I am using water-soluble Akua soy-based inks to print linoleum carvings on Stonehenge. I prefer to print on damp paper. I found advice that says that the reason the first plate seems longer than subsequent plates is that I did not pre-stretch the paper. If you agree that this is the remedy, how does one pre-stretch paper for an edition of prints? Otherwise, how can I prevent this problem?
The reason the first plate seems longer than subsequent plates typically has to do with the way dampened paper behaves during the printing process. Here’s what’s likely happening:
Paper Expansion from Dampening: When the paper is dampened, it absorbs water and expands. This expansion happens more prominently on the first impression because the paper has not yet been compressed under the press. Once the first plate is printed, the press pressure flattens and compresses the paper fibers, causing it to “shrink” slightly. For subsequent plates, the paper remains more compressed and doesn’t expand or stretch as much.
Press Pressure and Ink Absorption: The pressure of the press during the first plate forces the damp paper to stretch slightly to accommodate the ink and pressure. Ink from the first plate may also introduce moisture into the paper, which can alter the paper’s surface slightly, contributing to differences between the first and subsequent impressions. Maintaining consistent pressure with all plates can help minimize this issue.
How to Prevent This
To ensure uniformity across all plates in your edition, try these approaches:
1. Pre-Stretch or Pre-Shrink the Paper: Dampen - don't soak - your paper completely before starting the edition to reduce initial expansion or shrinkage during printing. Refer to the YouTube links below for more information on stretching. They refer to Stonehenge Oil, not the Stonehenge you're using but show the stretching process.
2. Maintain Consistent Dampness: Keep the paper uniformly dampened throughout the entire process. Consider storing your dampened paper in a plastic bag or airtight container with damp blotters to prevent drying between plates.
3. Test with Smaller Prints: Run a few test prints with all plates to see how the paper behaves and adjust your dampening process accordingly.
By addressing these factors, you’ll minimize the variation in paper dimensions between plates and achieve more consistent results in your edition. But as always, testing and trial and error on your end in your specific studio setup is always best.
Also, note that Stonehenge has more surface sizing than Rives or Somerset - as a result the paper won’t absorb any type of ink as quickly.
Thank you for the prompt reply. I appreciate the suggestions, and belatedly do realize I should have started smaller and simpler to work out the problems. Will also try the other papers. Thanks again.
Paper Expansion from Dampening:
When the paper is dampened, it absorbs water and expands. This expansion happens more prominently on the first impression because the paper has not yet been compressed under the press. Once the first plate is printed, the press pressure flattens and compresses the paper fibers, causing it to “shrink” slightly. For subsequent plates, the paper remains more compressed and doesn’t expand or stretch as much.
Press Pressure and Ink Absorption:
The pressure of the press during the first plate forces the damp paper to stretch slightly to accommodate the ink and pressure. Ink from the first plate may also introduce moisture into the paper, which can alter the paper’s surface slightly, contributing to differences between the first and subsequent impressions. Maintaining consistent pressure with all plates can help minimize this issue.
How to Prevent This
To ensure uniformity across all plates in your edition, try these approaches:
1. Pre-Stretch or Pre-Shrink the Paper:
Dampen - don't soak - your paper completely before starting the edition to reduce initial expansion or shrinkage during printing. Refer to the YouTube links below for more information on stretching. They refer to Stonehenge Oil, not the Stonehenge you're using but show the stretching process.
2. Maintain Consistent Dampness:
Keep the paper uniformly dampened throughout the entire process. Consider storing your dampened paper in a plastic bag or airtight container with damp blotters to prevent drying between plates.
3. Test with Smaller Prints:
Run a few test prints with all plates to see how the paper behaves and adjust your dampening process accordingly.
By addressing these factors, you’ll minimize the variation in paper dimensions between plates and achieve more consistent results in your edition. But as always, testing and trial and error on your end in your specific studio setup is always best.
Also, note that Stonehenge has more surface sizing than Rives or Somerset - as a result the paper won’t absorb any type of ink as quickly.
https://youtu.be/7HHa0_LXgik?si=MllUBv77PPEc3Bdi
https://youtu.be/FldFfpj0Mp0?si=IywJ5xgxWFEuCRB8