Printmaking using Plaster of Paris -- No press or paper required!

Leave a comment or question down below, I'd love to hear what you think! Don't forget to subscribe to keep up with new projects.
This video demos how I make a plaster print using a copper plate mezzotint, ink, and plaster. I've come across this method over the years in various articles and word of mouth, and I'd definitely recommend giving it a try!
This works with linocuts, etchings, aquatint, or even woodcuts (if you seal the wood first), and requires no press, Barens, or even paper!
I'd test it out on an old plate before trying it on something you care about, in case it does not work out how you'd expect or damages the printing matrix.
Materials I used in this project:
Printing matrix (mezzotint plate in this case)
Plaster of Paris
Plexiglass sheet (as base of mold) -- any smooth plastic should work...
Wire meshing
Plastic drop cloth
Bucket to mix plaster
Dust mask
Gloves
½" tall wood strips
glue gun
nails/hammer
picture hanging wire
printing ink
I used a mezzotint plate for the image, if you'd like to see a video about that, I have one here...Mezzotint basics video: • Mezzotint Printmaking:...
For last weeks video:
"Isaac Asimov's "Three Laws of Robotics" - • Isaac Asimov's Three L...
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
▼Tools and Materials used in this video:
www.diodepress.com/tools/
▼Want to support Diode Press? Behind-the-scenes photos, exclusive content, and more...
/ diodepress
▼You can purchase my work here:
www.diodepress.com/shop
You can always find me here:
▼Website: www.diodepress.com
▼Instagram: / diodepress
▼Facebook: / diodepress
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Music in this video: "Jazz_In_Paris ", "Camaguey","Blue_Break" - downloaded from the KZbin audio library.
Artwork by Graham Stephens, 2015.

[@ConditionOfMan]

Thank you for showing the failures as well as successes. I think that with all the videos out there of peoples awesome successful projects edited nice and tight to just show the best work only diminishes the layman's understanding that it's all about experimentation and lots of things that don't work. "As long as you're learning, you're not failing" - Bob Ross

[@NoniOfFive]

Drake Walker Amen

[@rahulbindhu]

KZbin algorithm

[@deeme6292]

good coment

[@DiodePress]

In this weeks video I "print" a mezzotint plate using Plaster of Paris. Thanks for watching!

[@vincent7520]

Very interesting. 3rd time I see plaster used as a medium for PICTURES (painting, etching, photos…). 1st time was 65 years ago or so (I was around 6) when my stepfather, a painter, used plaster as a base for painting when plaster was still fresh (and a little bit of "sculpting" too as he carved or made small prominence on the plaster when still fresh). His name was André Dropsy, had a good reptation at the time with a couple of paintings at the Musée d'Art Modern of Paris and Pompidou museum. Second time was this showcase of the work of a woman called Dune Varela at the Arles Photo Festival (France) last year (2017) : Dune Varela printed old photos on plaster with (a jet ink printer (or so I suppose). Third time is you and I must say that I find this work quite interesting : plaster gives a lot of finesse to the work. But then again as I'm quite an ignorant when it comes to techniques in arts maybe I'm only discovering what everyone else already knows !… At any rate, thank you for posting. Really.. And keep posting too ! …

[@thomshere]

So very cool! I have never seen this type of art before. Thank you SO much for sharing this!

[@janethickey5162]

I've learned as much from these videos as I would from the two (at least) books I would have to buy to get the different technique. I have to add that the quality of the videos is excellen, easy to follow and listen to. Thanks.

[@DiodePress]

Janet Hickey Thank you so much, I really do appreciate it! This was a really fun project to work on. I just finished gathering some supplies for another plaster project, so keep an eye out for that. Thanks again!

[@janethickey5162]

Beautiful. I don't think my education will reach as far as copper etching but I can see working this in a Lino. Thanks for another informative, fantastic video.

[@clacla4088]

thanks for sharing your experience, it tourned out very cool !

[@inettastorage3743]

clean technique! love your tips on making life easier

[@Beehive66]

Also appreciate you leaving the error in. That was good to see. Great video.

[@constantinosschinas4503]

rather interesting technique, excellent quick yet detailed video. thanks for sharing.

[@kathleenwoffordencaustics5633]

I love the "big reveal." Thank you for leaving that in to show that things don't always work on the first try. Good job!

[@DiodePress]

+Which Craft Art Studio, LLC thanks!

[@pluromantis]

You're a genius, thanks for sharing paperless technique. Thumbs up!

[@capnskustomworks]

Very cool technique, brethren!!! Thanks for sharing it!

