I am getting ready for the upcoming Monoprinting Fabric class. So I have been playing with my gelatin plate, ink, brayers and tools.
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As you can see below I have a variety of inks and paints to print with. I am often thinking of my students when I experiment. I want them to be able to find inks and paints that work well for them.
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I think it would be more beneficial for my students to understand the qualities that make for a good ink/paint for the process, since we all have access to different supplies.
The qualities of a good ink or paint for gelatin printing on fabric are:
- easy to roll up with a brayer, so not too thin and not too thick
- slow drying
- compatible with the fabric
- compatible with the gelatin plate (homemade or commercial)
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The qualities of a good brayer for monoprinting on fabric with the gel plate are:
- spins easily
- holds a nice even coating of ink
- releases that ink evenly on to the plate
- does not skid
I the picture above I like the bright red handled brayer at the top. It is an inexpensive brayer that is soft foam with a slick outer covering. It is soft enough to pick up and roll out the screen printing ink and fabric paints that I use. I found that brayer at Hobby Lobby.
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If you think that making monotype of fabric would be fun! Then read the details and join us. Class starts soon.