How to Reuse Fiberglass Screen
Fiberglass screen is the material commonly used in making screens. The screen also has so many other uses once it comes off the door. You can use the screen to harvest rain for your garden or to gather insects and minnows from streams. Fiberglass mesh is also great for cleaning fragile cloths, especially antique linens that gather dust but can’t withstand washing with water. Before you go about creating ways to reuse the screen, you must first prepare the fiberglass screen for reuse.
Things You’ll Need
Butter knife
Garden hose with spray nozzle
Wide container or sink filled with warm soapy water
Face mask
Gloves
Grease pencil
Kitchen shears
Steps
1. Remove the screen from the door. Use a butter knife to pry the plastic or rubber strip away that holds the screen to the door. Wedge the knife into the space and try to get under the strip. Once you have the strip out, tug it to remove the strip from the rest of the screen.
2. Clean the fiberglass mesh screen. Clip it to a clothesline or hold it up with one hand, away from your body. Spray the screen with a garden hose. Use the nozzle setting to remove bugs and debris.
3. Soak the screen in warm soapy water for half an hour, swishing it around to remove any dirt. Remove the fiberglass screen from the water and rinse again. Lay the screen flat on a clean surface to dry it out.
4. Put on a mask and gloves. Mark the cuts you need to make with a light color (white, yellow or orange) grease pencil. Check your measurements twice to avoid making destructive or unnecessary cuts.
5. Use a sharpened pair of kitchen shears or crafting scissors to make the necessary cuts on the fiberglass mesh. Cut the screen according to the instruction for your project
6. Place the fiberglass scree in warm soapy water to remove the dust. Rinse the screen under running water. Lay it flat on a clean surface to dry.
Additional Information
Cut the fiberglass screen in a well ventilated area to allow the dust to dissipate in the air. The fiberglass dust is harmful if inhaled, so keep the face mask on throughout your project if cutting is involved.