[@gerryhome4855]

really creative, informative and short video. good idea to keep in the mistake as well as successes. thank you

[@morroschreiber]

Wowee! That is totally awesome. Thanks so much for sharing your techniques. I'm kind of impatient (for a printmaker), so I'm not sure I'll ever have what it takes for all that prep, but it looks über-cool! Never seen anything like it before! Thanks again!

[@onyxandfern4008]

Woah! Great process.

[@mastermooky]

really great, informative, inspiring. thank you

[@DiodePress]

Carol Nunan I've done this for etchings, mezzotint, and linocut, so I think it would work for collagraph. since the plaster is full of water when wet, I would just make sure the collagraph plate is waterproof all around. You might also need to secure the plate down before pouring plaster so it does not float up (depending on what you made the plate out of). Perhaps give it a test on an old plate or scrap before doing something nice. Thanks for watching!

[@hallieshouse13]

Never seen this method before, love it !!!

[@DiodePress]

Awesome, thanks!

[@priscillacalhoun317]

This is a great video. Your mistake was helpful to see, and got people thinking about the differences between oil- and water-based inks. It is an excellent instructional video, and the work that you showed was sensitive and beautiful,. Thanks for sharing. I do drypoints, I also teach the technique privately and at the Art League School, in Alexandria, VA. I use Akua water-soluble intaglio ink. The combination of that with the dampened paper gives you some of the most exciting Drypoints I've see on years! And that's my students I'm talking about!

[@juliemacdaniels6369]

You are brilliant !!! Amazing !!! Love it

[@DiodePress]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@DavidMonoArt]

Thanks for showing. Nice.

[@depp657]

well done leaving the first half of the vid in there. thats ace bro! good job

[@augusztinabenak1638]

Of course I give you the thumbs up! You’re great! Thanks!

[@oasisneko1]

I never thought of this.. looks cool!

[@DiodePress]

Thanks!

[@MsPaintSpot]

Thanks so much. I learned something new today. Great demo.

[@DiodePress]

+Kim Fjordbotten I'm so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@jimcochrane6455]

nicely done and quickly done thank you

[@mariad4183]

YOU ARE A GENIUS! Awesome instruction! Love it! xoxo

[@DiodePress]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Belindamarialongsden]

Looks incredible

[@DiodePress]

Thanks!

[@lavanyadutta3262]

Awesome work....

[@66Mazzable]

Super!! No need for a press or paper, but therefore loads of other materials and craftsmanship 😂😂 I still reallly love it though!!

[@cadykyst1234]

Nice and clear. Thanks.

[@spikedeane9112]

very cool idea!

[@serenakiril]

Thanks for showing the mistake too. You probably saved a lot of people a lot of time.

[@DiodePress]

+serenakiril Thanks for watching! I'm going to be doing some more plaster printing soon, so hopefully I can test out a few more types!

[@thefrugalcrafter]

wow, looks awesome! Glad you left the mistake in, very helpful:)

[@DiodePress]

+thefrugalcrafter Lindsay Weirich Thanks! I'm working on a new plaster print (actually drying as I type!), it's a really fun process! btw, you have a great channel!

[@kristinaaburrow5406]

This is great thanks!

[@chantalrochon3566]

That was fun to watch,,, now let see if I can do it!

[@DiodePress]

Do it!

[@pierre5325]

Dear MR. Diode, thanks for a great video. I shall have to try this technique. Blessings, pierre from New Mexico

[@DiodePress]

+pierre5325 thanks for watching, make sure to tweet or send a picture of what you make, I'd love to see the results!

[@DMichigan]

That is so cool! I like the part that shows failures too. It makes it more fun to watch. :-) subscribed.

[@eileenjohnston6835]

Hey! Really cool!

[@joanreeseNYCartist]

Thanks for sharing!

[@nachtschimmen]

Couldn't resist this film because of my use of the process of mould making of linocuts to make embossing folders. I had no idea that plaster of paris would take up the ink! I actually have two bags of powder: one of plaster of paris and one that is supposedly harder but you can also use to make clay. I'm looking to make embossing folders so I've experimented with everything. I think I could only possible use plaster of paris to make a mould to cast something else out of that wouldn't break in the press. It was great watching you experiment this and now I'm fascinated by the idea of drawing ink from the intaglio prints with the plaster of paris. By the way to make latex, silicone and silyl modified polymer moulds I just cut squares into thick pieces of cardboard. Thanks for the interesting film.

[@rajabare8635]

Great vid

[@susanrhughes6147]

Great idea!

[@DiodePress]

+Susan R Hughes Thanks! I just posted a new project using the same method, it's a lot of fun!

[@noapology88]

Thanks, great video!

[@DiodePress]

+noapology88 Thanks for watching!

