● Gel is used to create collagraph printmaking plates.
● This ready-to-use platemaking gel offers a reliable medium that delivers fine, sharp detail and a uniquely textured surface that yields rich, velvety areas of color.
● What is Carborundum Print/Platemaking?
● Carborundum printmaking is a collagraph process in which the image is created directly on the plate by applying an abrasive grit (carborundum) mixed with an acrylic medium or glue.
● Once dried, it forms areas of texture or line which is then inked intaglio, relief, or both.
● Additionally, artists have plenty of room to incorporate monotype, additional stenciling, and other printmaking techniques to stretch their vision beyond the carborundum gel matrix.
● The plate is printed with an etching press in the same manner as other printmaking plates.
● Since the carborundum mixture is built up on the plate, the paper embosses when going through the press, creating a rich, dense surface.
● The plates can be printed many times.
● Printmakers have been experimenting with methods for making carborundum prints for decades.
● This gel improves results by offering a formulation that is consistent and reliable.
● The gel is performance tested, so printmakers can rely on the consistency of this platemaking medium from start to finish, ensuring strong and vivid prints each and every time.
● Applications and Techniques There are numerous ways for using the carborundum gel to produce carborundum plates.
● Three approaches include light field, dark field, and stencil methods.
● Light Field: An additive method in which the image is created by applying the carborundum gel directly on the printmaking plate.
● Brush, roll, squeegee, etc.
● the gel onto the plate to yield a variety of unique marks and textures.
● Full strength straight from the jar will yield rich, dense color.
● Slight modification with water can be used to achieve varied wash effects.
● Dark Field: A subtractive method in which carborundum gel is applied over the entire printmaking plate, and the image is created by removing the medium with various tools.
● The plate is created by squeegeeing the gel through 110 silk screen mesh onto the plate, covering the entire surface.
● After the gel is applied to the plate, it will remain workable in a wet state for approximately 30 minutes.
● Tools such as cotton swabs, pieces of cardboard, etc.
● are used to remove the gel while wet to create the image on the plate.
● Thereafter, the plate is still workable for an unlimited time with the use of hard-edged wooden tools.
● Stencil/Silk Screen: Plates are created by squeegeeing the carborundum gel through the silk screen mesh or stencil onto your plate.
● Any kind of stencil can be used.