ETCHINGS:
GICLEE:
PAINTINGS:
GICLEE:
PAINTINGS:
PAPER - Different types of paper used for etching
Most paper that can be used for drawing can also be used for etching. However, as the paper has to be dampened before printing I have found it advisable to choose a heavier weight paper (around 200GSM) as this will stay flatter after passing through the press and drying out. I always place each completd print between sheets of newsprint and then place a heavy board on top to ensure this. Below is a by no means comprehensive list of suitable papers. I have experimented with all of these and presently have settled on BFK Rives 250GSM White.
Velin Arches
A printmaking paper designed for etching, silkscreen or letterpress. Mould-made 100% cotton rag, internally sizes and acid free with four deckle edges.
BFK Rives Blanc
mould made 100% cotton, watermarked, smoother and less sized than Velin Arches. Also available in black and 3 colours.
Somerset
These papers are made at St. Cuthbert's Mill. Originally intended as a printmaking paper, they have been 'discovered' to also be highly suitable for pastel drawing. Mould-made 100% cotton rag, acid free with four deckle edges.
Fabriano 5
A watercolour paper that is 50% cotton rag and 50% wood pulp, surface sized and acid free with two deckle edges very white, available in 2 surfaces, watermarked. Suitable for many printmaking techniques.
PREPARING AND SOAKING THE PAPER
There are several rituals I observe before printing: I tear the paper to the size I require (usually 2 - 3 inches bigger than the plate). I then place each sheet one by one in a the bath which I have half filled with warm water (I think it is absorbed into the paper better!) I have a large photographic developing tray on hand for transporting the wet paper.
While the paper is soaking I make sure I have everything laid out for printing; scrim (tarlatan), squares of tissue for fine wiping, card for applying the ink, rags for wiping the plate edges and of course my plastic fingers! Cut out of a large plastic bottle and folded these are perfect for handling (and keeping clean) wet paper and blankets and can be cleaned with white spirit if they get inky. Ink is squeezed out onto a sheet of glass and the pressure is checked on the press and the blankets straightened.
About a dozen large folded sheets of blotting paper are stacked for the wet paper and a pile of newsprint is at hand. For some obscure reason the blank paper used for printing newspaper is called newsprint, whilst the pages of old newspapers are ... Just old newspaper!
After soaking the etching paper is placed between the folded sheets of blotting paper and pressed until damp (if the paper is still shiny with water it is too wet and if it has started to cockle it is too dry). I generally keep about three sheets in the blotting paper at any one time to ensure they do not dry out.
WHAT IS AN ETCHING? 3 PAPER, PRESS AND PRINTING
Printing etching plates onto dampened paper with an etching press
Printing etching plates onto dampened paper with an etching press
Part 3
Ryepress Etching Studio
39 High Street Hastings
39 High Street Hastings
See etching demonstrated and buy Colin's etchings straight off the press!
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INKING THE PLATE
I transfer ink onto the plate with small squares of cut up mounting card ensuring that the whole plate is covered and not just the bitten areas. Using the edge of the card the ink can the be scraped off the surface of the plate and used for the next print.
The plate is then wiped with scrim in a circular motion without scrubbing too hard into the lines. Most of the ink will be removed this way and if a darker plate tone is desired a print can be taken at this stage.
I usually wipe the plate further with small squares of tissue using the ball of my hand to obtain a cleaner more contrasty print. Finally I run a rag carefully around the BEVELLED edge of the plate to avoid ink being squeezed out from the back of the plate
PRINTING THE PLATE
The bed of the press is rolled out into position and the blankets are carefully folded back using the plastic fingers. A sheet of newsprint is placed on the bed and the plate is carefully laid centrally on top. Using a strip of card the width you wish the border to be, mark the distance from two edges of the plate with a pencil. The paper can now be carefully placed aginst the tow pencil lines ensuring the print will be straight and central on the paper. Place a seccond sheet of newsprint on top, replace the blankets and turn the wheel to run the bed through the press.
It is advisable to run the bed through in one fluid movement as pausing can show up as a line on the print.
The Rochat press: probably one of the best known heavy duty etching presses