In my last post I talked about the necessity of understanding the type of paper you’re using to print on, depending on the print method. So, seeing as I still need a few prints on lightweight paper, and I’m using a collagraph method I’ve a new plate underway.
I’m avoiding deep cut away sections and instead have mixed carborundum with Modge Podge (a thick PVA type sealer/glue) and piped it onto a mountboard surface, thus creating high points – the opposite of my previous plates.
Whilst waiting for this to dry, which will probably take most of the day due to the thickness of the solution, I’ve printed my previous plates on soaked and blotted BFK Reeves paper. I’m determined to see if my detective work (previous post) has paid off and I’ll get perfect prints.
Nope, not yet. However compared to my previous red print on Chinese cotton there is more ink pick-up on this one.
I’m obviously rubbing away too much ink from the surface, which is also dragging some ink out of the cutouts, reducing the amount that can be printed.
So for the next ones I left more ink on the plate, with the thought that if there was too much transfer to the paper I could carefully and lightly blot them with tissue paper.
Well just look at that. Two smaller prints with fantastic printed imagery! Love the linework where each plate abuts the next (sometimes white, sometimes black), the tarlatan imprint on medium is well-defined, the punched circles are bold and definite, and those cutouts are magnificent.
Now that’s what was in my head!! Front, back and spine of book completed.
New plate for inner lining pages yet to finish.
TactualTextiles 