Monotype Plate

The relative sizes of monotype plates are based on common paper sizes.

Western Paper Sizes:
A common paper size for Western paper is 22" x 30".
Full Sheet - 22" x 30" paper use 18" x 20" or smaller monotype plate for embossed image or 24" x 32" monotype plate for a full bleed print.
Half Sheet - 15" x 20" paper use 11" x 17" or smaller monotype plate for embossed image or 16" x 20" monotype plate for a full bleed print.
Quarter Sheet - 10" x 15" paper use 9" x 12" or smaller monotype plate for embossed image or 11" x 17" monotype plate for a full bleed print.
Another standard Western size paper is 19.5" x 26".
Full Sheet - 19.5" x 26" paper use 18" x 20" or smaller monotype plate for embossed image or 24" x 32" monotype plate for a full bleed print.
Half Sheet - 19.5" x 13" paper use 11" x 17" or smaller monotype plate for embossed image or 16" x 20" monotype plate for a full bleed print.
Quarter Sheet - 9.75" paper x 13" use 8" x 10" or smaller monotype plate embossed image or 11" x 17" monotype plate for a full bleed print.
Eastern Papers Sizes:
Eastern paper sizes vary greatly; some full sheet sizes are: 19" x 24", 17" x 22", 16" x 20", 12" x 16".
Chine-collé of lighter Eastern paper to heaver Western paper select a monotype plate slightly smaller than the Eastern Paper, trim the paper to match the monotype plate exactly. Select a Western paper larger than the monotype plate as a backer for the Chine-collé.

Polycarbonate

.030" polycarbonate monotype plate (1/32" thick)

These thiner monotype plates are clear and unbreakable polycarbonate plastic. We recommend this thin plate when working with Akua liquid pigment and using dry paper. A good choice of paper when printing dry is either Rives BFK or Pescia.

• 3400045 4" x 5"
• 3400068 6" x 8"
• 3400810 8" x 10"
• 3400912 9" x 12"
• 3401117 11" x 17"
• 3401620 16" x 20"
• 3401820 18" x 20"
• 3402432 24" x 32"

.062" polycarbonate plate (1/16" thick)

These thicker monotype plates are clear and unbreakable polycarbonate plastic monotype plate. Beveling is generally not needed on these plates. The thickness of this plate will provide dramatic plate embossment when used with damp paper. If wetting paper in a printmaking tray, make sure that your paper contains sizing, a glue that will hold it together when wet.

• 3410045 4" x 5"
• 3410068 6" x 8"
• 3410810 8" x 10"
• 3410912 9" x 12"
• 3411117 11" x 17"
• 3411620 16" x 20"
• 3411820 18" x 20"
• 3412432 24" x 32"

PETG

Polyethylene terephthalate (aka. PET, PETE, PETG) is a plastic resin of the polyester family that is semi-rigid and highly transparent. An inexpensive alternative to polycarbonate monotype plate PETG plate is more flexible allowing ease when transporting. Great for classroom use, once the PETG plate becomes worn from multiple monotype prints, use it for drypoint. PETG monotype plate scratches easier than polycarbonate, making it ideal for drypoint printing with a drypoint scribe. The drypoint burr will crush easily limiting the number of prints.

.030" PETG Plate (1/32" thick)

• 3450045 4" x 5"
• 3450068 6" x 8"
• 3450810 8" x 10"
• 3450912 9" x 12"
• 3451117 11" x 17"
• 3451620 16" x 20"
• 3451820 18" x 20"
• 3452432 24" x 32"

Ball Grained Aluminum

Try a monotype using an aluminum plate with a grained surface. The grained surface, is traditionally used for lithography, and holds copious amounts of ink. Giving prints pulled from ball grained monotype plates rich color saturation. Roll out a layer of ink with a inking brayer for intense large flat areas of color.

Ball Grained Aluminum (.015" thick)

• 3440609 6" x 9"
• 3440912 9" x 12"
• 3441218 12" x 18"
• 3441824 18" x 24"
• 3442436 24" x 36"
• 3443648 36" x 48"