Learning Resources
Lesson
Traditional image printing or printmaking is the process of creating printed images on a substrate such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, cardboard. Digital technologies are transforming these methods in dramatic ways. Before looking at recent developments, an overview of traditional technologies will give a proper context.
The communications graphics industry has traditionally focused on printmaking. Images were made by transferring ink to the substrate using a carrier that had a mirror image of the print. Ink was placed on the carrier and then transferred to the substrate. There are four basic methods of printmaking
- screen printing or serigraphy
- relief printing
- gravure or intaglio
- lithography
Screen Printing
Screen printing is one of the world's oldest methods of printing words and images. Its origin can be traced back to early Egyptian and Chinese civilizations. Also known as serigraphy, it involves the use of stencils to transfer the design.
The simplest stencil is paper or card stock with cut outs where you wish the ink (or paint) to go. These are available in home decorating stores for applying patterns to a wall.
Figure Simple Stencil
Screens are generally referred to as silk screens, although they are mostly made using polyester fabric. The screen is stretched over a rectangular wood frame. It is then coated with a material that paint or ink will not pass thorough. Openings are left, or cut, in the coating so that ink can pass through where you want the image to appear. Ink is then squeezed through the screen with a rubber squeegee.
Figure Silk Screen Printing
If there are multiple colours, a separate screen must be made for each one. Using multiple colours requires that each screen be registered, or properly aligned, over the print before ink is squeezed through.
Screen printing is very common and is used industrially to print on dishes, clothes, linens, and electronics equipment.
Relief Printing
Relief printing refers to the method of making the carrier pattern that is used to create the print. All the material on the surface of the carrier that is not part of the print is cut away, leaving the material that will be part of the print.
Figure Image in Relief or Raised
Note that the image is reversed.
The image on the pattern is the reverse of the printed image. To make a print, ink is then rolled on the raised surface and the substrate is pressed onto the surface , transferring the image.
Figure Inking the Relief Cut
Figure Making the Impression (Print)
Often pressure is applied with rollers. Then the print is lifted from the carrier.
Figure Lifting the Print
All the early printing presses were relief printing. Wood block and lino printing are art forms still in common use. The simplest form is rubber stamps, or images cut into potatoes.
Gravure (Intaglio)
Gravure is the reverse of relief printing. The carrier is a sheet of metal. The image is cut into the surface of the carrier with a V shape cutter called a burin. Ink is rubbed into the cuts and cleaned off the flat surface. The substrate is dampened with water and pressed onto the carrier. Ink adheres to the substrate and it is lifted off.
Figure Gravure (cut into surface of metal plate)
The image is reversed on the carrier.
Figure Gravure, showing engraving filled with ink
Gravure requires special tools and significant skill to execute properly. There are two different processes
- line engraving, previously described
- The lines are cut in a metal plate with a graver, or burin. Furrows are cleanly cut out, raising no burr, and then filled with ink which is transferred under high pressure to the printing surface of the press.
- etching
- The plate, usually of copper or zinc, is given a thin coating or ground of acid-resistant resin. A needle exposes the metal without penetrating it. When the design is completed, the plate is submerged in an acid solution that attacks the exposed lines. When the lines as are bitten to sufficient depth they are coated with stopping-out varnish. The lines receiving the longest exposure to the acid will be the heaviest and darkest in the print. In printing, all varnish is removed, the plate is warmed, coated with etcher's ink, and then carefully wiped so that the ink remains in the depressions. It is then covered with a soft, moist paper and run through an etching press.
Lithography
Lithography is the most common method of commercial printing. The carrier is a flat plate - no engraving or raised surfaces. The design is drawn, or placed on the surface using a greasy medium. The design is fixed in place with an acid diluted in gum arabic. The carrier is wetted down with water, which is repelled by the grease. Ink is then rolled on the carrier. Since it is greasy, it is attracted to the greasy pattern on the carrier, and repelled by the water. The substrate (paper) is dampened and then pressed onto the carrier and the ink is transferred to it. This method can create a lot of prints very quickly.
Figure Lithographic Plate with grease image
Figure Lithographic Plate wetted down
Figure Lithographic Plate partially inked
Artists generally work on stone plate which they grind flat for each use. Commercial printing uses thin metal plates which are wrapped around cylinders in the printing press. Dampening fluid and ink are applied to the plate with rollers, and paper is carried between the inked roller and a pressure roller.
Further information
For additional information about printmaking, check out these sites
- How Stuff Works' How stone Lithography Works
- Printmaking (Relief, Intaglio, Lithography, and Serigraphy)
- Color Printing in the Nineteenth Century: Intaglio Processes
- Color Printing in the Nineteenth Century: Lithography
- Color Printing in the Nineteenth Century: Relief Processes
Activity
Assigned activities
The purpose of this activity is to examine how Traditional Image Printing is used locally
- There are many artists in Newfoundland who produce works. These include paintings, ceramics, silk screens, intaglio and others.
- Research print methods used by Newfoundland artists.
- Classify the printing methods into the categories learned in the lesson.
- Give a brief description, if available, of how the artist creates and produces the printed work.
- Many printed materials employing a variety of printing methods exist as retail products.
- Examine printed objects in your home or stores or shops that carry products such as magazines, t-shirts, ceramics
- Using the list of printed materials research how each was produced and include the printing method and printing equipment and supplies required to produce that object.
- Create a suitable entry in the course portfolio to include all your findings