Collograph Printing Process
Equipment:
Collograph plate
Varnish
Block printing ink
Printing press
Oli
White spirit
Newsprint paper
Tray of water
Roller/brush
Method
When the plate has been made cover with varnish to protect it from the ink.
Before using ink, prepare the paper by putting it in a tray of water to soak. This stretches out the fibers of the paper so that they can take the printing ink in more easily and mold around the relief of the collograph plate without ripping.
The ink can be applied in two different ways, which produces different printing. In both cases. avoid applying too much ink as the details on the plate will be blotted out and lost, and too little paint does not let the details be printed.
1. Relief Printing
Use a roller to spread the ink out on a plastic or glass board until it has quite a smooth texture, then lightly roll it over the collograph plate. The ink should only transfer onto the highest parts of the plate, leaving the rest clean. When using the roller make sure to lift it up and change direction to avoid repeating a pattern over the piece.
2. Intraglio
Use a piece of old cloth or a brush to work the ink into all corners of the plate, then remove the top layer using scrim, or scrap newspaper, which will only leave ink in the dips of the plate.
When the ink has been applied, place the plate face up on a piece of newsprint on the printing press. Take the paper from the tray of water and let the excess drip back into the tray. Blot the paper out on some scrap paper so that it remains damp but not wet, in order for it to pick up the ink best. Lay it over the plate and cover it with another dry sheet of newsprint, followed by the pressure fabric.
When rolling the print through the press do so consistently on order to get a uniform print. The pressure should be adjusted so that the plate leaves marks on the print paper, as well as ink. When finished, the prints will take two days to dry fully.
In order to get good results a series of prints should be made, experimenting with different colours and ways of applying paint in order to find the best combination.
Health and safety
Do not inhale/drink the varnish or white spirit, and consider using them in well ventilated areas.
As the printing ink is oil based, wear an apron and gloves to protect skin and clothes. If there are any stains, either white spirit or oil can be used to clean them off.
When manipulating the wet paper avoid letting it drip onto the floor as this could be a potential slipping hazard.
Do not put hands near the rollers of the printing press and make sure there is nobody close by.
