Priya Kapoor
Artists have been experimenting with printmaking techniques since the 1st century AD, when the practice is believed to have originated in China. The process involves moving ink from one surface to another, and there are several ways to do this. For instance, collagraphs are a type of relief print that can be made without a printing press by collaging items onto a plate, coating it with a medium, and then rolling ink onto the plate before pressing it onto paper. Artists have also been combining painting with printing, either by painting over prints or by using paint as a printing ink.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting over digital prints | Possible, but the recommended procedure is to silkscreen once with a layer of matte medium to prevent bleeding |
| Painting over pigmented prints on inkjet paper or canvas | Possible, but the prints won't stand up to scrubbing without protection; spray with a fixative or acrylic spray coating, then put a coat of Golden's Fluid Mat Medium |
| Painting over prints with digital ink | Possible, but the paint will bleed; use a thin glaze to seal in the ink before painting, then apply a gloss varnish |
| Painting over prints with inkjet coated canvas | Use acrylic paints |
| Painting over prints with linen canvas | Stretch, gesso with GOLDEN Gesso, then precoat with one of the inkjet receivers from inkAID |
| Painting over prints with inkjet paper | Use acrylic paints to create a colourful and detailed surface on which to add a digital print |
| Painting over prints with collagraphs | Roll ink onto the plate and press it onto paper by hand or with a printing press |
| Using artists' paints as printing ink | Artists' paints can work fairly well as printing ink, but printing inks don't usually make good paint |
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What You'll Learn
Painting over digital prints
Before painting over a digital print, it is essential to prepare the surface to prevent the ink from bleeding or running. One common method is to apply a thin coat of matte medium, such as Golden's Fluid Mat Medium, to the print. This will seal the ink and provide a surface for the paint to adhere to. Alternatively, you can use a fixative or an acrylic spray coating, which can be purchased from any arts and crafts store.
Once the print is sealed, you can begin painting. If you are using acrylic paint, it is recommended to add a bit of gel medium to the paint to thicken it and give the brushstrokes more texture. You can also experiment with different colours, as darker, more opaque colours are less likely to interact with the ink.
If you are painting on canvas, you can use the digital print as an underpainting or add embellishments to highlight certain areas. This mixed-media approach allows you to combine digital and traditional media to create a unique artwork.
When painting over digital prints, it is important to take your time and practice, as it can be easy to ruin the original print. It is also essential to consider the type of paper or canvas you are using, as heavier paper or canvas will be more durable and easier to work with.
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Using matte medium to prevent ink bleed
To prevent ink bleed, it is recommended to silkscreen a layer of matte medium onto your print. This process will cause the contrast of the ink to darken, but it is the best method to keep the bleed down. You can also try using a spray method, but be aware that the layer may not permanently attach to the substrate and can peel over time.
If you are using a printer, there are several factors that can impact ink bleed. Firstly, the type of paper you use is important. Thin paper is more prone to ink bleed-through, so it is recommended to use thicker paper when using ink-heavy tools or double-sided printing. The finish of the paper also matters; while glossy paper might give you a shiny appearance, it can smudge more easily. In contrast, matte paper is more welcoming to ink and can help reduce the risk of bleeding.
The printer mode and paper type settings can also affect ink bleed. Higher-quality print modes tend to use more ink and print slower, which can lead to bleeding, especially on paper not designed for heavy ink coverage. By selecting "Draft" or "Standard" modes, you can reduce the amount of ink used and decrease the likelihood of bleeding. Modern printers often have settings that allow you to specify the type of paper you are using (plain, glossy, or matte), which helps the printer adjust ink output and drying times accordingly, reducing the risk of bleeding.
Additionally, ink drying time plays a role in preventing ink bleed. Some printers have settings to adjust the ink drying time, allowing you to increase the time and ensure the ink sets properly before the next printing stage. Properly storing your paper in a cool, dry place and maintaining a stable temperature and humidity level in your printer room can also help prevent ink bleeding caused by paper absorbing moisture from the environment.
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Sealing prints with fixative or acrylic spray coating
Prepare the Print:
Before applying any fixative or spray coating, ensure your print is thoroughly dry. Check the print's material and the type of ink used, as this will impact the adhesion of the paint to the print. Pigment-based inks, for instance, won't run, but dye-based inks may require specific treatments. Additionally, the surface you're working on should be protected, as these sprays can be permanent and difficult to remove.
Work in a Well-Ventilated Area:
Fixatives and spray coatings often contain solvents, so it's important to prioritize your safety. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes. If possible, go outdoors or use a spray chamber. Consider wearing a respirator that meets OSHA and NIOSH safety requirements to protect your lungs.
Apply the Fixative or Spray Coating:
Follow the instructions on the product you've chosen. Typically, you'll spray several thin coats onto the print, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. A light, even application is best to avoid pooling. You can test the spray pattern on a separate surface first to ensure an even and fine mist.
Additional Protection:
If you're using a fixative, you may want to consider adding an additional layer of protection, especially if your work will be handled frequently. You can apply a light varnish or a spray sealant like Mod Podge Spray, wax, or a glaze. These extra layers can enhance the durability of your artwork and protect it from moisture, scratches, and fading.