[@BLW_Studios]

This process is so coool!

[@brandybobo2980]

Thank You Great Video!

[@Godhumbledme]

Nice video. I learned alot from it. thanks.

[@DiodePress]

+Gary J Thanks! I recently posted a new plaster video as well, if you've not seen it yet.

[@heloneidaheloneida]

So cool. thanks

[@michellem3315]

very awesome!

[@DiodePress]

+Michelle M Brunetti Thanks!

[@danmurphycartoons]

Thanks!

[@marikehazenberg]

Nice!

[@ankita8069]

wow! awesome result!!!! thumbs up!

[@DiodePress]

Ankita Jangid Thanks!

[@elainemcdaniel3528]

Diode Press if you an use it with a linoleum, does it have to be oil based ink, or can it be water-based block printing ink???

[@DiodePress]

Elaine McDaniel I have only tried with oil based ink, however I would think it might work ok with something like Akua ink, since it's water based, but not water soluble. The plaster hardens fairly quick, so if it does not disturb the ink too much when poured it might be ok. I'm going to do some more prints using plaster soon, so I'll give it a try with the Akua that I have. Thanks for watching! -Graham

[@HeatherBirdsong]

Diode Press Just curious, did you try it with Akua ink? Or perhaps Charbonnel Aqua Wash? I wonder also if Akua inks might work better with the harder plasters, like Hydrocal or Permastone (which had such disastrous results with oil-based ink). If you've already tried it, I'd love to know if/what was successful.

[@DiodePress]

Heather Birdsong I have not tried it yet with Akua or any other inks yet. I'm getting supplies setup for another plaster print, so I think I'll give it a try soon. I also get a different type of hard plaster that I'm going to try, so keep an eye out for that video. thanks!

[@arlenefvivaldi9677]

Cool!

[@annween]

that's great ! I'm totally gonna try it, thanks. ^^

[@cynthiawhalennelson]

awesome

[@CarolNunan]

how that was done. Can you do it with any intaglio plate like collagraph?

[@ianjackson5834]

nice one very informative video.

[@DiodePress]

+Ian Jackson Thanks!

[@69Sugah]

That was really cool. I didn't know you could use plaster of Paris to make a collagraph/print. (I hope I spelled that correctly). You just have me an idea I hadn't had before. Thanks for sharing. Too bad I give 2 thumbs up 😳. But, I've subscribed.

[@SirGarg96]

I just tried this, got the same issue as the first cast you did. I used waterbased ink though, not sure if that's to blame. I'll probably try to leave it to cure for longer as well

[@nelsonx5326]

Cool.

[@abbeygalecorrigan2141]

Hi! I love this process but want to know where I can get the bronze plate and the ink you are talking about! Thank you love your work!

[@girliedog]

Can you do this with photo images?

[@missartsyful]

Thanks for showing the failures!

[@suzanasirunyan8438]

Thank you so so so much! I was skeptical at first, then I gave it a try, and it actually works! The technique is simple yet revolutionary. I was wondering if there are any possible damages that can happen in a long term?

[@johannlafon]

Une traduction en Français pour ceux que ça intéresse. Il fait ça avec du plâtre de paris, il faut utiliser un masque pour ne pas le respirer et des gants. Il prend sa plaque de cuivre et crée un cadre en bois qu’il pourra démonter facilement avec un pistolet à colle. Il fait un second moule en utilisant un cadre photo, pour pouvoir l’afficher sur son mur sans le démouler. Il le recouvre avec du scotch pour le protéger et enlever facilement les débris. Il utilise la même méthode que pour le premier cadre et le colle à un bout de plastique (plexiglas) avec un pistolet à colle. Il découpe un bout de grillage au dimension. Il attache en suspension le grillage, il faut qu’il soit positionné au milieu du moule pour qu’il soit pile entre la plaque de cuivre et l’arrière du moule. Il le suspend avec les deux petit bout de bois, il montre comment il faut le positionner. Pour l’autre moule avec le cadre photo il met des clous pour éviter que le plâtre tombe. Il encre sa plaque de cuivre. Il enlève l’excès d’encre et nettoie les bords et l’arrière de la plaque qui doivent être impeccable. Il met la plaque en place et repositionne le grillage. Il faut utiliser de l’eau froide pour faire le mixage du plâtre pour éviter une réaction chimique qui solidifierai le plâtre trop vite. Il faut bien mélanger et n’avoir aucun grumeau, ça doit avoir la consistance de la pâte à beignets. Ça prend 2 minute avant de se solidifier. Il faut le verser doucement surtout au-dessus de la plaque car ça enlèverai l’encre, avec les cadres positionné sur une surface plane qui ne bouge pas. Il faut que le grillage soit bien submergé dans le plâtre. Il faut attendre un nuit de séchage. Il enlève le cadre. Il colle un bout de boit au pistolet à colle pour avoir une poigné pour retirer la plaque. Avec un scalpel il dégage le plâtre pour retrouver les bords de la plaque. Il faut être méticuleux et ne pas en enlever trop. Il fait de même pour le moule cadre photo en enlevant le scotch . Il soulève avec la poigné et en faisant levier avec son scalpel. Il échoue car il n’a pas utilisé du plâtre de paris. Ce qui fait que toute l’encre a été absorbé par le mauvais plâtre. Libre à vous d’expérimenter avec différente quantité d’encre.

