finish. Even laminators like Greg Martz held onto old screens to apply a perfect finish just before lamming.

Dad and I used/use the doylie for one specific task. To round off and put the final finish on the rails at the tips of the nose and tail after using a thin sanding pad by hand. The softness of the screen guarantees that no extra marks will be made (no foam will be torn) in these thin, sensitive segments of the board.

I’ve seen social media being used as a megaphone to throw away old screens. Do not trust these people. Take it from me…take it from my dad!…holding onto old screens will eventually land you with a priceless tool. One that has seen every board you’ve shaped and stores the history of your career.

Happy shaping!