Re: Polymer gravure plate tone

[SusanV <susanvoss3@gmail.com>]

Hi Don,

I did a search but didn't find anything in the way of images... maybe
someone else has something.

Plate tone is just the last little film of ink left on the areas of a
plate that are intended to print "white".  In the print it is the
slightest little bit of tone in the lightest areas.  it can vary a
great deal.  some plate materials are slicker than others and easier
to wipe very clean, leaving little tone.  It is a creative choice of
the printer, to leave a little or a lot... and in what areas to leave
however much they choose.  At one extreme you can take cotton swabs
and mineral spirits and polish off any evidence of ink.  Even the type
of ink is a variable... some are more finely ground than others,
making it harder to wipe the last little bit off the plate.

Printmaking types often compliment other printmakers about their use
of plate tone, especially at openings with a few glasses of cheap
white in them :o)

kinda like discussions of "bokeh".  :P

Susan


On 3/12/07, Don Bryant <dsbryant@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> Dear Polymer Gravurists,
>
>
> > Now, speaking of plate tone
>
> Can anyone point me to an online example that shows 'plate tone'?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Don Bryant
--
susan
gravure blog at www.susanvossgravures.blogspot.com
website www.dalyvoss.com