Steps for Creating Intaglio Plate and Printing the Plate on Printmaking Press

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Intaglio Printmaking
    - Recommended Paper: Thick, soft, spongy printmaking paper.
      - Example: Stonehenge paper in color "Natural."
    - Importance of Paper Texture: Enables the paper to squish into grooves of the printing plate, facilitating ink extraction from grooves.
    - Dampness of Paper: Enhances ink absorption.
    - Method to Prepare Paper:
      - Soak papers in water for 5-10 minutes.
      - Drain excess water, pat dry with a clean towel.
      - Store papers in a plastic bag to maintain dampness while inking.

Chapter 2: Ink The Plate

• Registration System Creation
    - Purpose: Ensures consistent placement of print on the paper when creating an edition.
    - Measurement Method:
      - In a school or community shop: Use careful measurements for the registration sheet using newsprint.
      - In a personal studio: Measure directly from the printing plate.
    - Example Measurement for Current Print:
      - Paper is two inches larger than the plate on three sides; the deckled edge remains loose.
    - Cover Registration Sheet with Mylar:
      - Protects from ink/wetness and allows for easy cleanup and reuse.

Chapter 3: Surface Of Ink

• Inking the Plate Preparation
    - Collect necessary items: stack of newsprint, gloves, scrap paper, scrap rag, tarlatan, ink, mat board card.

• Inking Process:
    - Type of Ink Used: Blick water-soluble block printing ink.
    - Application Method:
      - Squeeze ink onto a glass plate.
      - Use a mat board card to distribute ink across the surface of the plate:
        - Goal: Fill grooves and create an even surface thickness of ink.
    - Adjustment: If ink is too thick, use the card to remove excess.

Chapter 4: Push The Ink

• Cleaning Ink off Plate:
    - Initial step involves using tarlatan to wipe off excess ink:
      - Using circular motions to push ink into grooves and pick up excess.
    - Observing the Ink Removal:
      - Initial wipe creates a mess; set aside dirty newsprint.
      - Clean the back of the plate to avoid excess ink contamination during printing.

Chapter 5: Want The Ink

• Gentle Wiping:
    - Second wipe requires a more delicate touch to retain ink in grooves and clear the surface.

• Last Cleaning Step:
    - Use tarlatan or palm of hand for final gentle clearing,
      - Objective: Remove surface ink without affecting grooves.
    - Specific Adjustments: Allow for selective inking lightness or darkness.
    - Prepare for Proof Print:
      - Confirm a clean surface of the plate and clean hands.

Chapter 6: Nice Clean Paper

• Preparing Printing Paper:
    - Ensure the printing paper is damp and set it in place to drape over the plate.

• Press Setup:
    - Place a clean sheet of newsprint beneath the plate in the press.
    - Arrangement of Press Blankets:
      - Sizing Blanket: Thin, catches moisture from paper/inks.
      - Cushion Blanket: Thick, allows paper to conform to plate grooves.
      - Pusher Blanket: Medium thickness, helps in roller engagement.
    - Roller Adjustment:
      - Roller controls pressure using handles to lift/lower the roller.
      - Pre-set for optimal pressure in the printing process.

Chapter 7: Nice Clean Sheet

• Printing Process:
    - Optional: Crank through printing press once; repetitive cranks are unnecessary.
    - Result Check:
      - Stop to reveal the first proof print from the drypoint plate.
      - Cleanup of water-based ink is straightforward with water and paper towels.
    - Cleaning Techniques:
      - Use a spray bottle for ink cleanup on inking plates.
      - Utilize debris clean-up to maintain work area cleanliness.

Chapter 8: Conclusion

• Printing Efficiency: One pass through the press delivers the necessary impression.

• Post-Printing Cleanup: Easy due to the water-based nature of the inks, ensuring quick restoration of the workspace.