Like most printmakers, I have lots of old plates sitting around my studio. Some are from finished editions and others from failed attempts at getting the results I wanted at the time. These are perfect for experimentation. Over the next several days, I will attempt to alter an old solar plate (ImagonHD) by adding some encaustic medium to it and printing the results. Most encaustic printing plates are typically done on plexiglass or aluminum. I’ve never done this particular process before. I will post the results as I go along. There isn’t much info on the web regarding this process other than upcoming workshops. Elise Wagner teaches encaustic workshops and this plate making technique, as well.
I will experiment on two plates, one recycled ImagonHD plate and a new Plexiglass plate. Always file the edges first, as needed, to run through a press. I am melting the wax in an old crock pot and I am using a griddle to keep the wax melted on my bristle brushes. There are many tools that may be used for this process. To make marks in the wax that will eventually hold ink, I have an electric pen, a soldering iron and a small tacking iron to smooth the wax after I brush it onto the plate. A small wire brush might make some interesting texture. At this point, I am using my regular encaustic recipe and hope that it will harden enough to withstand several passes through an etching press. If not, I will add more dammar resin to the mix and/or some slick wax – a tough petroleum based wax that has a higher melting temperature than other waxes. Paraffin also has a higher melting temperature than bee’s wax but is very brittle and is never a substitute when making encaustic medium. I have added small amounts of it to my painting mix as it is very clear and translucent but would not use it for this process. More to follow…