Printmaking: Preparing paper for Intaglio Printing
The paper used for printmaking can usually be bought from most art material suppliers.
Some Printmaking Workshops also stock quality print paper as well as a range of other tools and materials you can purchase when using their facilities.
The Intaglio plates must be printed on damp paper in order to pick up all the ink from the plate.
The paper should be of high quality e.g Somerset or a heavy watercolour paper so it does not rip when printed,
or dissolve in the water bath.
Preparing the paper:
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The printing paper should first be torn/cut to the required size.
The paper can be a bit larger than the printing plate if you require a border,
or measured to the exact size of the plate if you desire a floating print.
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Secondly, prepare a bath of clean water and allow the paper to soak for a couple of hours.
(depending on the weight and texture of the paper)
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After the printing paper has been soaked, let it drip for a bit,
then lift the paper out of the water bath and lay it on a sheet of blotting paper.
A second sheet of blotting paper is then placed on top and covered with a heavy board to keep the paper flat.
(Many layers of sheets can be stacked on top of each other this way)
The paper can also be kept it sheets of plastic between the boards to stay moist.
It is important that the paper is evenly damp.
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When you are ready to use the paper,
remove it from the blotting paper and carefully blot the sheet with tissue paper to remove any excess water.
Tips:
If the paper is too dry, you can use a spray bottle to mist the paper or dampen the sheet with a wet sponge.
The spray bottle can also be used to soak paper which is to delicate to be in a water bath.
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