Printmaking (Series 13 of 21) - Waterless lithography: toner images

By Nik Semenoff August 30, 2004

} Waterless lithography: Toner images Printmaking Series - Part 13 of 21 By Nik Semenoff Combining two of my developments, lithography is now easier to use than traditional methods. The most direct approach is to apply the toner to the plate using water or solvent washes. One of the greatest advantages is the possibility of completely removing the drawing or rework part of it. This is not practical when using grease imaging. Toner images can be combined with waterbased materials to get your final print. Solvent resistant products such as Sharpie markers can be used as well as many techniques can be combined before the silicone is applied. In most cases it would be best to set the toner on the plate as the subsequent manipulation can destroy the image or prevent the transfer of the masking lacquer contacting the surface. Nik Semenoff After the image is finished, diluted silicone is spread over the entire plate and buffed down to a very thin film. It can be left to cure for a few hours or heated to drive off the odorless paint thinner and prevent ink sticking to the background area. Depending on the texture of the plate surface and viscosity of your silicone mixture, another thin coat may be applied - but do not build up too thick a layer as removal of the image can be prevented. With a washout solution made up of acetone with 5-10% brake fluid added, the image is washed out. The brake fluid is basically polyalkylene glycol ether, which is none toxic and acts as a retarder to keep the dissolved plastic from drying. By using soapy water, the plate is cleaned before the toner dries back on, reducing on the use of acetone in the studio. After the plate dries, it is rolled up with a suitable ink such as Van Son Rubberbased Plus. This process gives the most delicate tints on the print, equaling or surpassing most traditional lithographs. Toner produces many more visual effects as it can produce fine tints or near 100% color. I would suggest you use a water soluble mask for solid flats as toner is more difficult to spread in an even coating. It also produces too thick a layer that is very difficult to washout. Nik Semenoff Until you have tried it, you cannot imagine how easy it is to produce a finished plate and print the edition in waterless lithography. While some of the older lithographers are reluctant to try new processes, the new generation of printers is more eager to see what can be accomplished. Safety in the print studio has become an important factor for many and again these techniques reduce the need for toxic chemicals. While some consider acetone extremely toxic, it really is not and in the small quantity required, it would not be a problem to use. ________________________________________________ Copyright © 2004 Nik Semenoff Nik Semenoff Artist-in-residence University of Saskatchewan Visit Nik Semenoff's website at duke.usask.ca/~semenoff/ for more information.

• Posted: 2004-08-30