[@DiodePress]

Johann Lafon Thank you for doing this!

[@tyssfranck894]

Johann Lafon merci beaucoup

[@montse9998]

yeah!!!

[@illustratrice]

This is a very interesting technique! I can't wait to try it. I imagine waterbased printing inks won't look as good or adhere properly but I will do a test. Has anyone tried waterbased printing inks with success on normal plaster?

[@johnreskusich2324]

awesome.

[@nachtschimmen]

*I bet silyl modified polymer or certain types of silicone could work in a similar way and would be easier to apply. The question if it would pick the paint out of the grooves. I know that it picks waterbased paint from floor lino and other moulds I've made when I make a mould of an engraving I've already inked. I do know, however, that you can make a print from a silyl modified polymer, latex or silicone mould.

[@lisaa.8348]

That's quite cool. So does the version that has the plaster frame chip easily? Do you coat the plaster with anything so it's not so fragile? Thanks

[@DiodePress]

lisa ameijide thanks for having a watch! It is fairly fragile, I'm sure if it dropped it would crack, but I figure once it's mounted somewhere it'll probably be fine. I have used acrylic clear coating before to help seal the plaster. mainly to make any cleanup if it gets dusty or something easy, I don't think it would do much for strength though. I'm going to try some more tests with different types of plaster and hopefully find one that works and is strong.

[@Jewelartist]

If using nails or anything else to secure your plaster print in a frame or as a hanging mechanism, be sure that the material you use won't rust. Voice of experience. The rust eventually discolors the plaster. Also, don't try to do this on a photopolymer plate (SolarPlate). The alkaline plaster will eat the coating of the plate. Thanks for the heads up on the different type of plaster. I bought some the other day to do this and now I have to check if it is the old fashioned plaster of paris or not.

[@DiodePress]

+Jewelartist Great information, thanks! I recently tried "Densite" plaster from Blick, and it's extra strong, and has worked great at picking up the ink.

[@sandormathe6166]

I like the wall behind you covered in I assume your prints. I want a closer look. Can you do a video showing a bunch of them with a brief statement of what they are and how they were made? An "artists statement" video.

[@DiodePress]

+Sandor Mathe that's a great idea! Most of them are mine, but a handful of them are prints people have sent in. I'll add it to the video list. Thanks!

[@emilygherard7709]

Lovely video. I was wondering if the first plaster was Hydrocal? I returned to printing in plaster after many years. For strength I have been using Hydrocal with mixed results. Not sure if it the Hydrocal or other factors. I

[@jorgeisla1064]

que histerica!

[@jackwittenbrink1354]

Neat! If someone wanted to use really cheap materials, do you think cast off tempera or water base paint would work for this?

[@paulmhoward]

Can you do this with fine concrete mix?

[@richarddowney6735]

I have some cast engravings from an original bookplate done by my grandfather. Should I spray the cast with Winsor & Newton satin varnish to protect the surface? Richard Downey at Wimbledon

[@hollywilliams8405]

can other plates be used for this technique or does copper work best ?

[@simsiggi]

Thank you for this video! I tried several times. the oil-based ink sits in the lines of the plate (some ink comes out, some not) - even in the end. is there a trick? Do i have to wait for a few days?

[@64t120r]

Interesting idea. Does the grit from the plaster wear down the etching plate?

[@DiodePress]

I have not noticed any wear, but I've only done small editions.

[@wisecracker1294]

Wow! So cool! I'm glad you showed your failures as well as the successes - it's hard not to feel like a complete failure when you try something and it doesn't even BEGIN to look like some of the videos on here that ONLY show successful processes and completions. I do have a question - Are you restricted to only using oil-based ink, or will water-based inks work as well? I currently have a jar of black Speedball water-based ink (for linocuts and woodcuts) and I'd like to use it to try plaster printing, if it will work.

[@wisecracker1294]

P.S. - Also, can I print from a wood block or am I restricted to using a metal plate?

