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[Baren 33011] Re: New Baren Digest (HTML) V38 #3833 (Mar 14, 2007) (su tamsett)
[Baren 33012] Baren Member blogs: Update Notification (Blog Manager)
[Baren 33013] ink consistancy in drypoint ("Wouter and Pamela ten Broek")

Message 1
From: su tamsett
Date: Fri, 16 Mar 2007 14:23:50 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: [Baren 33011] Re: New Baren Digest (HTML) V38 #3833 (Mar 14, 2007)
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More pointers for the drypoint:

You want to limit the number of times you print because the burr wears down quickly.
At best you only get a few premium prints. So do be careful not to "scrub" too hard
with the tarleton.

Getting the ink right is most important. It should not be too stiff. If you are
using old ink and do not know what the correct viscosity feels like, it might be
worth it to invest in a new can or tube of ink, since drypoint images are so
fragile. Other than that I would add some oil of cloves to the ink - just a drop or
two. You will know immediately if you have added too much because your print will
look like a ghost print. If so, start with new ink and add a bit of your "loosened"
ink into that instead of the other way around.

The ink should be spread on the plate working from the center out. While mat chips
can be used, they often contain particles that scratch (seems to be getting worse
lately). I have started using soft plastic kitchen spatulas (the ones that are semi
transparent and look like they are made of gel) cut into smaller pieces. Once the
ink is on, wipe it off with a clean spatula working in from the edges and piling the
buildup on the bottom edge - then wiping that off in one pass at the end.

Next comes a light pass with the tarleton. Rather than bunching a softened tarleton
into a ball and pushing hard on the plate, you can cut new stiff sheets into small
squares and pass them very lightly over the surface, no need to soften them. Use
clean squares for several passes. Since there is only the thin sheet of tarleton
between your hand and the plate, you have a good feel for the pressure you are
exerting and a lot of control over the process. Next, an optional pass with the
phone book paper. Finish off with a light hand wipe. Make sure your hands are clean
of other inks and dry before you start. Hold a clean cloth at the bottom of the
plate edge and wipe into it with the hell of your hand, brushing your hand over the
top of the cloth. It will clean your hand off prior to the next pass. Check the
plate from an angle (to kill the reflection) and confirm that the ink is spread
evenly. Then clean the edges of the plate with a soft cloth before you place the
plate on the print bed. Make sure you do not push the ink up and onto the face of
the plate.

If all this fails - check the moisture of the paper and the pressure of the press.

Sounds overwhelming but with time and practice it all becomes second nature.

Have fun,

Su

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Message 2
From: Blog Manager
Date: 17 Mar 2007 03:55:18 -0000
Subject: [Baren 33012] Baren Member blogs: Update Notification
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Message 3
From: "Wouter and Pamela ten Broek"
Date: Sat, 17 Mar 2007 17:23:57 +1300
Subject: [Baren 33013] ink consistancy in drypoint
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Thank you all for your advice on this subject. I know it was't about woodblock printing but as well as that I like to try other things too.
A pointer in the right direction means a lot to me.

Wouter.

www.acwwoodcuts.com

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[Baren] - the International Forum for Woodblock Printmaking

Volume: 38 / Number: 3836

Saturday, 17th of March, 2007

Today's postings

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