Intaglio Technical & Health and Safety

Technical Notes – Intaglio

Inking up the plate

1. Select your coloured inks and mix a small amount with equal quantity of extender.

2. Using a toothbrush or scrim apply a small amount of ink on the chosen area and make sure the ink covers any gaps.

3. Lightly rub the surface of the plate with tissue paper to remove any excess ink and to clean the pate edges.

Printing on Etching Press

1. Soak a sheet of watercolour paper in water and then blot off the excess water.

2. Fold back the blankets on the Etching press and position the collagraph plate facing upwards up against the roller, place the watercolour paper over the top and lay the blankets back over the top.

3. Turn the rollers so the plate and paper goes through the press. Lift up the blankets and carefully  remove the paper print from the plate.

4. Run the plate under warm soapy water to clean off the ink and dry the plate off before the next use.

Materials & Equipment               

• Watercolour paper

• Blotting paper

• Caligo safewash relief inks

• Tissue paper & newsprint

• Scrim

• Toothbrush

• Etching Press

Health & Safety

•Protect clothing and hands by wearing gloves & apron.

•Make sure the room is well ventilated