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Polymer Photogravure
Polymer Photogravure uses light-sensitive polymer plates to create a photographic image that is inked and printed using traditional etching techniques.
The advantage of polymer photogravure over other photo-printmaking techniques such as photolithography is that the polymer plates give much finer detail and a significantly wider tonal range.
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Process one
The photograph is printed digitally onto transparent film at a relatively high resolution. This is then exposed onto the polymer plate, a light sensitive plate with a fine steel backing. Once exposed, the plate develops in water.
![Polymer Photogravure 1 A man placing a transparent film onto of the polymer plate to expose the plate to light](https://highlandprintstudio.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Polymer-Photogravure-1.jpg)
![Polymer Photogravure 2 A man placing ink onto the polymer photogravure plate](https://highlandprintstudio.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Polymer-Photogravure-2.jpg)
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Process two
The plate is inked up in a similar manner to a traditional etching plate, using oil-based etching inks. The plate is covered in ink, which is then cleared from the surface, leaving the ink in the image only.
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/HPS_Screenprinting_Title_Holding.png)
Process three
The plate is put on a traditional etching press and dampened paper placed on top. The pressure the press exerts pushes the ink from the plate to transfer the image onto the paper.
![Polymer Photogravure The finished polymer photogravure print being removed from plate, with the fresh print being exposed](https://highlandprintstudio.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Polymer-Photogravure.jpg)