--- Go to the Opening Page of the [Baren] web site ---

Message 1
From: Joe Martin
Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:23:37 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43895] blotters
Send Message: To this poster

Where do you buy blotters? And doesn't it cost a lot to buy enough to do an edition?

I have pretty much abandoned my press in favor of Japanese printmaking. When I was doing large prints with oil based inks and dry Arches 88 paper, using a press, I put the printed paper flat on racks to dry. Now, that I've moved over to the Japanese style of printing, I seem to get my best prints on cheap, thin, sumi sketch paper. But, it's going to wrinkle, to some degree, no matter what I do. I mist the paper and put it in a plastic bag, just for a little while, before I print. Then I layer the prints between pieces of newsprint and weigh the pile down with heavy books. Obviously this is a technique for smaller prints. I think I need some classes or workshops to try to inch past this beginner stage...

I did notice one of the prints in the Inspired by Japan show was on thin paper that was stuck (very perfectly) to heavier paper. I have tried that technique and it's helpful, since you cut off the unprinted edges, most likely to be wrinkled.

Suzi SM

• [Back to message index]

Message 2
From: Darrell Madis
Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:28:45 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43896] Re: blotters
Send Message: To this poster

Blotters are available from Graphic Chemical in Chicago. High quality and not too expensive, can be used for years.


Madis Arts

• [Back to message index]

Message 3
From: "Browder, Tina"
Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:30:45 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43897] Re: blotters
Send Message: To this poster

Blotting paper is also available at Blick:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/cosmos-blotting-paper/

If you rotate out the blotters you can use them again and again.

• [Back to message index]

Message 4
From: Marilynn Smith
Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:35:36 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43898] dampening paper
Send Message: To this poster

When I dampen the paper I use one blotter, for large prints you might
need two blotters as I fold one to make it a sandwich. It is a paper
stack, One wet, one wet on top and one dry on top. I stack in threes
two wet, one dry leaving a space above each for picking up the paper.
You can stack as many sheets as your blotter will hold or that you
want to print on that day. Than a blotter on top or if the paper is
small you can fold the blotter, it is a folder with a paper stack
inside. Oh, remember to put it into a plastic bag.

I have stacked a pile of prints one on the other in one blotter for
drying. I usually put a paper towel between each print (not sure that
is archival but it only stays for about a day and they are dry). My
printmaking prof always had a stack of drying prints between a board
in the studio, one atop the other and they were fine. Can't remember
if he interleaved something to make sure there was no bleeding between
prints. With paper being expensive you certainly do not want to ruin
any of your prints. I would think your rack should work well with
blotters. You could use one shelf for your sandwiched dampened prints
in plastic and others for drying. Mine, dampening paper and prints,
always seem to land in any empty studio space I have about, often that
is the floor. (at least it is flat) You would certainly be well
organized, have a tall stacking place, thus leaving the rest of your
studio as a work area. Sounds like a good plan to me.

Good luck with your prints.

Marilynn

• [Back to message index]

Message 5
From: Marilynn Smith
Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:45:43 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43899] dampening paper
Send Message: To this poster

[duplicate message]

• [Back to message index]

Message 6
From: Marilynn Smith
Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 16:45:51 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43900] dampening paper
Send Message: To this poster

[duplicate message]

• [Back to message index]

Message 7
From: Phil Hillmer
Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:36:50 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43901] Re: Printing on wet paper with etching inks...
Send Message: To this poster

Hi again Barbara,

In your below method of placing the damp print with fresh ink on it, between
two sheets of plexiglas to keep the paper damp in between printing your
color blocks, do you place news print over the damp print and then put plexi
on the news print? In other words, plexi- print -newsprint -plexi? Or do
you just put the plexi right on top - in other words plexi- print -plexi? If
no newsprint, is it possible that the wet ink will smudge off onto the
plexi?

• [Back to message index]

Message 8
From: Barbara Mason
Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:00:11 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43902] Re: Printing on wet paper with etching inks...
Send Message: To this poster

I have never had a problem with ink offsetting to the plexi, you should not have that much ink on the block....
One thing you can do if you think there is too much ink on your print, take a piece of newsprint and lay it over the top of the print, rub from top to bottom with the side of your hand being very careful not to let the newsprint move. This will strip any extra ink off the paper. I usually don't have to do this with oil based ink. When you roll up the block, you want to roll from the center to the edge and use lots of layers of very thin ink. Two thin layers will always print better than one thick layer. I will be anxious to see the prints after all this good info...if your head has not exploded yet!
My best
Barbara

• [Back to message index]

Message 9
From: Barbara Mason
Date: Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:37:14 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43903] Re: blotters
Send Message: To this poster

Graphic Chemical for blotters, once in awhile they have them on sale.
they are expensive but last for years. Come on over one day and I will help you...I know enough to teach it.
My best
Barbara

• [Back to message index]

Message 10
From: Barbara Mason
Date: Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:24:08 GMT
Subject: [Baren 43904] Re: blotters
Send Message: To this poster

I have had some for years and years...I hang then up to dry out and they stay flat that way.
Dick Blick is coming to Portland, buying my favorite store, Art Media. It will be great to have such a huge store here.
My best
Barbara

• [Back to message index]

Subject: Mystique Series #15 : printing steps 13~14
Posted by: Dave Bull

This item is taken from the blog Woodblock RoundTable.
'Reply' to Baren about this item.

Subject: Sometimes I'm Married, 2011
Posted by: Annie B

This item is taken from the blog woodblock dreams.
'Reply' to Baren about this item.

Subject: Japan fundraiser
Posted by: JennifersCabin

This item is taken from the blog Jennifer Martindale.
'Reply' to Baren about this item.

Subject: Uptown Art Fair Experience

This item is taken from the blog Lori Biwer-Stewart's Printmaking Blog.
'Reply' to Baren about this item.

• Subscribe/Unsubscribe to [Baren] here
• Switch your Digest subscription between 'Plain Text' and HTML here
• Upload your image to be used in these Digests here
• Send your 'ads' for the monthly Ad Roundup to [ads@barenforum.org], before the 15th of the month.
• Most recent statistics on our website are here
• Contact the group managers here
• [Baren] members: if you have a printmaking blog, or a website with a published ATOM feed, and wish it to be included in our daily checklist, please write to the Baren Blog Manager here. (If your blog also contains material other than woodblock-related items, we can only add you if the woodblock posts will be 'labeled' as such. The Blog Managers can provide details.)
• A list of Blogs/Sites currently being tracked by our feed scraper is here