So, it's way easier to do this:
Than it is to do this:
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Inking the rollers
When I got interested in letterpress, I started looking everywhere for information, instruction, and advice. I found a really great video on YouTube about using a tabletop press; in it, you see a guy dot the plate with ink and then run the rollers until they're totally covered. I've tried it - and discovered it can take a really long time to get total and complete coverage. I have since figured out that dotting the plate with ink and then using a brayer or roller to spread it evenly, and then running the rollers is way easier. The idea is get enough ink on the plate so that in turn, the rollers get enough ink.
So, it's way easier to do this:
Than it is to do this:
So, it's way easier to do this:
Than it is to do this:
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3 comments:
I've found that dotting the ink disc does take a long time for the rollers to move it around. At the same time though, I hate cleaning up more tools than is necessary.
The way I distribute the ink: instead of dotting the ink, smear a small amount from one side of the plate to the other. The more lines you have like this, the faster it blends with the rollers. It's very easy to put way too much on the ink disc this way though, so experiment a little.
It takes me about 1 minute to distribute the ink with the rollers this way. Don't be in a hurry to do it though. You need to make sure the rollers are as evenly covered as the ink disc. Remember, that's what they were designed to do, so chances are, it's the best way to do it.
:)
Great tip! I'll be sure to try it!
I loved hearing from you since I've followed and read your blog!
No problems! Let me know if I can help with anything. I'm still fairly new to it all, but I've spent a lot of time researching and talking to people in the know, so I might have stuff to offer you.
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