Discover the exciting combination of digital image-making, photopolymer etching and traditional Chine-collé in this one-day beginner-friendly workshop.
Photopolymer etching is a modern intaglio process that uses UV light to create a printable plate from a photographic or digital image. Unlike traditional etching, the process does not require acid or caustic solutions, making it an accessible way to explore intaglio printmaking.
You’ll learn how to prepare your image digitally, create a high-quality digital positive, expose your photopolymer plate using UV light, and print your finished plate using an etching press. You’ll also be introduced to Chine-collé, a technique that allows delicate coloured or decorative papers to be incorporated directly into your print.
To get the most from the workshop, participants will need to prepare an A5 black-and-white image at least 3 days before the class.
Your image can be a photograph, drawing, illustration or digitally created artwork. You’ll receive guidance on preparing the image for photopolymer printing and understanding how contrast and tonal values affect the final plate.
During this one-day workshop, you will:
Learn the basics of Photoshop for preparing print images
Prepare an A5 black-and-white digital image
Create a digital positive suitable for photopolymer exposure
Understand exposure and tonal range
Expose a photopolymer plate using UV light
Develop and prepare the plate for printing
Ink and wipe an intaglio plate
Print your image using a professional etching press
Explore the Chine-collé technique
Experiment with combining imagery and coloured or decorative papers
One of the unique aspects of photopolymer etching is the ability to transform a digital or photographic image into a traditional intaglio print.
You’ll explore how your original image translates into etched lines, textures and tonal values on the plate. With careful exposure, you can achieve a surprising depth and range of tones in the final print.
The process brings together digital technology and traditional printmaking, creating a bridge between contemporary image-making and the tactile qualities of a hand-pulled print.
You’ll also be introduced to Chine-collé, a printmaking technique that incorporates thin coloured or decorative paper into an intaglio print during the printing process.
This allows you to add subtle areas of colour, texture or visual contrast to your monochrome photopolymer image, giving each print an additional layer of depth and character.
No previous printmaking or Photoshop experience is required.
This workshop is designed as an accessible introduction to photopolymer etching for anyone interested in photography, illustration, digital art or traditional printmaking.
Participants must prepare and submit an A5 black-and-white image 3 days before the workshop so that the digital positive can be prepared in advance. Please email it to us marbleprintclay@gmail.com we will reply if received.
Your image should have clear tonal contrast and be suitable for conversion into an intaglio plate. Further image preparation guidance will be provided after booking.
By the end of the workshop, you will have created your own photopolymer etching prints incorporating Chine-collé, along with an understanding of how to transform digital imagery into a handmade intaglio print.
✓ Suitable for complete beginners
✓ Learn basic Photoshop image preparation
✓ Create digital positives
✓ Expose plates using UV light
✓ No acid or caustic etching solutions
✓ Learn intaglio inking and printing
✓ Explore Chine-collé
✓ Print your own original artwork using a professional etching press
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