Varn California Wash is a water miscible blanket and roller wash formulated for offset lithographic presses. Mixed with up to 30% water, it forms a milky emulsion that lifts water-soluble gum glaze, paper lint, ink resin, and coating residue in a single wash-up. It can also be used at full strength for heavier soiling.
The "California Wash" name across the printing industry refers to a class of offset press washes that meet the non-photochemically reactive solvent definition, a regulatory classification based on solvent composition rather than total VOC content. Varn California Wash falls into this category, which is why it is sometimes referenced in pressrooms as a California compliant press wash for the photochemical-reactivity test. Shops in districts with specific VOC-content limits for on-press cleaning, particularly SCAQMD and regions that have adopted similar rules, should confirm the current as-applied VOC number against their local limit before committing to a wash-up program.
On the practical side, pressmen choose it for three reasons. It emulsifies reliably with water, removing both the ink film and water-soluble glaze in one operation. The odor profile is milder than many straight-solvent washes in its category. And Varn is a familiar name across the U.S. commercial print trade, so technicians already know how to use it.
Product Specifications
- Product: Varn California Wash
- SKU: PSDVNCAG
- Size: 1 gallon
- Formula type: Water miscible, non-photochemically reactive solvent blend (petroleum naphtha plus dipropylene glycol methyl ether)
- Mix ratio: Use as is or mix with up to 30% water to form a milky emulsion
- Primary uses: Offset blanket wash, roller wash, water-soluble glaze removal
- Flashpoint: 106°F (TAG CC). OSHA Class II Combustible Liquid. Store and handle accordingly; keep away from ignition sources.
- Appearance and odor: Yellow liquid, petroleum odor
- Specific gravity: 0.8 (water = 1)
- DOT shipping name: Combustible Liquid n.o.s. (Naphtha), Hazard Class: Combustible Liquid, ID No. NA1993, Packing Group III
- Country of origin: Made in USA
- Shipping from PSD: Free shipping on all cases; free shipping on orders over $50; ships same or next business day via UPS Ground to the 48 contiguous states
For the current Safety Data Sheet, including the manufacturer's current as-applied VOC content and exposure limits, contact PSD and we'll send the current Varn SDS for your EH&S records.
How to Properly Clean a Printing Press Blanket with Varn California Wash
Getting clean blankets and predictable roller behavior from any Varn press wash comes down to three disciplines: bring the wash to room temperature, emulsify correctly when using water, and match the dilution to the job at hand.
Blanket wash, hand application
Shake the container. Pour onto a saturated cotton wipe, such as Big Blue Wipes, or a lint-free cloth from the cotton wipes and shop cloths range. Work across the full blanket in a consistent direction. For routine wash-ups, use full strength. For heavy stock-coating residue, mix with up to 30% water in a wash-up bottle and shake to a milky emulsion before applying.
Roller wash
Apply through your wash-up attachment according to the press manufacturer's recommended dwell time. Varn California Wash removes both the ink film and the water-soluble glaze layer in one pass, which is what you want when restoring roller ink receptivity. For heavily glazed rollers, follow with a dedicated deglazer from the plate cleaners and associated chemistry range.
Automatic wash-up systems
Before introducing any wash into an automatic blanket or roller wash system, confirm compatibility with your wash-up manufacturer. Some brush systems accept water-miscible washes like this one, but cloth and spray-bar systems often have specific chemistry requirements, and running the wrong wash can damage seals or cloth feed. When in doubt, call us and we'll help you cross-reference against the Varn range or recommend a dedicated automatic-system wash.
Safety and handling
This product has a flashpoint of 106°F and is classified as an OSHA Class II Combustible Liquid. Store in the original closed container, away from sunlight, heat, sparks, and flames. Ground and bond containers before transfer. Wear nitrile or butyl rubber solvent-resistant gloves and safety glasses with side shields; stock a box of nitrile gloves near the press. At end of shift, use a proper shop hand cleaner from the hand cleaners collection to cut solvent residue. Keep the pressroom well ventilated and follow the current Varn SDS.
California Regulations for Printing Chemicals and Disposal
Press wash chemistry in California is regulated at the air district level. The South Coast Air Quality Management District's Rule 1171 (Solvent Cleaning Operations) sets VOC content limits for on-press cleanup solvents used by lithographic printers, and other districts have adopted similar frameworks. Because limits differ by district and have tightened over the years, an offset press wash solvent purchasing decision in a restricted jurisdiction should be made against your local AQMD rule and the current SDS for the specific product.
The non-photochemically reactive classification that gives this product its "California Wash" name refers to its solvent chemistry, a separate concept from total VOC content. A wash can be non-photochemically reactive without being a low VOC press wash. If your facility needs to meet a strict on-applied VOC cap, ask us about the low-VOC Varn Ecolo-Clean and Ecolo-Wash lines instead.
Disposal
When Varn California Wash becomes waste as supplied, it is regulated by RCRA as Ignitable Waste, EPA hazardous waste code D001. Suitable disposal methods include reclamation and fuel blending, and the container should go to a licensed hazardous waste hauler, not general trash. Solvent-soaked wipes and used wash-up bottles are generally regulated the same way. Follow your state's hazardous-waste generator rules and the guidance from your local AQMD and POTW.
Where to Buy Varn California Wash and Eco-Friendly Printing Blanket Wash Options
Print shops rebuilding their chemistry shelf have fewer regional options as traditional graphic arts distributors consolidate. PSD stocks Varn California Wash as part of a committed printing blanket wash and press-wash lineup, along with fountain solutions, roller deglazers, plate cleaners, and plate chemistries. Start with the full press washes collection and the complementary plate developers and finishers range.
For shops that need an eco-friendly printing blanket wash with a specifically lower VOC profile, Varn manufactures Ecolo-Clean 328 and Ecolo-Wash 401 in its dedicated low-VOC line. Those are different products with different performance characteristics, worth considering if your district's rules have tightened. PSD is a supplier and distributor, not a manufacturer, and if a product isn't listed on the site, call 860-516-6393 or submit a purchase order request and we'll source it.
Shipping, Stock, and Ordering
Most orders ship same or next business day via UPS Ground to any address in the 48 contiguous states. Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada require a direct shipping quote, and we ship to U.S.-based freight forwarders for international customers. Free shipping applies on all Varn cases and on orders over $50. Because this product is a DOT Combustible Liquid (Packing Group III), receiving facilities should handle it as flammable storage on arrival.
Pair your order with other pressroom consumables to consolidate freight: spray powders, cotton wipes, gloves, or any items from the wider Printing Supplies Direct catalog ship in the same box when added to the same order.
Why Order Varn California Wash from Printing Supplies Direct
PSD isn't a drop-shipper. We stock Varn products, we know the catalog, and we carry adjacent brands (Agfa, Rycoline, Rogersol, Sprayway, Rainbow Max, Excel One) that pair with the full pressroom workflow. Competitive pricing on the 1-gallon unit, free shipping on Varn cases, real technical support, and a U.S.-based catalog that actually lists the products commercial print shops run on. If you're mid-job and need something tomorrow morning, call us.