[@sashawhitehead7378]

How strong is the plaster in outcome, re:chipping knocks etc?

[@facuarroyo3249]

You sound exactly like Max Emerson 😱

[@AmandaFrostCreations]

What brand of plaster was it that worked?

[@abbeygalecorrigan2141]

Did you use oil or water based ink

[@derekslang]

Great video! Thought I have a question. Do you seal it after with like acrylic mat varnish or not as we all know that plaster are sensitive to humidity?

[@DiodePress]

I have not sealed them, but it might help keep the plaster clean over time. I would possibly leave the back unsealed so it can breathe. I don't know if sealing it all up would cause issues later on. Thanks for watching!

[@TitusLivy777]

nice

[@DiodePress]

Thanks!

[@anthonydimichele837]

I have used plaster before but somewhere I heard that one can cast prints from intaglio plates using paper pulp? Have you heard of this or done it? Thanks.

[@nachtschimmen]

One question: the unbreakable plaster you are using... Do you think it could stand up to the pressure of a printing press or an embossing device without cracking into thousands of pieces?

[@Danno-Matic]

Hi there! I'm very excited about this process. Regarding lino cuts, as a novice I wonder how much the linoleum can hold up to repeated use. Will the water in the plaster eventually ruin it? (that's a general lino question, too, I guess). Also, I'm using Caligo safe-wash ink and assuming since it is oil based there's nothing to worry about? Thanks for the inspiration!

[@DiodePress]

+Daniel Starr Thanks for checking it out. Have a look at the more recent video I put up, I go through some more of this process. For lino, I am using a more "plastic" like version which holds up fine, particularly if it's not carved too deep. For some of the other lino blocks that might chip or chunk off during normal carving, I would do a test first. I don't know if repeatedly getting it wet will mess it up. I've not tried it with Caligo ink, so I can't be sure, sorry!

[@reluctantidiot2995]

How heavy is that final product?

[@emilemichelaparicio1798]

Like technique Do you think a lino plate inked with multi color printing inks would work?

[@IcarusFlyby]

I feel inspired to video tape all my failures! So little time... so much 2 do do

[@MsJimmielynn]

beautiful...wonder if a lino cut block would work?

[@DiodePress]

Bonnie Dillard Sorry for the late reply, I don't know why I was not notified! Yes this works just as well with a lino cut block. In fact I almost prefer it since your cut marks that are not inked up show up as a very sculptural form in the final product. So you can really play with the textures in those blank areas. You do need to make sure that if you're using mounted lino, that the wood is sealed so the water in the plaster does not make it swell and ruin. Thanks!

[@alfredogomez-beloz1227]

Thanks for the video and info. I often wondered if printing witih plaster of Paris was possible and now I see it is. I have a couple of questions. Do you have to use oil based ink? Also, can you use different colors as you would in block printing (probably couldn't do multiple steps since this seems to be a one step print). Thanks!

[@DiodePress]

+Alfredo Gomez-Beloz I've used oil based ink, but you could try with others and see if it works ok. Regarding multiple colors, It's a one step process, but you could always ink up one block with different colors, or do a blend roll, etc. Thanks for watching!

[@marymoquinart934]

Very cool. I felt your pain when you lifted off the ones that didn't work, damn I hate it when that happens. I have read through a lot of the comments here and don't see the answer to this. I'm assuming this wouldn't work with water based ink, but maybe it would with the first plaster you used that repelled the ink one? I have pretty much switched to Akua intaglio ink. Also, most of my plates are zinc, do you know if zinc cooperates with the plaster? Thanks, I'm inspired to give it a try, I have been dabbling with plaster under my encaustic and cold wax paintings.

[@marcschimsky5673]

Mary, have you used AKUA intaglio inks with the plaster yet? If so, did it work?

[@Z-add]

Is that a fibermesh? Why is it used in plaster tiles

[@marthafriedman6592]

Can you use Akua soy based inks with this process?

[@orbmanelson]

Hello Diode Press, have you ever considered using Hydrocal? It is super fine and much harder than Plaster of Paris. It comes in different grades and spec sheets can be found on the USG website. Thanks a bunch for your videos, very nice indeed!

[@DiodePress]

David Nelson I have tried Hydrocal for this in the past, as well as ultracal. In fact the plaster I used in the first half was permastone, which is also a harder plaster. I've had the same problem as I ran into here, it just did not pick up the ink properly/at all. That being said, I did not try different grades, and I did not try different ink, so I'm sure there is room to get it to work with the right variables. The idea of one of those harder materials does sound nice! Plaster of Paris is so fragile! Thanks for watching!