Drying and Display:
Allow your sealed print to dry completely before handling or displaying it. If you plan to frame your artwork, consider using archival-grade materials and UV-filtering glass or acrylic to further protect your print from light damage and fading.
Remember, always read the instructions and safety guidelines provided with your chosen products, as different brands may have specific recommendations or requirements. Enjoy experimenting with altering your prints!
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Using acrylic paints to create a base for digital prints
Acrylic paints are a popular choice for creating a base for digital prints, especially those printed on PLA materials. They are water-based, dry quickly, and are easy to clean, making them suitable for beginners and experienced artists alike. Here are some tips for using acrylic paints to create a base for your digital prints:
Prepare the Surface:
Before applying acrylic paint, it is essential to prepare the surface of your digital print. This includes ensuring that the print is free of any dust or debris. If needed, lightly sand the surface to create a smooth base for the paint to adhere to. This can be done using sandpaper or sanding blocks with different grades to achieve the desired smoothness.
Prime the Surface:
Priming the surface of your digital print is an important step in ensuring that the acrylic paint adheres well and creates a smooth finish. A primer provides a neutral colour base, which is especially helpful if you plan to use lighter shades of acrylic paint. It also helps to fill in any imperfections or visible layer lines that may be present on the print. Spray primers, such as Vallejo Spray Paint Primer or Tamiya, can be gently applied to create a light coat that retains the details of your print.
Thin the Acrylic Paint:
Acrylic paints should be thinned slightly with water or an acrylic medium before application. This helps to prevent brush marks and ensures that the paint flows evenly across the surface of your digital print. Thin coats of paint are essential to achieving a smooth and polished finish. Start with the lightest colours first and gradually build up the colour with multiple thin layers, allowing each layer to dry completely before adding the next.
Apply the Base Coat:
The base coat will provide a foundation for your digital print and help to create even coverage. Acrylic paints can be applied by hand or through spray painting. When spray painting, hold the can about 10-12 inches away from the surface and use rapid, sweeping strokes to avoid creating a thick coat that might obscure the details of your print. With hand painting, use high-quality brushes suited for plastics or the material of your print. Remember to start with larger brushes for the base coat and work towards smaller brushes for finer details.
Seal and Protect Your Work:
Once you have applied the base coat and it is completely dry, you may want to consider sealing it to protect your work. This can be done by applying a clear coat with a glossy, semi-glossy, or matte finish. This step will increase the lifespan of your print, improve wear resistance, and protect it from scratches, chips, and other marks.
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Selecting the right ink for the printing process
Printer Compatibility
Firstly, it is essential to ensure that the ink or toner cartridge is compatible with your printer model. Refer to your printer's user manual, manufacturer's website, or original cartridge packaging to confirm compatibility. Using incompatible cartridges can lead to printing issues, poor print quality, and potential damage to your printer.
Ink Type
Different types of printers require specific types of ink. Laser printers, for instance, use powdered toner, while inkjet printers use liquid ink cartridges. Within these categories, there are further variations. Inkjet printers may use dye ink or pigment ink, with the former being brighter and more vibrant, ideal for photo printing, and the latter known for its longevity and water resistance, perfect for documents and archival prints.
Printing Requirements
Consider the purpose of your prints. If you require vibrant, colourful photos, dye-based inks are a better choice. For documents that need to last a long time without fading or smudging, pigment-based inks are more suitable. Additionally, if you are printing on specific materials like polyester, textiles, mugs, or phone cases, you may need specialised inks like sublimation ink.
Cost Considerations
Original printer ink cartridges made by the printer manufacturer tend to offer superior quality and compatibility but often come at a higher cost. Third-party compatible cartridges can be a more budget-friendly alternative, but the quality may vary. Remanufactured cartridges are another cost-saving option, as they are recycled, cleaned, and refilled, but it is important to ensure a reliable source.
Colour Requirements
Finally, consider your colour requirements. Most printers use a combination of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black (CMYK) cartridges, but some specialised printers may also use additional colours like light cyan or light magenta for enhanced photo printing. Keep in mind that you may run out of certain colours faster than others, so it's important to check your cartridge and buy the colours you need individually.
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Frequently asked questions
There are various methods to alter a print with ink or paint. You can apply a thin coat of matte medium to the original image, which will set the inks and act as a ground for painting. Alternatively, you can spray the print with a fixative or an acrylic spray coating and then add a coat of Golden's Fluid Mat Medium. If you are using acrylic paints, you can print on a precoated canvas.
Artists' paints can work fairly well as printing ink, but printing inks don't usually make good paint. It is important to select the correct ink for the printing process, but experimentation is also encouraged. For example, oil-based inks include varnishes and driers that work better on paper than on canvas.
To prevent paints from bleeding, you can apply a thin glaze over the print to seal in the printing ink before painting. You can also silkscreen a layer of Matte medium, which will darken the contrast of the ink and keep the bleed down.
