Carborundum Mezzotype: Dark Field/Reductive Techniques with Akua Carborundum Gel

Susan Rostow, inventor of Akua inks demonstrates how to create dark field, reductive, collagraph plates using this subtractive method with the Akua Carborundum Gel. This ready-to-use platemaking gel offers a reliable medium that delivers fine, sharp detail and a uniquely textured surface that yields rich, velvety areas of color. Dark field is a subtractive method where Carborundum Gel is applied over the entire printmaking plate and the image is created by removing the medium with various tools. Once the plate is made, it can be printed by hand with the Akua Pin Press or with a traditional etching press.
Take a Hands-on Workshop: Ongoing workshops using Akua Inks are held at Susan Rostow's Brooklyn Studio. For the Brooklyn Studio schedule, please visit: www.SusanRostow.com

[@monrea10]

I love these videos! I have the carborundum gel and had to get my thermofax working to try that technique, now I want to try this! Thanks for posting these...really inspiring!

[@rodolfolarrea8493]

Susan Rostow is fantastic ... real genius artist ...

[@rodolfolarrea8493]

sadly Susan Rostow is doing more of this fantastic videos … she is a genios artist …

[@kathryngunty9594]

This is another great example and exciting opportunity to use these beautiful low toxic printing INKS! I am so excited to offer this in the classroom and look FORWARD to many more videos explaining the versatility of these INKS! THANK you for inventing them as it has opened up many doors for exciting printing techniques for me and my high school students! Students have won many SCHOLASTIC art awards using these INKS and are so personally satisfied with their work because of the gorgeous colors offered. It is a great introduction to color, painting and prtining in ONE! Excellent MEDIUM! I RAVE ABOUT IT ALL THE TIME TO ALL I KNOW! INCLUDING OUR LOCAL United art and education store which now carries them due to my haunting THEM! THANK YOU Susan for inventing them and teaching how to use them!

[@SusanRostow]

Thank you!!

[@mkihlstedt9395]

Very Inspiring, thank you Susan Rostow!

[@ianglassbrook7993]

Thank you, Brilliant, well explained!

[@digitalbrayer]

Hi again Susan - I just watched this video (again!) this time, making extensive notes and I look forward to making a carborundum Mezzotype. Thanks for a thorough video demonstration.

[@tonydavis4576]

instablaster...

[@melinda2608]

all these products are amazing

[@litwriter1468]

Awesome. Thank you for sharing

[@kristinamullen4066]

Beautiful work!

[@akuaprintshop4511]

Thank you!

[@robinholder4714]

very informative and useful video!

[@SusanRostow]

Thank you Robin.

[@JohnAndrew1010]

Awesome!

[@olessyacv2092]

I really like your videos, I have to wait a long time to see a new video, but it's worth the wait. The result is impressive, especially the print with more texture. Congratulations and I hope more news from you.

[@MultiBamg]

Hi Susan, thanks again for this great technic. the layer seem so thin, do you have an idea of how much prints could be done for an edition with this technic? thanks for your answer

[@annbritton1669]

brillant printmaker, thanks

[@akuaprintshop4511]

Thank you for watching!

[@yoonasjuna799]

Wonderful

[@anthonyruscitto1818]

Do you offer classes or workshops? I have been doing a TON of monotypes for the last few months but want to really learn more techniques like this!

[@cathytrevaldwyn4886]

Inspirational in that watching this film meant that I had the confidence to try other things . Film is such good quality. Have overcome the fear that the carborundum will block the screen holes - on itiniatl contact!

[@akuaprintshop4511]

Wonderful to hear @Cathy Trevaldwyn ! Keep printing fearlessly!

[@onyangomichael8048]

The rise of good thinkers

[@martabarrera1430]

Hello, could you share with me where can I find the press for print that you are using in your video? I am really interested. Thank you very much!

[@MissJoyVay]

Cool! I don't have a roller, but I def have screens LOL

[@SusanRostow]

The plate is an Akua Printmaking plate. It's PETG flexible plastic.

[@imlmartinez32]

Loved the video!!!! ❤️ Could you , please, list all the tools that you used in the process. I like the metal tool you used to print by hand! What’s the name and where can I find it? Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge ❤️

[@akuaprintshop4511]

That is the Akua Pin Press! You can buy it at most major art supply stores like dick click or artist and craftsman, but you should also check with your local art supply store to see if they carry it.

[@elisamadonna2952]

Hi thanks for the video, wonderful technique. Will try this. Do you know Where can I buy the roll (cylinder) used for printing? Thanks a lot

[@akuaprintshop4511]

Akua supplies can be found in retail stores or on our website here: www.speedballart.com/our-product-lines/speedball-printmaking/akua-printmaking/

[@bdelpesco]

Can the carborundum gel be rolled out with a brayer?

[@SusanRostow]

Yes, the Carborundum Gel can be rolled or brushed on the plate. However, I found applying it by squeegee through 110 screen print mesh offered the smoothest application for the darkest most even flat area of color for the dark field method. If you don't have a silk screen frame you can tape the mesh down on top of the plate.

[@pedropinto3781]

Patti Smith?

[@NasserAlhameli]

Why did not put full vid for how to wipe

[@MissMagic]

Would it be OK to use regular scrim wiping fabric with the carborundum gel too or would it be too rough? Is it compatible with other types of oil based inks? I'm an art student so have access to use these at uni but would need to purchase the gel for myself.

[@akuaprintshop4511]

Traditional tarlatan can be used along with traditional oil based inks. We recommend slightly loosening the oil-based inks depending on the viscosity, as very stuff ink can be very difficult to wipe off a carborundum plate.

[@MissMagic]

@@akuaprintshop4511 Thank you for replying, I have so many ideas from watching you use this.

[@wunziesmum]

What type of plate is used here? It seems more flexible than what I'm using for my drypoints Can this be used for drypoint?

[@SusanRostow]

It's an Akua Printmaking plate and it is perfect for drypoint. It has a soft flexble surface which can be incised easily.

[@wunziesmum]

Thanks!

[@ghys14]

I am very interested by the press roll. I should want to know the reference or name, it's weight .. I live in France.

[@kateveneroso5754]

how does one clean the carborundum plate is this even possible?

[@jeanharkin8880]

Same question, What is the plate?

[@akuaprintshop4511]

The plate is an Akua Printmaking plate. It's PETG flexible plastic.

[@bonnietumelty9251]

Can the plates be stored and reused?

[@akuaprintshop4511]

They sure can! Just gently clean your plate with soap, a soft rag and very very small amount of water.

[@michaelpiotrowski6268]

akuainks.com doesn't seem to have the INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDE listed above: DARK FIELD & REDUCTIVE CARBORUNDUM TECHNIQUES... searched with SORRY NO RESULTS response. Any thoughts ?

[@woodsiastudio]

what is your plate made of?

[@akuaprintshop4511]

The plate is an Akua Printmaking plate. It's PETG flexible plastic.

[@fxbootstraps]

Does the product still contain OCTYLPHENOXYPOLYETHOXYETHANOL (TRITONX)?