Digital Prints

282
Mastering Digital Printing
Here’s printmaker Jack Duganne’s explanation for tearing the edges of a print: “Punch the
front of the paper (where you want the tear to be) with a pin so that you can see the holes
through the back of the paper. Turn the paper over and, lining up the holes made on the
other side, tear against a straight edge, keeping the pressure against it and pulling the paper
that you want to remove. After the tears are made, just smooth the torn paper with a rounded
device like a spoon or piece of rubbing bone, and—Voilá!—a perfect deckled edge!”
Deckling Tips
■ With some paper stocks, it works well to use short tears (rather than one long one),
even ripping toward the straight edge at varying angles to get a different look. Allcotton
papers tear best.
■ Different straight edge thicknesses will also create different tears.
■ Special “deckling bars” or edges are available but not really necessary.
■ Some like to wet the paper with a dampened sponge, brush, or Q-Tip, but others find
this an unneeded extra step.
■ It’s best to practice on scraps of paper first. Then, when you’re ready, move to the real
print, take a deep breath, and start tearing.
Adding a Chop
What’s a “chop”? It’s a mark, usually embossed, on a print to identify the printmaker or
the printmaking studio that produced the print. Sort of an identifying sign or house logo.
Chops can add authenticity or a little flair to prints.
Chops are usually made with hand seals, which can be ordered at any good stationery or
office supply store.
For a deckled edge, gently tear the
paper using the straight edge as both a
guide and a cutting edge. You will
notice that the paper will tear at
different consistencies based on speed
and pressure.