Monotype: how to make unique prints

Monotype is an amazing printing technique that creates one-of-a-kind prints with a painterly softness effect. Unlike etching, where you can make many of the same prints, monotype is always unique. In this article you will learn:

✔ What monotype is and how it differs from other printing techniques.
✔ What materials are best to use (from glass to acrylic sheets).
✔ 5 monotype techniques - from basic to layered.
✔ How to correct errors and improve prints.
✔ Ideas for creativity - from abstracts to realistic landscapes.

🎨 What is monotype?

Monotype (from Greek. mono - alone, typos - print) is a hybrid of painting and printing, where ink is applied to a smooth surface and then printed onto paper.

How is it different from other techniques?

🛠️ Materials and tools

1. Paint application surfaces:

• Glass (4-5 mm thick) - gives the sharpest prints.
• Acrylic sheet - lighter and safer than glass.
• Glossy film - a budget option for beginners.

2. Colors:

• Oil + olive oil - They take a long time to dry, but they give a beautiful finish.
• Acrylic + drying retarder - more comfortable for beginners.
• Water-soluble printing ink - professional choice.

3. Paper:

• Watercolor (200-300 g/m²) - absorbs paint without warping.
• Rice - for delicate translucent effects.
• Newspaper - for proofs.

✋ 5 monotype techniques

1- Basic ("light on dark")

1. Apply the paint to the glass with a roller in an even layer.
2. Remove the drawing:

   • Spatula - for clear lines.

   • Cloth/sponge - for soft stains.

   • Cover with paper, roll with a hand roller.

Effect: Graphic white lines on a dark background.

2. Pictorial ("dark on light")

1. Apply the paint with a paintbrush directly onto the paper.
2. Cover with clean glass, press down.
3. Carefully remove - some of the paint will transfer to the glass.

Effect: Soft Watercolor Brushes.

3. multilayered

1. Make the first print, let dry for 10 min.
2. Apply the new elements on top.
3. Repeat printing with exact alignment.

Tip: Use cardboard registration tags.

4. Using stencils

1. Cut the template out of the tape.
2. Stick it on the glass before applying the paint.
3. Remove the stencil before printing.

Idea: Geometric compositions in the Bauhaus style.

5. "Ghost Imprint" (second printing).

1. Do not clean the glass after the main print.
2. Cover again with paper - you will get a pale "shadow".

🌿 Natural motifs in monotypes

How to print leaves:

1. Paint the back of the sheet (where the veins are more embossed).
2. Cover with paper, roll with a rolling pin.
3. Carefully remove the sheet.

What plants are appropriate:

• Fern (complex pattern).
• Maple (coarse veins).
• Grass (thin lines).

⚠️ Solving common problems

Problem: The paint is too thick.
Solution: Add 5-10% of linseed oil. (for oil) or water (for acrylic).

Problem: The paper is sticking.
Solution: Lightly moisten it before printing.

Problem: Fuzzy print.
Solution: Increase the pressure - run a dry spoon over the back side.

💡 Tips from professionals

✔ For texture, add sand or sawdust to the paint.
✔ Save glass with paint residue - is a ready-made abstract background.
✔ Take pictures of every step of the way - monotype is unpredictable!

🖼️ Organizing and saving works

1. Fixation:

• Acrylics are spray lacquer.
• Oil-based - 6 months after drying.

2. Passepartout:

• Leave it margins of 5-7 cm - the print breathes.

3. storage:

• Between the panes of glass with a 2 mm spacer.

Monotype - is the magic of randomness and control. Each print is as unique as a snowflake!

Ready for an experiment? In the next master class. "Engraving on cardboard: simple as children, spectacular as professionals"! ✨