Sector-specific

Techniques for the Creation, Conservation and Restoration of Matrices for Original Prints

Graphic Arts 130 h

Introduction

Training in «Techniques for the Creation, Conservation and Restoration of Matrices for Original Prints» is a specialised educational programme that focuses on providing you with the skills and knowledge required for to create, preserve and restore the matrices used in the creation of original graphic works. Throughout this course, you will learn to design and create high-quality printing plates using various techniques, as well as to implement conservation and restoration strategies to ensure the the durability and authenticity of the works. In addition, advanced concepts relating to the recovery of historical matrices will be covered. Finally, you will acquire essential skills in the preservation of artistic heritage and the creation of unique graphic works.

Objectives

  • To master creative techniques made from high-quality dies.

  • Implement effective strategies conservation of graphic works.

  • Develop advanced skills in the restoration of historical matrices.

  • To contribute to the preservation of artistic and cultural heritage.

  • To promote the creation of graphic works originals of artistic significance.

Table of Contents

TEACHING UNIT 1. ARTISTIC RELIEF PRINTMAKING TECHNIQUES

    Characteristics of relief engraving.
    The relief engraving workshop.
    Creating the image on the woodblock.
    Woodcut.
    Linography.
    Colour.

TEACHING UNIT 2. ARTISTIC INTaglio PRINTMAKING TECHNIQUES

    Characteristics of intaglio engraving.
    Principles of intaglio printing and its graphic effects.
    Physical characteristics.
    Chemical aspects.
    Technological aspects.
    The intaglio engraving workshop.
    Drawn from the intaglio plate.
    Creating the image on the intaglio plate.
    Direct intaglio techniques.
    Indirect intaglio techniques.
    Additive processes. Materials and techniques.
    Types of formwork.
    Colour.
    Production of dies using a combination of different techniques.
    Mould protection systems, steel and chrome-plated.

TEACHING UNIT 3. THE ARTISTIC PLANOGRAPHIC PROCESS

    Characteristics of lithography.
    The lithography workshop.
    Types of matrices, key differences between them.
    Principles of the lithographic process.
    The lithographic stone.
    Lithograph on metal.
    Graphic effects of lithography.
    Creation of the image on the lithographic plate.
    Colour lithography.
    Lithographic techniques.

TEACHING UNIT 4. THE ARTISTIC PERMEOGRAPHIC PROCESS

    Characteristics of screen printing.
    Principles of screen printing and its graphic effects.
    Physical characteristics.
    Chemical aspects.
    Technological aspects.
    The screen-printing workshop.
    Types of screens.
    Direct techniques for creating images on screen.
    Indirect techniques for creating images on screen.
    Full-colour screen printing.

TEACHING UNIT 5. APPLYING TECHNIQUES TO AN ORIGINAL GRAPHIC ART PROJECT

    Analysis of the project and the sketch.
    Adaptation of processes and techniques in the creation of matrices.
    Troubleshooting.
    the image.
    Carrying out status tests to determine whether the matrix is correct.

TEACHING UNIT 6. EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES APPLICABLE TO THE CREATION OF MATRICES

    Contemporary experimentation: material, functional and aesthetic aspects.
    New techniques for creating matrices.
    Research process.
    Sources of information.
    Publications (magazines, digital publications, subscriptions).

TEACHING UNIT 7. HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING GRAPHIC ARTWORK MATRICES

    The workshop and safety.
    Chemicals used in the workshop.
    Health and safety procedures for producing intaglio plates.
    (acid booths)
    Health and safety procedures for the production of woodblock matrices.
    Safe working procedures for the production of lithographic matrices.
    Safe working procedures for producing screen printing stencils.

LEARNING UNIT 2. CREATING DIGITAL AND PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES IN THE WORK
TEACHING UNIT 1. DIGITAL TECHNIQUES FOR CREATING PRINTING PLATES FOR GRAPHIC WORKS

    Characteristics of digital images.
    The digital printmaking studio.
    Creating digital images from originals, sketches and designs.
    Ways to create and edit digital images: - Image retouching. Colour, blur, blend, clone.
    Computer applications for image digitisation and processing.
    Colour image processing.
    Image management.
    Calibration of monitors and printers.
    Obtaining and verifying the test results.
    Typography.

TEACHING UNIT 2. PHOTOMECHANICS APPLIED TO THE PRODUCTION OF MATRICES FOR ORIGINAL GRAPHIC WORKS

    Characteristics of photogravure.
    The photomechanics workshop. Organisation. Maintenance. Basic principles.
    Photomechanical processes.
    Emulsions.
    Defendants.
    The original.
    Production of photolithographs.
    Selection and use of materials for the production of photolithographs.
    Adjustment of the photolithograph.
    Preparing for heatstroke.
    Production of the installation.

TRAINING MODULE 3. PRESERVATION, RESTORATION AND REPRODUCTION OF ORIGINALS
TEACHING UNIT 1. CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF MATRICES

    Analysis of the matrices.
    Agents that damage the matrix.
    Cleaning and maintenance of the die.
    Physical treatments for matrix recovery, processes and materials.
    Chemical treatments for matrix recovery.
    Process documentation.

TEACHING UNIT 2. MATRIX DUPLICATION

    The need for and use of duplicating the template or templates.
    Photomechanical techniques applicable to the duplication of matrices.
    Manual techniques for duplicating moulds.
    Colour in matrix duplication.

TEACHING UNIT 3. SELECTION AND PREPARATION OF MATERIALS FOR PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CONTAINERS

    Properties of the matrix depending on the material: resistance to light, heat, moisture, light, insects, acidity and solvents:
    Conservation materials.
    Selection of materials in relation to the techniques used to manufacture the container.
    Criteria for selecting materials: type, quality, strength, elasticity, colour and others.
    Materials preparation operations.
    Packaging and archiving of the moulds.
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