Printmakers, Attention!
Wet Paint Has Expanded
Its Printmaking Department
For some of us there is nothing quite like the smell of solvents in
the morning (in a well-ventilated studio, of course) -- and
for those readers who share this feeling the following product information
may be particularly pertinent:
Perfect Palette inks from Graphic Chemical
& Ink are now very available in two sizes (1lb cans and
¼lb tubes) and a variety of hues. These are oil-based inks that
double the fun because they can be used for both (!) relief printing
and intaglio. These inks have a great, highly viscous consistency and
have excellent coverage on relief blocks. The ink responds very well
to subtle differences in tooth of an intaglio plate creating a great
tonal range. (Plus these inks make that superbly crisp purr when rolled
out to desired thickness for application.)
Wet Paint now carries even more etching inks - the sepia is especially
gorgeous. Also new to the store is the Burnt Plate Oil from Graphic Chemical. This medium allows one to change
the viscosity of a printing ink while preserving its tack and color.
We carry two common grades of this product (00 and 3) in pints.
Now you can really gouge with comfort -- Staedtler has graced us with cushioned Mastercarve carving tools.
The handles have a smooth rubber coating and extra comfortable gripper
part near the base of the handle. They come in sets of three sizes (1V,
2V and 5U) and are brightly colored. They come in a plastic case, which
is useful but not as neat as the tragically hip boxes of Speedball lino cutters. (Wink.) For safer carving and to save yourself some stitches,
pick up a Speedball bench hook to go with your sharp
new carvers.
Keep your eyes open for the Baby Press on display
in Wet Paint’s “Print Land” -- it can make a print
up to 9½x18". It is ideal for etching, embossing and unmounted
linoleum printing -- and it's petite! Inquire about the Small,
Medium and Large press packages, too.
New products sit proudly in “Print Land” while overlooked
papers long for attention at the paper counter. Somerset Velvet
paper has a tight finish and beautiful texture. After being
soaked, blotted and printed, this paper becomes smooth where the image
lies while holding its great toothy surface elsewhere. The texture makes
it unique and visibly quite different from Rives BFK and Stonehenge. For relief printing, the Yamato
Moriki paper from Japan has fantastic white and especially
intense shades of red (perfect for chine collé). And when you’re
ready to print your edition, don’t forget we offer quantity
break pricing on our sheet papers.
As always, we strive to bring the best products to meet the
needs of you, the printmaker. And you are our best source of information.
Come in and talk to us about how we can continue to improve this important
area at Wet Paint!
