Plates, Films & Chemistry: Copper Plates

Copper Printmaking Plate

Copper Plate Sizes and Pricing

Item #	Size
3200810	08" x 10"
3200912	09" x 12"
3201218	12" x 18"
3201824	18" x 24"
3202436	24" x 36"
3203648	36" x 48"

As with all metals, copper plate prices fluctuate for the most current price see copper plate on our online store.
We sell copper plate in several sizes and offer quantity discounts.

Quantity Pricing:
1-10 plates base price
10-50 plates economy pricing
50+ Plates wholesale price
The first price break is at 10 plates of one size, the highest discount comes when 50 or more plates of a given size are purchased.

Copper Mezzotint Plate

Copper Mezzotint Plate

A mezzotint is a intaglio matrix that is worked with a mezzotint rocker to have a consistent tooth, that will hold ink. Copper plate is the ideal matrix for making mezzotints, it is not so hard that the mezzotint rocker will be damaged, yet it offers excellent retention of detail considering the pressures required during printing. If printed without modifying the tooth generated by the rocking of the plate, a mezzotint plate would print with a rich intense field of color. To add the range of tonal values necessary for an image to be present, the mezzotint plate is then worked by the printmaker with scrapers and burnishers, in a reductive method, to remove the ink holding tooth. By softening areas of the mezzotint tooth the printmaker can create a range of values, completely removing the tooth will result in white space. This method of creating the imagery from a dark field is termed maniere noire, or the black method. This process is extremely time consuming, therefore Takach Press offers Hand Rocked Copper Mezzotint Plate, for your convenience.

Degreasing Copper Plate

Degreasing Copper Plate

It is essential to have a very clean surface on copper plates that are going to be etched. The resists used when etching copper plates must have a clean plate surface to adhere to. Any oils present on the plate will reduce the adhesion of acid resists and cause uneven etching.

Basic materials and steps to degrease copper plate.
• Copper Plate - Remove the protective film from the copper plate.
• Deburring Tool - Use a Deburring tool, scraper, or file to create beveled edges on the copper plate.
• Whiting - Make a paste of whiting powder and water and rub the surface of the plate.
• Vinegar - Apply household vinegar and massage over the plate surface.
• Water - Rinse the plate notice how the water sits on the surface of the plate.
Repeated these steps until water does not bead up on the surface of the plate.

Aquatint

An aquatint creates a tooth on copper plate that holds ink. Through variations and manipulations this tooth can be made to be rich and smooth like velvet, or it can exhibit the complete tonal range. Aqua tints are created by applying powdered rosin ( particles of pine tree sap ) evenly at approximately 50% coverage onto the surface of a degreased copper plate. The rosin particles must then be fused to the plate surface with sufficient heat, employing a flame, heat gun, or hot plate are common studio practices. Before etching an aqua tint, the back of the copper plate must be protected from the acid, this process is called back stopping the plate. Using hard ground paint the back of the copper plate to achieve 100% coverage. Etching the plate can be accomplished in traditional etching bath, or with the less toxic vertical etching tank and ferric chloride. Test the strength of acid bath be etching an aquatint plate in incremental steps, stopping out each increment with stopout varnish. This copper plate should then be inked, wiped, and printed. Hang it near the acid bath as a visual tool to help determine acid strength and desired etch times.

Etching Copper Plate

Traditionally called a Mordant the etchant is an acidic solution used to bite a copper plate. Biting is a term used to describe the removal of copper from areas unprotected by resists. The strength of the acid used to etch copper plate effects how fast it "bites" into the plate. Acid resists are used to create variation in the etching ability and timing of the surface of the copper plate. By controlling this variation of the bite, the printmaker has control offer the image creation.

Engraving Copper Plate

Similar to etching, engraving removes material from the surface of the copper plate though this process is mechanical, not relying on the chemical reaction of acid and copper. By applying force to a sharp tool the printmaker removes material from the surface of the copper plate, the resulting incised lines will hold ink. The line created by engraving is very distinctive, having a tapered width and depth on the leading and trailing ends of the line. Angle tint tools, Burins and Halftone rakes ar examples of common engraving tools.

Drypoint

Unlike engraving and etching dry point methods of plate manipulation do not remove material from the plates surface, rather the create ink holding areas by deforming the material. Common tools ate the drypoint needle, roulettes and mezzotint rockers.

Steel Facing Copper Plate

Steel facing applies a thin layer of electroplated steel, forming a protective layer, on copper plates resulting in many benefits to the printmaker during printing.
• Steel facing copper plate increases the life of the plate.
• Little to no loss of detail is reported.
• Discoloration of light colored inks is minimized.

As steel facing becomes more common many printmaking facilities offer steel facing services. For a small fee these shops accept plates delivered by mailing and return a steel faced copper plate. This service helps the average printmaker avoid the cost of setup and maintenance of steel facing equipment.