I first showed this print plate in October where I discovered the issue of using Shellac that had been made for a while and then shaken to remix. Tiny particles had hardened and subsequently transferred to the plate and printed as ‘interference’ across sections of the design.

I love the design, the layering and the colours I chose but coverage wasn’t great: ink didn’t adhere to the surface well so didn’t transfer, tonal variation wasn’t there although demarcations between sections showed through well and there was no dynamism in the final print.

This week I revisited it.

Using Charbonnel Etching Inks in Bone Black, Sanguine and Deep Yellow I applied colours to selected areas, rubbed back and allowed them to partially blend. I concentrated on removing ink from specific areas to allow highlights to come through.

Great results, great colour scheme and the tiny blotches now feel like part of the design.