About

Explore both intaglio and relief printing techniques using versatile and economical Sintra PVC plates. Sintra PVC is a rigid plastic board with a smooth, matte surface that is easy to cut, carve, drill, and sand. It can be used with oil-based inks and common solvents, and is less expensive than many other materials used for printmaking plates.

You'll carve one Sintra PVC plate. Contour line drawings with crosshatch shading work best on Sintra PVC. We'll develop our drawings, transfer them onto the plate, and carve out the lines with a fine v-gouge carving tool, etching tools, or an Exacto knife.

You'll print your plate in two ways. In relief printing, ink is applied on the surface of the plate with a brayer, making the negative image of the drawing. In intaglio printing, ink is pushed into the carved marks and wiped away from the raised surface, creating a positive image. Wiping the plate in the intaglio process leaves a soft plate tone, where you can create more shading effects by selectively wiping some areas of the plate more than others. You'll print your images with the etching press on 100% cotton paper.

Details

• Experience level: All levels, including beginners.
• Bring ideas for what you'd like to carve on your plate. Contour line drawings with crosshatch shading work best. Our plates will be 9 inches by 6 inches.
• Bring a lunch. BARN has a refrigerator and microwave you can use on the lower level.

Details

A $20 materials fee, included in the price of the class, covers everything you will need, including:

• 3 mm Sintra PVC board.
• Carving tools, including gouges, etching needles, and Exacto knives.
• Inks.
• Palette knives.
• Transfer paper.
• Tarlatan and rags for wiping.
• BFK Rives cotton rag printmaking paper.
• Nitrile gloves and aprons.

Project

You'll create and take home at least two relief prints and two intaglio prints made from the same Sintra PVC plate.

Class Policies

Ages 14 and up are welcome.