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Kitchen lithography is a printmaking technique that involves creating prints using materials and equipment that can be found in a household kitchen. It is a low-cost and accessible way for artists to create prints without the need for a traditional printmaking studio.
To create a print using kitchen lithography, you will need the following materials:
- A smooth, non-porous surface to print on, such as a plastic or metal plate. You can also use other surfaces such as glass, acrylic, or even aluminum foil.An oil-based printing ink. You can purchase printmaking ink specifically formulated for lithography or you can also use oil-based paint.
- A roller or brayer to spread the ink onto the printing plate. A brayer is a small roller used to distribute the ink evenly. You can also use tools like a foam roller or a plastic spoon to apply the ink.
- A piece of paper or another printing substrate. You can use any paper that can absorb the ink, such as printmaking paper, drawing paper, or even newsprint. You can also use other materials such as fabric or wood to create prints on different surfaces.
- A printing press or other flat surfaces, such as a kitchen counter or tabletop, press the paper onto the printing plate. A press is not necessary, you can use a rolling pin, a spoon, or any flat surface you have on hand to apply pressure on the paper and transfer the ink.
- Cleaning materials, such as a container of water and a sponge or cloth, to clean the plate and remove excess ink.
- A pencil or other drawing instrument to create a design on the plate.
It’s important to note that you can also experiment with different materials and techniques to create texture, patterns, and special effects on your prints. For example, you can use textured objects, such as leaves or fabric, to create texture on the plate. You can also use stencils or masks to block out certain areas of the plate or use a variety of papers and printing substrates to experiment with different surfaces and textures.
The method of creating a print using kitchen lithography is relatively simple
A white paper should be kept under the acrylic plate so that it does not get scratched. Then rub the acrylic plate with a wet cloth/ sponge so that the aluminum foil can sit well. Then, when the aluminum foil sits, rub it with a dry cloth so that no air bubbles are trapped inside.
After that, the aluminum papers should be folded and attached to the brown tape, to secure the plate, and a corner should be cut a little. Now we have to draw but before that, we have to remember that we can’t work on the direct plate by hand, we can draw by putting paper on it. We will use oil-based pencils for drawing such as border pencils, charcoal pencils, etc.
After the drawing is complete we have to do the main process. The aluminum plate should be given in a small tub in which Coca-Cola is to be given. The Coca-Cola tub should be stirred for a while and then another tub should be kept with plain water and an aluminum plate should be placed in it. Remove the plate from the water and place it on newsprint paper, then dry it well.
To prepare the ink for printing, mix a little talcum powder in the ink. Then take a sponge of plain water in a tub, as many times as you roll the ink on the plate so that the ink is removed.
Then roll the ink well and then take the print with a spoon.
Independent Artist | MFA | Graphics | Visual Arts | Print Making