I’m starting to do some test wood blocks for my commission for Sky Arts Art50. I’m cutting into MDF, using a facemask as it’s a bit dodgy, although it won’t be generating any dust. I’ve tried MDF before and when I inked it up it soaked up the ink and I had to make 3 prints before I got a decent one, the ink sank into the porous surface. I asked around and was told to try sealing the block, so I cut a test piece earlier and I brushed parts of it with Shellac. Once it’s dried I’ll ink up the whole thing and take a few proof prints to see how the sealed and unsealed bits of the block print up. I love doing stuff like this. I’m so geeky.
I’m three days into my month-long residency at 216 High Street, Swansea, a very roomy shop with a generous subsidy from Coastal Housing Group – thanks very much.
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So exciting! And sealing the MDF will make a big difference.
Do you know, it didn’t make any difference. I was really surprised. I had very disappointing results when I printed the block. Back to the drawing board. I have to get the right combination of ink and paper and I am not sure what to try next 😦
Hmm. That’s unfortunate. When I used MDF for a woodcut I was told to use a 50/50 solution of shellac and denatured alcohol, and to do 3 coats. It seemed to work well, though that denatured alcohol is powerfully smelly.
Ah, I only used one coat of shellac, neat. Thanks for the tip, I’ll give it a go ☺