Finally, I have achieved what was beginning to feel like an impossibility. I have now created my first spot-free print. I blew on and shook the paper before the print was taken. The masks were treated similarly. I was squeaky clean with my ink rollers, plate etc. Hopefully not just a flash-in-the-pan. I shall, of course, endeavour to repeat my success with the two colour print for Project 3 etc.
Learning Outcomes:
- Be scrupulous with cleanliness on roller, plate and rolling surface
- Remove dust motes and debris from paper stock
- Ensure masks are similarly dust-free
- Clean hands of ink spots
- Take time over lining up of the paper
- Take time to ensure all areas of the paper have been smoothed over the back of the paper onto the print plate
- Take a break and assess outcomes
- Be consistent in approach
Very pleased with myself.
These lines from ink roller are possibly avoidable by using a wider brayer. I added transparent base to the water-based inks to make them workable for a longer period. This has weakened the colour intensity somewhat. I shall work on this further after a coffee break.
Maureen Walker's Introduction to Printmaking Blog 