LITHOGRAPHY-PHOTOCOPY TRANSFERS
Materials for transfer:
CitraStrip, Photocopies, Paper towels, One sheet of BFK Rives, Gloves
For these transfers both photo copies and computer laser prints work. What is transferred in the process is the toner on the copy onto the surface of the aluminum plate.
Prepare a plate as usual with counteretch solution.
1. Place counteretched plate at press. Prepare press with medium to light pressure.
2. Position photocopy face down of plate. Do not tape to plate.
3. Carefully wipe Citrastrip to back of photocopy. Apply a thin even layer, making sure to cover entire image. Wear gloves and avoid getting solution on skin.
4. Immediately place cover sheet and tympan. Run through press.
5. Peel off photocopy as soon as possible.
Unless you are also applying crayon or tusche, the first etch for transfers is only pure gum. After the roll up, give the plate a second etch based on the observed values.
Some notes on Photocopy Transfers.
The success of a photocopy transfer is directly related to the quality of the transfer itself. Close valued, washed out, highly detailed photocopies do not work as well as high contrast copies.
You should pick photo copies with large areas of tone surrounded by white.
Text works well.
You can cut up and arrange copies. You can also layer copies as long as each layer is transferred separately. Subsequent transfers do not disturb underlying transfers.
If you are going to draw on your plate it is best to do so after the transfers are done. Otherwise the solvent might smear the drawing.
Use CitraStrip with caution. I recommend wearing gloves. Wash off any that gets on the skin immediately. Avoid prolonged breathing of the vapors.