Built with Berta.me

  1. Tools and Materials

     

    Printing Press:

    T400 TS ARTEINA Etching Press

     

    Engraving:

    • Graver (or burin) is the tool for engraving the line in the metal. Two largest producers are:
    • Scraper - a tool used to remove metal burrs on the plate.
    • Burnisher - a tool used to polish little scratches or imperfections.
    • Engravers' leather sandbag - required for turning the copperplate for engraving curved lines.
    • Light diffuser - used to remove reflections on the plate and make it easier to see the engraving.
      • Made by stretching tracing paper or a thin white fabric over a painting stretcher frame.
    • In the EU, you can buy many materials at Polymetaal.nl

     

    Graver (Burin) Sharpening:

    • Crocker sharpener
      • To hold the consistent angle when sharpening
    • Diamond stone
      • I usually have two: rougher 400-600 grit for the initial angle and 2000-3000 grit once the angle has been achieved.
    • Ruby stone
      • For final angle polish and burr removal
    • Honing oil
      • For better contact with the stone when sharpening

     

    Copperplates. I purchase 0,3mm industrial, cold-rolled copper that comes in large rolls as it is more affordable. Usually priced by length and weight according to the stock price.

     

    Printing:

     

    Inking and wiping the plate:

    • Gloves - I use thick, rubber gardening gloves. They serve two purposes: 1st keep the hands clean, 2nd  helps to hold things when inking and cleaning the plate, preventing it from sliding around.
    • Screen printing rubber squeegee
      • Used to apply ink onto the copperplate. Does not scratch or damage the plate.
    • Ink dauber or soft foam/rubber roller
      • For thoroughly rubbing the ink into the engraved lines. Dauber works for smaller plates, while the roller works for larger ones.
    • Piece of cardboard - to remove the excess ink from the plate. The removed ink can be placed back in the tin or used for the next inking.
    • Tarlatan (cheesecloth)
      • Used to remove the ink from the plate. I usually use two - an older, dirtier one to remove the bulk, and a newer, cleaner one to remove remaining ink.
    • Old newspaper - used to remove any remaining ink grease from the surface of the plate. 
    • French chalk powder and a rag
      • Some chalk is put on the rag, the plate is pinched by the rag and the sides of the plate are cleaned. 

     

    Other tools and materials:

    • Transfer wax - used to transfer the sketch onto the copperplate
      • Alternatively, the copperplate can be heated, and a thin layer of beeswax melted on top of it.
    • Plate darkening paste - a mix of beeswax, lamb fat (or lard) and black pigment. It can be applied to the plate to better see the engraved lines.
      • Some printmakers rub charcoal powder in the lines.