Akua Carborundum Gel for Platemaking

What is Akua Carborundum Gel?

Akua Carborundum Gel for platemaking is used to create collagraph printmaking plates. This ready-to-use platemaking gel offers a reliable medium that delivers fine, sharp detail and a uniquely textured surface that yields rich, velvety areas of color.

What is Carborundum Print/Platemaking?

Carborundum printmaking is a collagraph process in which the image is created directly on the plate by applying an abrasive grit (Carborundum) mixed with an acrylic medium or glue. Once dried, it forms areas of texture or line which is then inked intaglio, relief or both. The plate is printed with an etching press in the same manner as other printmaking plates.

Since the carborundum mixture is built up on the plate, the paper embosses when going through the press creating a rich, dense surface. The plates can be printed many times.

Printmakers have been experimenting with methods for making carborundum prints for decades. Akua Carborundum Gel improves results by offering a formulation that is consistent and reliable. Carborundum Gel is performance-tested, so printmakers can rely on the consistency of this platemaking medium from start to finish. As a result, prints will be strong and vivid, each and every time.

What approaches can you use to make carborundum plates with Akua Carborundum Gel?

There are numerous ways for using Akua Carborundum Gel for producing carborundum plates. Three approaches include: Light Field, Dark Field and Stencil Methods.

Light Field is an additive method where the image is created by applying the Carborundum Gel directly on the printmaking plate.

Dark Field is a subtractive method where Carborundum Gel is applied over the entire printmaking plate and the image is created by removing the medium with various tools.

Stencil or Silk Screen plates are created by squeegeeing Akua Carborundum Gel through a hand/machine cut or any silkscreen stencil.

How do you make the plates using Akua Carborundum Gel?

For the Light Field approach, Akua Carborundum Gel can be brushed, rolled, squeegeed, etc. onto the plate, yielding a variety of unique marks and textures. Full strength, straight from the jar will yield rich, dense color. Slight modification with water can be used to achieve varied wash effects.

For the Dark Field approach, The plate is created by squeeging Akua Carborundum Gel through 110 silkscreen mesh onto the plate, covering the entire surface. After the Carborundum Gel is applied to the plate it will remain workable in a wet state for approximately 30 minutes. Tools such as cotton swabs, pieces of cardboard, etc. are used to remove the gel while wet to create the image on the plate. Thereafter, the plate is still workable for an unlimited time with the use of hard-edge wooden tools.

For the Stencil or Silk Screen approach, you can use any type of stencil. Simply squeegee the Carborundum Gel through the silkscreen mesh or stencil onto your plate.

How do you clean up after making plates using Akua Carborundum Gel?

Lightly dampen a VERY soft rag, like microfiber, with a small amount of soap and water. Wipe with GENTLE pressure. Though durable for printing, Carborundum Gel plates have a delicate surface and should not be scrubbed. All surfaces can be cleaned with soap and water.