Polymer plates allow printers to translate drawings, etchings, and photographs into letterpress prints. In this in-person letterpress workshop, learn how to mount, register, and print polymer plates on the Vandercook press. Instruction will focus on inking polymer plates, ideal paper options, and how to clean and store polymer plates.
A demonstration of the physical plate-making process using MCBA’s photopolymer platemaker will also take place during this workshop. While there is value in seeing this process, participants will not create their own plates during the workshop because, at this time, there are no local service bureaus creating film negatives for letterpress. Options for sending digital files to be made into polymer plates are discussed in Digital File Preparation for Letterpress, where participants learn how to digitally prepare artwork using Adobe Creative Suite.
Participants who have polymer plates are encouraged to bring them, along with any preferred paper to proof during the workshop. Example plates and proofing paper will also be available.