Just loving this project!

This week I’ve been concentrating on making a second plate to print with the etching I’ve already prepared.  I’m aiming for the sections underwater.

Transferring the design to plate 2:

I soaked my BFK Reeves paper, then ran it through the press with my new blank zinc plate (plate 2 – the one I’ll be using to create a watery effect).  This stretched the paper to size.  I trapped the paper in place on the press, removed the blank plate, and replaced it with the inked-up first plate, then ran it through the press again, so creating a print.  Keeping the paper trapped in place, I removed plate 1 and replaced it with the blank plate 2.  The printed paper was carefully lowered in place above this and run through the press again.  Hey presto, some of the ink was transferred to my blank plate giving me a perfect faint image in reverse!!  Great way to transfer an image accurately from one plate to another.

Stopping out sections:

I only want specific areas of plate 2 to print so I  selected the parts to etch.  All the rocks above the water line were painted over using a bitumen solution which will resist the nitric acid used to etch.

The plate was then degreased.

After going through the aquatint cupboard, it was heated to set the aquatint and placed into a tray to have the strong acid solution applied by paintbrush.  Some washing up liquid was also added here and there in the hope of creating differing levels of bite from the acid.  This (fingers crossed) should help towards a flowing watery look in the etching.

Once etched, rinsed and cleaned the plate looks like this:

I will be able to concentrate the ink on the etched areas and wipe away any from the smooth parts.  So, I should be able to get water into my print.  Roll on Friday, when I’m next in the studio.