Paper-Litho-Transfer
MATERIALS:
- Shellac (Bull’s Eye Orange works best)
- Xerox or Laser Print
- Oil based Lithography Inks
- Roller or Brayer
- Newsprint
- Gum Arabic
- Sponges
- One empty bowl
- One bowl with clear water and a tsp. of gum arabic
This process uses your Xerox or laser print as a printing plate. You usually get only one or two quality prints out of each Copy. It is a good idea to have MANY copies with you when you begin printing. Your Copy must be toner based (heat set) and not inkjet or any other water-based type.
Prepare your ink and roll out on slab. A small amount of setswell or varnish may be needed to loosen the ink. Keep the ink on the slab lean to help avoid scumming of your plate.
- Shellac the back of the Xerox or Laser Print. This can be done ahead of time.
- Spread a thin layer of gum arabic onto the glass slab to hold the copy in place.
- Place the Copy face up on the slab.
- Spread a thin layer of gum over the face of the copy.
- With fresh water on sponge wipe excess gum from Copy.
- Roll up the Copy with ink as if a lithographic stone or plate.
- Wipe the Copy with the damp sponge.
- Ink again.
- Repeat until inked to your liking.
- Place your good paper on clean plate and place inked Copy face down onto paper.
- Cover with newsprint and then with blanket(s).
- PRINT!
