Carborundum has become a favorite material among printmakers because it allows for rich textures, strong tonal contrasts, and expressive surfaces that are difficult to achieve with other methods. Whether you work with traditional intaglio techniques or prefer more experimental approaches, learning how to use carborundum in printmaking opens up a world of creative possibilities. Many artists appreciate how versatile this abrasive material can be, helping them build depth, create painterly effects, and explore unique tactile qualities that stand out on the final print.
Understanding Carborundum in Printmaking
Carborundum, also known as silicon carbide, is a gritty abrasive powder commonly used in industrial applications. In printmaking, it is used to build textured surfaces on plates, allowing them to hold large amounts of ink. This creates bold, velvety prints with strong values and dramatic effects.
Why Carborundum Works So Well
The texture of carborundum increases the ink-holding capacity of a surface. Unlike traditional engraving or etching, where lines are cut or bitten into a plate, carborundum adds material to the plate instead of removing it. This additive quality makes the method more flexible and forgiving.
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It creates deep, rich blacks.
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It is excellent for expressive mark-making.
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It can be used on metal, plastic sheets, or cardboard plates.
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It allows the artist to mimic painterly textures.
Tools and Materials Needed
Using carborundum requires only a few key materials, most of which are easy to find in printmaking studios. Being prepared ensures that your workflow remains smooth and efficient.
Essential Materials
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Carborundum powder (various grits)
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Plate material such as plexiglass, copper, or cardboard
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Acrylic medium or glue to bind the powder
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Brushes, palette knives, or spatulas for application
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Inks suitable for intaglio printing
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Printmaking paper
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A brayer for rolling ink
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A press or hand-burnishing tool
Choosing the Right Grit
Carborundum comes in different levels of coarseness. The grit you choose affects how much ink the plate will hold.
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Coarse grit creates deeper texture and darker tonal values.
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Fine grit gives softer tones and smoother transitions.
Experimenting with grit combinations can help you develop a signature style in your carborundum prints.
Preparing the Plate
Before applying carborundum, the plate surface must be clean and ready to accept the medium. Preparation affects both the durability and appearance of the final print.
Cleaning the Plate
Remove dust, fingerprints, and oils using a gentle cleaner. Plexiglass or acetate plates should be wiped with mild soap and water, while metal plates can be cleaned with solvent if necessary.
Planning Your Composition
Because carborundum creates permanent texture, sketching or lightly marking the plate beforehand can help guide your design. Consider where dark, textured areas will be and where you want lighter regions.
Applying Carborundum to the Plate
There are several methods for applying carborundum, and each one leads to a different type of visual effect. The basic technique involves mixing the powder with a binder and spreading it onto the plate.
Mixing Carborundum with Medium
Acrylic gel medium or PVA glue is often used as the binder. Mix small portions of carborundum powder with the binder until it forms a thick gritty paste.
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More powder equals a rougher texture.
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More medium creates a smoother surface.
Spreading the Mixture
Use a brush or palette knife to apply the paste to the plate. This is where creativity shines strokes can be bold, soft, jagged, or layered.
Allow the plate to dry fully, usually overnight, so that the medium bonds tightly to the surface.
Sprinkling Method
This method involves applying glue to the plate first, then sprinkling carborundum powder onto the adhesive. It creates a grainy, sand-like texture that holds ink beautifully.
Inking the Carborundum Plate
Once dry, the plate is ready for inking. Carborundum plates absorb ink differently from typical etched plates because the ink settles into raised textures.
Applying Ink
Use a palette knife or gloved hand to push ink into the textured areas. Make sure every part of the carborundum surface is fully inked.
Wiping Techniques
Wiping a carborundum plate is gentler than wiping traditional intaglio plates. Too much wiping can remove ink from the texture, so a light touch is essential.
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Use tarlatan to lightly wipe the surface.
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Finish with a hand wipe if you want finer highlights.
The goal is to remove excess ink while allowing the textured areas to hold as much as possible.
Printing the Plate
Printing carborundum works similarly to printing a collagraph or intaglio plate. The pressure of a printmaking press helps transfer ink from the texture to the paper.
Dampening the Paper
Most artists lightly dampen the paper to help it mold into the texture of the plate, picking up more ink and detail.
Running the Plate Through the Press
Place the inked plate on the press bed, position the dampened paper over it, and run everything through using consistent pressure.
If printing by hand, use a baren or spoon and apply steady pressure across the surface.
Evaluating and Adjusting the Print
Once the print is pulled, take time to study it. Carborundum prints often develop unique characteristics that may encourage adjustments or additional layers.
Checking Texture and Value
Look at how well the ink transferred. If areas appear lighter than intended, you may need to apply more grit or ink.
Adding Layers
Some artists print multiple plates together or add color layers on top of the carborundum print. This creates complexity and depth.
Maintaining Carborundum Plates
Carborundum plates can be reused many times if treated properly. However, they require gentle cleaning.
Cleaning the Plate After Printing
Use a soft rag and mild solvent to remove leftover ink. Avoid heavy scrubbing, which may loosen the texture.
Reinforcing the Surface
If areas begin to wear down, apply more binder and carborundum to rebuild the texture.
Creative Tips for Using Carborundum
Printmakers use carborundum in countless creative ways. Experimentation is part of the process, and each artist eventually discovers their preferred techniques.
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Combine different grits for layered tones.
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Use stencils to control where texture appears.
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Blend carborundum with other collagraph materials.
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Try subtractive methods, scraping away dried medium to shape your design.
Learning how to use carborundum in printmaking opens the door to expressive textures and bold tonal effects. This method welcomes experimentation and encourages artists to explore unusual approaches to image-making. With the right materials, careful preparation, and creative curiosity, carborundum can help you produce prints that feel alive, tactile, and visually striking. Its simplicity makes it accessible to beginners, while its flexibility offers endless opportunities for seasoned printmakers.