For my final piece i chose to use dry point etching as the effect from this technique fits in really well with my theme 'Drug abuse' as I feel like it has a rough effect to it and this is what I wanted for my graphic image.
What is dry point etching?
Drypoint etching is a printing process in which a plastic, glass or metal plate is etched with a design, ink is rolled and spread into the etching marks and the plate is pressed to make a printing onto paper.
What I did...
- I etched my design into the plate, which was my hand image.
- After that I scrapped the ink onto the plate.
- Then Using skrim I removed the excess ink from the plate so that only the design is left.
- When i finished that i dampened a sheet of watercolour paper and then to dry the paper off I used blotting paper until the paper was just a bit damp.
- Then i placed the inked plate on top of the damp paper and then I rolled that through the printing press.
- Finally I carefully removed the paper from the plate.
Health and safety:
- Keep etching tool away from fingers as it has a sharp tip.
- Wear protective clothing such as gloves and aprons
- When using the press make sure you keep fingers away incase you trap them in the press.
- When using the press make sure you use the handle provided.
- Clear up excess ink after printing is complete and clear up any spillages caused by dampening paper.
Limitations of dry point etching:
- Ink runs when adding extra media like watercolour.
- Takes a long time to reproduce.
- Not every print is the same.
No comments:
Post a Comment