Traditional Lino Plates
Printing Plates are used to transfer the image and text onto your desired printing material. There are a wide variety of plates you can use, depending on the print you would like to create. The type of plate you use, will depend on the on the ink you need to create the ink as well. For example, if you are wanting to create an intaglio print, you will need to use an intaglio plate and ink.
Printing plates work by having your design etched into the plate, either manually or via a laser cutter. This then creates grooves in the plate for ink to sit into. By running ink over the plate, it settles into the grooves, ready for printing. Plates can be re-etched if needed, although this can be a lengthy process. With the plate set up, it is time to add you chosen material to print on, this can be a wide range of materials such as wood, various papers or a range of fabrics. There is little room for error with printing, so you might want to have some extra materials on hand, incase your printing doesn’t go to plan first time!
You lay the material onto the plate and then using a printing press these printing plate and the material are forced together at great pressure. It is important to make sure that the printing press is set to the right pressure, and is rolled over the the plate evenly. If enough pressure is not applied, the print might come out patchy, too much pressure could cause damage to the plate and cause the ink to bleed.
Ironbridge Fine Arts and Framing provide high quality print plates, as well carry out several workshops, teaching you how to create your own stunning prints! For more information, please visit their website.