Polymer Photogravure
Polymer Photogravure is a printmaking technique that falls under the Intaglio process of printmaking, which means creating an image lower than the surface level of the plate. In this case, an image is exposed onto a Polymer plate, inked and printed. The subtle grooves in the plate hold the ink which is the essence of intaglio – the opposite of relief printing (linocut, woodcut, wood engraving).
Please click on the first image to be guided through the process.
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- A monochrome image is developed from a colour photograph. This is a digital file. The image is then printed onto a transparency matching the plate size. Our large format printer gives superb transparencies to ensure good exposure on the plate. Some artists draw directly onto the drafting film using opaque materials rather than using a digital transparency.
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- A plate is then cut which will match the transparency size, all the while keeping it away from UV light as the plate is light sensitive. The plate is then taken over to the exposure unit and placed on a Dove screen. The Dove Screen was created by an artist named Elizabeth Dove and effectively simulates the random dot of a fine aquatint. The Plate is exposed, after, the transparency lined up with the plate and the process repeated again.
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- While this second exposure takes place a bath of luke warm water is prepared in the dark room and the plate submerged and lightly brushed. Detail will begin to appear slowly. Once removed from the water the plate must be blotted with newsprint to dry the surface.
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- The ink is forced into the plate using a small squeegee and slowly wiped off with scrim. Individual technique occurs here for the artist, as there is different ways of using scrim. Some use a circular motion, where others slide across firmly. Care must be taken not to scratch the plate.
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- After scrim, tissue is taken to the plate which can have varying effects on tone. Once all the surface ink is removed the plate is ready for printing on a traditional etching press.
