External sizing

Definition

External sizing is a process applied to the surface of printmaking papers to enhance their durability and to prepare them for better ink absorption. This technique involves applying a sizing agent, which creates a barrier that reduces the paper's porosity, allowing for more controlled ink application and preventing excessive absorption. The use of external sizing is crucial for achieving desired print quality and longevity in various printmaking techniques.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. External sizing typically uses materials like gelatin or starch, which help create a smooth surface for better ink adherence and manipulation.
2. This process can be applied to both handmade and commercial papers, allowing artists flexibility in their choice of substrates.
3. Different types of inks and printing techniques may require specific external sizing treatments to achieve optimal results.
4. External sizing can help reduce the amount of ink bleeding or feathering on the paper, providing sharper and more defined images.
5. Artists may experiment with different types and amounts of external sizing to customize their papers for unique effects in their printmaking projects.

Review Questions

• How does external sizing affect the print quality and durability of printmaking papers?
  • External sizing plays a significant role in determining both the print quality and durability of printmaking papers. By applying a sizing agent, artists can control how much ink the paper absorbs, which helps achieve clearer and sharper prints. Additionally, external sizing increases the paper's resistance to damage from moisture, ensuring that prints remain intact over time. This means that properly sized paper not only improves immediate results but also enhances the longevity of artworks.
• Compare external sizing with internal sizing and discuss how each method influences paper properties for printmaking.
  • External sizing involves applying a substance to the surface of the paper after it has been made, while internal sizing incorporates the agent directly into the pulp during manufacturing. External sizing primarily affects the surface properties, creating a barrier that controls ink absorption, making it essential for techniques requiring precise applications. In contrast, internal sizing provides a more uniform absorbency throughout the sheet, influencing overall strength and performance. Both methods are important depending on the specific needs of different printmaking processes.
• Evaluate the importance of experimenting with external sizing materials in developing unique artistic outcomes in printmaking.
  • Experimenting with various external sizing materials allows artists to achieve unique textural effects and manipulate how ink interacts with paper. By testing different agents like gelatin or starch in varying concentrations, artists can discover new ways to enhance their prints, such as achieving softer edges or increased vibrancy. This creative experimentation is vital for pushing artistic boundaries and tailoring the printmaking process to individual styles, ultimately leading to innovative results that define an artist's signature technique.

Related terms

Sizing agent: A substance used in the paper-making process or applied afterwards to alter the absorbency of paper, enhancing its performance for specific printing techniques.

Internal sizing: The application of sizing agents mixed into the pulp of the paper during its manufacture, affecting the entire sheet rather than just the surface.

Absorbency: The ability of paper to take in moisture or ink, which can significantly affect print quality and the application of various inks in printmaking.