Dekkle

Effective Paper Preparation for Intaglio Printing

For consistent results in paper preparation, I’ve found a reliable technique shared by Alan Smith at RCA. For a 250g Somerset paper, soak it in bath water for an hour. Lift the paper together and stack it wet between glass or plastic sheets to soak overnight. This even water distribution readies the paper for the next day’s printing. Upon returning to the studio, blot the paper and store it under plastic or glass to maintain moisture throughout your printmaking session.

For two-day sessions in a moderate studio, leaving the paper overnight can work, but if it’s warmer or you plan to wait longer, re-soak the paper nightly. Wet or dry paper is less prone to mold than damp paper. This method also suits specific relief printing and addressing print errors.

Japanese papers benefit from being placed between Somerset sheets after coming out of the bath. This minimizes direct water exposure that could compromise the Japanese paper’s integrity.

Caution is advised with lightweight papers, and be mindful when using watercolor paper due to its higher sizing, which might transfer to blankets.

Remember, this is a basic overview of paper preparation for intaglio printing.