Collagraphs are created by attaching collage elements to a master plate, which is usually made from mat board or foamcord. After gluing or pasting such items as torn watercolor paper, string, cardboard, fabric, gauze, glue, acrylic medium or resin, the plate is allowed to dry. Then, ink is applied and a print is made. Since water-based inks can be used along with hand rubbing techniques, collagraph printmaking is suitable for home use or in schools.
Etching Press
Besides hand rubbing a collagraph plate can be run through an etching press. This printmaking machine comes in the form of an expensive tabletop or floor-standing device that can exert quite a bit of pressure on the plate and paper, as the pair are slid underneath a large metal roller. Since an etching press is beyond the financial means of most individual artist, this piece of artistic equipment will most likely be encountered when attending art classes or participating in a large arts organization.
Wooden Rolling Pin
Once your collagraphic plate is dried, you can then apply ink to it with a brush or ink brayer. The print must then be made before the ink dries. Usually one print is made from each inking, but a small series can made be made from the same plate. One hand-rubbing technique involves using a wooden rolling pin, like those found in a bakery, to transfer the ink to the paper. First put the print on top of the plate. Next, make one or two passes with the roller across the entire print. Always move the roller in the same direction, apply ample downward pressure and then gently pull up one corner of the print.
Wooden Handles
Since a collagraph may consist of many elements of varying thicknesses, it may be necessary to use a hand-held pressure device that only covers a small area of the print. Ideal tools for doing this are wooden door knobs or handles, which can be purchased at any hardware store. Choose one with a smooth concave surface that is a few square inches. After placing the printing paper on top of the print, work over each section of the print with the door knob. To get the best print, apply medium pressure and move the wooden handle in a back-and-forth or circular motion.
Ghost Prints
Once a primary print has been made from an inked plate, there may be enough ink left on the plate to make a second pull with a fresh sheet of printmaking paper. The print will tend be light with ink, which may create an interesting image all in itself. Also, this "ghost" print can be enhanced with art markers, soft pastels, oil pastels or paint to create a one-of-a-kind image.
