This seems like a fun and clever way to create artsy prints from an inkjet
printer.
http://blog.redriverpaper.com/2016/04/photos-to-art-prints-in-eight-simple-steps.html?trk_msg=RD9T0QMQ1PIK1F86U07RSNG8IG&trk_contact=J05VVQMG0H39M3GCGGQKM4BKT0&utm_source=listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Red+River+Paper&utm_campaign=Tips+on+Printer+Adjustments+for+Thick+Papers+%7c+Photos+To+Art+Prints+In+8+Simple+Steps+
By Brady Wilks–
© Brady Wilks
A digital inkjet wet transfer print provides a look that no other process can
achieve. Due to the variations that an artist can use to manipulate the print
and its unique visual aesthetic, this alternative photographic process is a
powerful and viable option for an artist’s expression.
The process is simple and your supply list is short. You will need an inkjet
printer; wax paper or a pack of printer labels (address, CD, etc.); matte,
enhanced matte, or double weight paper (any paper without a pearl or gloss
finish is best); and a bone folder (pen caps, letter openers, or small polished
stones can work as well). You may also choose to use big heavy books to press
evenly across the entire image.
An alternative substrate option includes paper with a specific moisture content
to receive the ink in a way that bleeds together, as opposed to remaining as
little droplets. The moisture content of the paper varies the nature of the
transfer. You may increase the moisture content of the paper by pre-soaking or
by placing the paper in contact with a wet sheet of paper. Additionally, water
may be applied to the surface of the paper with a foam brush or mister.
Step 1: Prepare your matte paper substrate by having it laid out on a flat
surface with the print side facing up. Have your rubbing tool at the ready.
Step 2: Take a sheet of labels and remove all of the stickers while trying to
maintain the integrity of the waxy paper backing. If you remove the labels too
strongly, you could rip, bend, or distort the waxy side. This will interrupt a
smooth transfer. (Intentionally damaging or folding the waxy paper is also used
creatively as an alternative.)
Step 3: Load that sheet of paper into your printer so that the ink will be
applied to the waxy or shiny side of the paper.
Step 4: Prepare your image using Photoshop or other editing software and edit
the image so that it is at least 300dpi with the intended dimensions you want
to print. Try printing something small around 5 × 7 @ 360dpi so you can
transfer it to an 8.5 × 11 sheet easily with a larger border. This will give
you handling room and limit the print size. It is also more forgiving when it
comes to borders and even spaces between the paper’s edge and the transfer’s
edge. If you do not have experience printing, please refer to tutorials
abundantly found online or in other platforms to give you the specifics on
preparing an image for print. The idea is that you want to set up your print so
that it gives you a high-quality image that you would normally make otherwise.
Step 5: Print your image.
Step 6: Once it is done, carefully hold the print by its edges. The ink will be
very wet and can easily smudge. Turn it upside down carefully, positioning the
print over your ready-placed paper substrate. Set down gently at the center and
press. You will want to make your transfer soon after it finishes printing, so
be ready with your substrate. Using a heavy book could help with the pressing.
If you want a solid transfer then the use of a press is an option. Some prefer
the following burnishing or rubbing step as an alternative.
Step 7: Optional rubbing – be sure to hold the print down firmly while using
your bone folder or rubbing tool. If you move the paper around, the print will
alter and potentially smear. (Intentionally smearing the print could also be
used creatively.)
Step 8: Once you are finished pressing or rubbing, you will remove the waxy
paper; wipe it off with a damp rag or paper towel for another use. For
consistency, the use of a new sheet for every print is suggested. For
practicing you may reuse your sheets as long as you can maintain the integrity
of the surface.
Let your new print dry face-up. If using moistened substrate paper, allow your
sheet to dry between blotter papers or on a drying rack. To avoid curling, the
use of a hot press is suitable.
Red River Blog Editor’s Note: We asked Brady why he preferred label paper (Step
2) and he told us: “As for the substrate– Avery labels are best out of
everything I’ve tested. It has some tooth to it allowing the droplets to hold
without absorbing. Wax paper, vellum, overhead transparency (opposite to print
side) and other materials all work but depending on the printer and media path,
the droplets can pool or run. I’ve rarely had a problem with Avery label
backing paper.”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Brady Wilks is a working artist, author, and educator focusing on photographic
processes and printmaking. His work is exhibited nationally and is held in
private collections throughout the United States and Europe.
This excerpt from his new book, Alternative Photographic Processes– Crafting
Handmade Images © 2015, has been reprinted by permission of the publisher,
Focal Press, and is available from Amazon.
Visit Brady Wilks at his website to see more of his creative work.
Cordially,
Michael Elenko
206-226-3315
