Booklet1

2. Introduction 4. Cleaning, plate prep and machines 12. Mono print 16. Dry point 20. Etching 24. Relief printing 28. Silkscreen 32. Conclusion

Warning!

Take this book into the print room at your own risk! I will not be a happy chap if you get me covered in ink!

My name is Printer Pete, and I’m here to give you a brief introduction to the non digital printing methods at your institution. Some of you may have been introduced to these methods previously and may be aware of the outcomes, but this book will act as a step by step guide to help you along the way (whilst hopefully giving you a bit of inspiration!).

Always remember, if you are ever unsure about something be sure to ask your print technician, we don’t bite!

Cleaning is an important part of the print process nobody wants to come into the print room to find dirty surfaces and you certainly don’t want to ruin your work by not cleaning your equipment properly.

Cleaning the glass surfaces, rollers, spatulas and etching plates Clean with vegetable oil and a cloth.

Finish with spraying de-greaser and wipe dry Cleaning silkscreens before use Spray the entire screen with stencil remover and scrub with sponge. Pressure wash until the exposed image has been removed. Be sure to wear all the safety equipment as fumes can be very dangerous to your young precious lungs - gloves, goggles and mask! Leave in drying cupboard till dry.

To save me explaining during the processes, I will explain this to you now! Your metal etching plates need to be clear from any indentations or scratches, as well as grease, therefore they need preparing before use. This involves Sanding Use a sanding board, sand in a circular motion until scratch free De-greasing Coat with liquid degreaser and rub with sponge until grease free. Rinse with water - water should not be repelled. Blot dry.

This is the machine in which you expose your image digitally printed image onto your etching plate or silk screen. For this to work, you need to print your positives (the images you want exposing) in black, and preferably onto transparency paper.

When using the unit, make sure the lid is closed and clamped shut, and the vacuum switch is on. You also need to make sure you expose for the right amount of time. It is best to ask your technician for the exposure times, as different processes require different times.

When using the etching press, make sure you have the pressure set correctly for the job.

If your printing paper has been soaked, drip dry and roll between the blotters until matted.

To print - Layer of newsprint - plate facing upwards printing paper - layer of tissues - blankets - Then wind all the way through - back again.

To print - Board - Registration sheet - inked up block printing paper - layer of tissues - transfer to press Tighten to correct pressure for job - ask if you are unsure.

Pull leaver until press is tight - Release.