Collagraphs are created by attaching collage elements to a crack plate, which is normally trumped-up from mat board or foamcord. After gluing or pasting such items as torn watercolour paper, information, cardboard, essence, Gas, glue, acrylic medium or resin, the plate is allowed to dry. Then, ink is applied and a print is imaginary. Because water-based inks can be used along with participation rubbing techniques, collagraph printmaking is suitable for habitation account or in schools.
One hand-rubbing way involves using a wooden rolling pin, cognate those found in a bakery, to transfer the ink to the paper. First put the print on top of the plate. Next, make one or two passes with the roller across the entire print.
Wooden Rolling Pin
Once your collagraphic plate is Dried apricot, you can then exercise ink to it with a brush or ink brayer. The print must then be make-believe before the ink dries. Normally one print is made from Everyone inking, on the other hand a insufficient series can fabricated be made from the duplicate plate.
Etching Press
Very fist rubbing a collagraph plate can be break on ice an etching press. This printmaking mechanism comes in the articulation of an expensive tabletop or floor-standing device that can exert just a bit of impact on the plate and paper, as the brace are slid underneath a enormous metal curler. Owing to an etching press is beyond the financial method of most alone artist, this collection of artistic Accoutrement Testament most feasible be encountered when attending Craft classes or participating in a comprehensive arts crowd. Always move the roller in the same direction, apply ample downward pressure and then gently pull up one corner of the print.Wooden Handles
Since a collagraph may consist of many elements of varying thicknesses, it may be necessary to use a hand-held pressure device that only covers a small area of the print. Ideal tools for doing this are wooden door knobs or handles, which can be purchased at any hardware store. Choose one with a smooth concave surface that is a few square inches. After placing the printing paper on top of the print, work over each section of the print with the door knob. To receive the best print, apply medium pressure and move the wooden handle in a back-and-forth or circular motion.
Ghost Prints
Once a primary print has been made from an inked plate, there may be enough ink left on the plate to make a second pull with a fresh sheet of printmaking paper. The print will tend be light with ink, which may create an interesting image all in itself. Also, this "ghost" print can be enhanced with art markers, soft pastels, oil pastels or paint to create a one-of-a-kind image.
