gelatin plate tips

Refreshing the Gelatin Plate

gelatin plate tips / /

Page protectors make good covers for the homemade gelatin plateI have not used my homemade gelatin plate in several months.

I cut it up and froze it when I realized that I would not be monoprinting for a while.

A few days ago I

  • took it out of the freezer
  • Microwaved it slowly
  • Poured it into may shallow pan
  • Let it set up

I still have not printed and it is summer time here in New England.

The plate lasts longer and seems to work best when it is used regularly.

I store it like this if I am not printing for a few days:

  • Loosely covered to slow down evaporation
  • Page protectors are smooth and will not create as many lines as plastic wrap
  • Plastic bag loosely pulled over each end.
  • I do stack plates is I have more than one
  • these gelatin and glycerin plates are long lasting, but not for ever.

Loosely cover the gelatin and glycerin plate with plastic bagsI really need to get printing! I found some delicate grasses that have inspired me.

I have set the dates for the next Make Monotypes – online printmaking class.

  • Early Bird Discount and registration starts June 3rd
  • Class start July 6th
  • Check out the details here

 

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What is a Tarlatan for in printmaking?

gelatin plate tips / /
Tarlatan for straining the gelatin and glycerin plate when refreshing it.
Tarlatan for straining the gelatin when recycling it.

Well traditionally a tarlatan is used for wiping excess ink off an etching plate.

It is an open weave, heavily starched fabric.

strain old glycerin and gelatin plate

I use it in gelatin printmaking to strain recycled gelatin into a pan. It catches all the gunk and junk that was on or in the gelatin plate from weeks of printing.

Also sometimes the gelatin plate starts to mold as it ages.

The glycerin and gelatin recipe does not mold as quickly as the gelatin. I try to catch all those bits of mold in the tarlatan.

I have heard that some folks use a fine mesh sieve, old panty hose or doubled up cheese cloth.

So use what you have when you reconstitute your gelatin and glycerin plate.

detail impression and shaped impression pull from the gelatin plate

If you would like to get lots of help making and maintaining your gel printing plate, then join the next session of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course.

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It’s all About the Printing Plate – Make Monotypes

2010, gelatin plate tips / /
It's all about the Printing Plate in Make Monotypes with Linda Germain
It’s all about the Printing Plate in Make Monotypes with Linda Germain

Yesterday, I melted down 6 or 7 glycerin and gelatin printing plates.  These plates last a long time compared to the gelatin and water printing plate that I used a few years ago.    These plates are so strong and flexible and they do not have to be refrigerated like the gelatin and water recipe.

Why bother making the plate when I could just buy a plate that lasts for ever?

  1. I can make the plate any size or shape that I like.
  2. It is a less expensive way to try out the process.
  3. I like how the homemade plate holds and transfers images and marks

The plate is malleable but strong.  I think the water in the plate and the water in the ink work well together to hold and transfer a delicious delicate mark.  The next session of Make Monotypes starts June 2nd and early bird registration begins May 7th.  Make sure you are on the list, this class has filled very quickly  in the past.  Check out the schedule, supplies and and FAQ’s

Delicate monotype prints on the gelatin and glycerin plate - Linda Germain
Delicate monotype prints on the gelatin and glycerin plate – Linda Germain

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What does blowing Bubbles have to so with Printmaking?

gelatin plate tips / /
gelatin prints by linda germain
Fern print was pulled on plain old gelatin plate, Blue girl on bubble blown plate and finally the bubble blown glycerin plate. © 2014 linda germain

When is the last time you blew bubbles?  That’s for kids right?  Well, you know that I embrace the idea – “if you think it, then try it,”  when making monotype prints.

So, I tried blowing bubbles in my glycerin and gelatin printing plate, as it was hardening up.

Why?   Well, some of my favorite monotypes were pulled on an old moldy gelatin plate.  That was before I knew about adding glycerin.  You can watch a quick slideshow of some of those prints here.

As the plain gelatin and water printing plate ages, it develops holes.  These holes cause the ink to transfer to the paper differently.  It is an unpredictable process, but I love the results.  You may want to experiment with your printing plate.

The glycerin plate lasts so long and is so durable, that it does not age and mold the way the plain gelatin and water plate does.  Most people would think that is a good thing.  But I missed the affects of aging gelatin.

Here are 3 things I learned about blowing bubbles in the glycerin plate:

  • Try different size straws
  • Experiment with a small plate
  • If you don’t like it melt it down and try again

If you give this process a try, then share your results with the gelatin printmaking flickr group.

Happy Printing,
Linda Germain

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Different Gelatin Plate Recipes

gelatin plate tips / /

gelatin and glycerin plate for printingI am planning my course material for Make Monotype an online printmaking course, and wondering if you are as curious about all the different gelatin plate recipes as I am.  I think that each type of plate has it’s strengths and weaknesses.  Some work better in different situations and all give a slightly different impression.  If you have the desire to find out what recipe is best for you then sign up here and be the first to know about Make Monotypes – the ecourse with Linda Germain.

Check out current online printmaking classes on the workshop page.

Happy Printing!

Linda

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