Solar Plate Relief Printing

Unlike traditional etching techniques no.

Solar plate relief printing.

Images can be transferred from clear film such as acetate or true grain to the plate using a source of ultra violet light i e. Printmaking with solarplate is a simple approach and safer alternative to traditional etching and relief printing. This article will explain how to make fine art relief print cards using only the power of the sun. Solar plates are a simple safe and fast approach to etching and relief printing that does not use grounds acids or solvents.

Step five filing the plate. Solar plate printmaking or polymer etch is a relatively new print process that enables images to be established onto metal plates by exposure to light using sunlight or an ultra violet light source. Step six print plate. Once exposed solar plates are simply developed in water without the need of additional harmful chemicals.

Solarplate process etching using dan weldon s method. Solarplate is a prepared light sensitive polymer surface on a steel backing for artists to produce fine prints. In the image above you will see that one shows the text in black which would work for an intaglio print and the one above shows the text clear which is how genna created the relief print. Bright sunlight or a uv bulb.

Plate thickness is less than standard zinc or copper and presses should be adjusted accordingly. Printing may be done in either relief or intaglio. Print as for other intaglio or relief processes. Before inking eliminate the sharp corners of the plate with a file and remove the burr from the steel backing.

The plates are developed by washing in water and can be printed as intaglio or relief prints. He was the inventor of this printmaking technique. The great thing about solar plates is that the plate can be exposed in a professional exposure unit or outside in the sun. Solar plates are easy to use with little experience of traditional printmaking processes.

Solarplate is a light sensitized steel backed polymer material used by artists as an alternative to hazardous printing techniques. Plates can be polished with abrasives to give lighter areas drypointed dremel drills are good engraved or have carborundum etc added. Unlike traditional printmaking methods that require dangerous chemicals or sharp tools and years of technical practice a solar plate uses the sun some water and a tooth brush to develop.