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| ©linda germain 2012 tape edges for gelatin printmaking |
Yesterday, I taped the edged of 8″ x 10″ paper, with regular masking tape and then set out to make a series of gelatin prints. Today when I peeled the tape off it lifted off tiny bits of paper from the edge of the print. Bummer.
I can still use the prints. I will have to cut them or mat them. My goal here was to end up with finished prints that I don’t have to mat or other wise fuss with. So I went to the Home Depot and got some Scotch Blue painters tape for delicate surface #2080.
I think one roll should do about 60 prints, so I won’t complain about the price. I started thinking about how with traditional printmaking there are several steps that often go into preparing the paper for printing – tearing, soaking and blotting are a few that I can think of.
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| ©linda germain 2012 gelatin plate prints with taped edges |
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| ©linda germain 2012 gelatin print with masking stencils and stamping marks |
Of course you don’t have to tape the edges of your paper for gelatin printmaking, but I like this option of having a nice clean edge and a print that is standard size that I can just pop into a frame or mat.
Happy Printing.
This is really nice, Thanks for sharing this mate. I hope I can prepare paper like that too. I want to try it,
happy to share
thanks for this tip and for sharing.x love the prints on herex lynda
Linda:
Great stuff, sharp edges! I’ve been using template frames made out of paper – often with a second layer of paper pasted on the edge to make it stronger. Then I lay it over the inked plate, line up the printed paper to a registration line. It too makes a nice sharp edge on the print. Also helps me to size the images for the mat. Love the tough power people!
Mark E in Madison, WI
Mark – Thanks for the template frame option. I bet it is more economical. I will have to give it a try.
Hello Linda,
I use cheep masking tape for clean borders on all of my prints, never have a problem with paper pick up. A few years ago I read an art blog where someone gave a tip for removing tape. When ready to remove simply warm the tape with a blow dryer then slowly peel off. Works like a charm!
Catherine Griffin
oh that is a good idea. I have used the hair dryer for other sticky things.
Linda