{"product_id":"etching-drypoint-printing-zinc-plate","title":"Etching \/ Drypoint Printing Zinc Plates","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese Zinc Drypoint\/Etching Plates are 0.8mm thick, making them suitable for use with small tabletop presses. The plate will require a little preparation before use, which involves smoothing the edges, cleaning the surface and transferring your design before you begin scratching.\u003cbr\u003eEach pack contains two plates. The zinc surface can also be used for intaglio techniques including drypoint and engraving.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePreparing your Zinc Plate:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe edges of the zinc sheets may require a little attention before use.  Use a metal file to flatten and deburr all four sides.  Scrape or file the edges at a 45-degree angle to create a small slope. This prevents any sharp edge from cutting your printmaking paper or damaging the press blankets.\u003cbr\u003eClean and Degrease the Plate by removing greasy residues.  Scrub the plate with a cream cleanser or a household degreaser using a scouring pad in circular motions.  Rinse the plate thoroughly with water. The water should flow off in a smooth, even sheet without beading up; if it beads, oils or fingerprints remain and need another scrub.  Allow the plate to air dry or use a clean, lint-free cloth. Avoid touching the cleaned surface with your bare hands, as skin oils act as a resist and trap ink unevenly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a clean white background in your finished print rather than a tone from the metal, polish the surface with a metal polish (such as Brasso) until it is bright and smooth.  However, if you prefer a mid-tone or textured background, you can skip heavy polishing or lightly scuff the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemember that your final print will be a mirror image of what you draw. Reverse or flip any lettering or specific compositions beforehand.  Because zinc is opaque, place a carbon\/transfer paper under your sketch or draw your design directly onto the plate using a China marker or soft pencil before you start working with your drypoint needle.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ATCJack","offers":[{"title":"130mm x 162mm pk of 2","offer_id":58309675876734,"sku":null,"price":6.9,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"162mm x 183mm pk of 2","offer_id":58309675909502,"sku":null,"price":9.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"162mm x 228mm pk of 2","offer_id":58309675942270,"sku":null,"price":10.8,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0293\/4587\/4059\/files\/EtchingDrypointZincplate.jpg?v=1792943791","url":"https:\/\/thearttradingcompany.co.uk\/products\/etching-drypoint-printing-zinc-plate","provider":"The Art Trading Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}