Technical pages, video and miscelaneous tips for photo-etching and photogravure Puretch Info
(Pronounced pur--ETCH as in Etching, not pur--Tech) Specifications and applications for Puretch high resolution etch resist. Puretch is the thinnest photopolymer on the market in the world and thus the best for etching fine halftones and line work into copper and other metals. Puretch Instructions
Complete processing instructions with links to solar exposing instructions and printable file. Puretch Troubleshooting
Simple solutions to the most common issues that beginners may encounter when using Puretch. Please check here before calling or e-mailing with questions. I am glad to help you on the phone if this page does not answer your questions. Photo-Etching Positives
Learn how to make and print perfect stochastic halftone positives for photo etching using Curves in Photoshop or Levels in Photoshop Elements. An aquatint can also bypassed initially with this method and can be added after the initial etch to increase range. Page includes print example and close up of dot structure. Phoenix Gravure Storage and Processing
Processing is similar to Autotype with just slight time and temperature adjustments. Phoenix Gravure Test Images
Follow this page for info from my latest tests with the new Phoenix Gravure tissue and my progress with teaching myself photogravure. Steel Facing Photogravures
Check out my small set up for steel facing photogravure plates and where to get some really cheap low carbon steel! Autotype G35 Processing
This page is archived for your reference. SAFER & NON TOXIC CLEANING TIPS
Plates & Tools:
Use B-100 Biodiesel for cleaning up oil based inks and asphaltum off plates, tools or ink slabs. The residue will have to be rinsed or wiped up with soap and water or degreaser. B-100 is 100% vegetable biodiesel which is non-carcinogenic and non evaporating leaving no fumes. We don't recommend it for hand cleaning as it strips the natural oils from your skin which can lead to drying and irritation.
CAUTION: Biodiesel is not recommended for cleaning natural rubber rollers because it will cause the rubber to break down.
Hand Cleaners:
Coconut oil or Lard (believe it or not) make great natural hand cleaners for removing oil based ink. Follow up with your favorite hand soap to remove the greasiness. I prefer the cheap processed coconut oil (with the green lid) for hand cleaning.
Environmentally friendly plate degreasing with TSP:
Tri-Sodium Phosphate is available as Phosphate Free, please look for this on the label. TSP is not non-toxic, read labels and wear gloves if it is in contact with your hands. I now use a nylon paint brush dipped in a TSP/water solution to degrease plates which keeps my bare hands out of it. Experiment with ratios, I mix mine intuitively.
______________________ MARTHA STEWART Video: Artist Diana Levinson uses Puretch Photopolymer for her etchings in this short video Check out the Puretch Demos on YouTube below | 
