Solarplates . . .

A Solarplate created from my drawing, "Kirli's tea party". . .

What is a 'Solarplate' you ask?
It's a light sensitized steel backed plate which is exposed to U.V light (the sun) and then developed with ordinary tap water.

Tip: It's great for reproducing photos, drawings and one off prints such as monoprints and monotypes :)


Method :

1.  Select an image, be it photograph, digital print or drawing, and photocopy it onto acetate.  [This can be done earlier using a photocopier at the local library,  just remember to ask someone  at the front desk to help change the settings to 'transparency'.]
2. Take the Solarplate out of the black sleeve (it's the golden side that will be exposed to the light). Sometimes there will be a thin transparent film over the surface of the plate to protect it from scratches, so its important to make sure that you peal the contact off first . . . I learnt that the hard way, and although the abstract blotches can give the image a cool liquefied/Sci-fi feel, unless your aiming for that affect its best to double check the plate for lamination first :)
3. Rub Talcum Powder over the surface of the plate and on the matte side of the photocopied image to  remove any moisture.
4. Place plate on foam and cover with sheet of acetate and then the glass. Clamp all 4 sides shut using bulldog clips.
5. Hug the image tightly so that no light can reach it as you walk outside.
6. Make sure you stand in direct sunlight, expose the plate on a 45 degree angle for 2 1/2 minutes.
   Cover image and take it back inside.
7. Take the plate out from between the glass and foam and remove acetate. Wash in a tray of water - rub surface evenly with a sponge for around 1 minute, or until you can see the image clearly.
8. Remove the plate from the water - Keep it horizontal so that the water doesn't drip off only one side.
9. DRY IMMEDIATELY!! - wipe once with a dry cloth and then blot with paper towels (The plate will by slightly sticky, so don't worry if the paper sticks to it a little when blotting).
10. Put dry plate in front of fan heater for 5 minutes.
11. Place plate in direct sunlight for around 2 hours, but I usually keep it there closer to 3, just to be safe :)

Ink :
-When printing Solarplates its best not to used water based inks, I prefer using Van Son ink which is rubber based and mixing it with a touch of Easy Wipe to make it more manageable.


Paper :
-Enjoy experimenting with different papers!  While heavier paper such as Fabriano and Stonehenge are traditionally used, I've discovered that thinner paper such as Ho-Sho works quite nicely as well :)
Whichever paper you decide to use, make sure that you soak it well in a tray of water first and dab dry between two towels so that it absorbs the ink more.


~Have fun :)