Sunday, February 20, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Over inked
Got a bit carried away on the amount of ink I placed on my press. Not sure what I was thinking but put WAY too much on...
I tried taking it off by blotting with paper, but basically had to wipe the ink plate clean and just use what was left on the rollers and even that was a little much.
Wasted ink and heaps of time.
Anyway, if you see tiny peaks in the ink or an orange peel effect - its too much. There should only be a thin flat film.
One reference says to put as much ink as you would honey on a slice of bread t start with (I opted for Vegemite on 2 slices for a larger job) and always add to the bottom left side (depending on which way your plate turns)
I have also seen one example that instead of daubing onto the plate, draws a cross with a wide (4-5cm) spatula, applying a thin film, and that's also a good measure.
Oh and also, Am going to have to get into the habit of tightening everything up regularly. My fly wheel nearly wiggled off. Could have been a bit of a bother...
I tried taking it off by blotting with paper, but basically had to wipe the ink plate clean and just use what was left on the rollers and even that was a little much.
Wasted ink and heaps of time.
Anyway, if you see tiny peaks in the ink or an orange peel effect - its too much. There should only be a thin flat film.
One reference says to put as much ink as you would honey on a slice of bread t start with (I opted for Vegemite on 2 slices for a larger job) and always add to the bottom left side (depending on which way your plate turns)
I have also seen one example that instead of daubing onto the plate, draws a cross with a wide (4-5cm) spatula, applying a thin film, and that's also a good measure.
Oh and also, Am going to have to get into the habit of tightening everything up regularly. My fly wheel nearly wiggled off. Could have been a bit of a bother...
Friday, January 21, 2011
Valentine coasters
I spent last night printing my first set of coasters for a letterpress coaster exchange (YAY!).
A few things I learned.
You can spend an hour on making the press ready - mixing ink, getting everything lined up and straight, printing half a dozen test prints and chucking them out- and then literally ten minutes printing the actual job!
It's also very addictive, so while my intention was to print 40 I ended up doing twice as many because once you get into the swing of things, it's really hard to stop!
I would have liked some more impression it isn't as deep as I would have liked but it's inking up fairly evenly and the image is crisp and sharp.
I love the colour-I had to go and get another 2 tins of ink as the base colours I initially ordered were well, too basic for me!
I have posted my 35 coasters off to the US so they can be distributed to the other letterpress ladies that are contributing, and in a few weeks I should receive 35 different coasters from other presses.
If you would like a set of coasters, visit my ETSY shop ASAP! Fluid Ink Etsy shop
A few things I learned.
You can spend an hour on making the press ready - mixing ink, getting everything lined up and straight, printing half a dozen test prints and chucking them out- and then literally ten minutes printing the actual job!
I would have liked some more impression it isn't as deep as I would have liked but it's inking up fairly evenly and the image is crisp and sharp.
I love the colour-I had to go and get another 2 tins of ink as the base colours I initially ordered were well, too basic for me!
I have posted my 35 coasters off to the US so they can be distributed to the other letterpress ladies that are contributing, and in a few weeks I should receive 35 different coasters from other presses.
If you would like a set of coasters, visit my ETSY shop ASAP! Fluid Ink Etsy shop
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Friday, December 3, 2010
Scrounging for bits
Although there are heaps of letterpress bits and pieces floating around, not much is for sale in Australia online. Most is from the US and because it all made of lead, the expense of shipping its far too excessive, even postage from the East is a bit steep. So begging, and scrounging is the only option. But hey it does the trick!
My latest adventure I came away with 4 quins, a quoin key, strips of furniture (that was even cut down for me) a tin of paint that was rescued from the dumpster some spacers, tympan sheets and a new friend! If this ink works (its for offset printing but could be ok) then I'm able to go back for another 50 tins!
My latest adventure I came away with 4 quins, a quoin key, strips of furniture (that was even cut down for me) a tin of paint that was rescued from the dumpster some spacers, tympan sheets and a new friend! If this ink works (its for offset printing but could be ok) then I'm able to go back for another 50 tins!
Boxcar Base has arrived!
My new Boxcar base ready and waiting for rollers and then its all systems go!
 |
| Shiny, clean, scratchless... |
 |
| All locked up... |
 |
| But no rollers to go... |
Friday, November 26, 2010
Inks and Pantone swatches.
Is is weird that I am excited by pretty colours?
Best one oil based inks, just a starter pack.
Should be able to mix most colours from the Pantone swatch with this lot!
Best One Mixing Black
Best One 032 Red
Best One Reflex Blue
Best One Yellow
Best One Trans White
Best One Opaque White
Best one oil based inks, just a starter pack.
Should be able to mix most colours from the Pantone swatch with this lot!
Best One Mixing Black
Best One 032 Red
Best One Reflex Blue
Best One Yellow
Best One Trans White
Best One Opaque White
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