|
|
FAQ: Non – Toxic Rust Prints for Paper & Fabric Non toxic/caustic prints made with iron oxide (rust) on paper or fabric: The technique is simple but does take time. Generally I allow a couple of days for each print to develop. Warning: Adding iron oxide to fabric or paper is not considered archival practice. Though iron oxide (rust) is a highly permanent pigment, it is also moderately acidic. Gather your materials: Cover worktable with clear polyethylene sheeting, large enough to protect the table and fold over the paper you rusting. You will fold the plastic over the metal while it is sitting on the paper to keep everything damp. Soak your paper as you would for an etching. Large plastic bag works great for this if you don't have a soaking sink/tank. When the paper is evenly wet place it on your protected table. Arrange the metal pieces on top of the paper in a pleasing arrangement. Use a spritz bottles with water and vinegar to add more moisture and to wet the metal bits. Wherever the metal contacts the paper it will transfer iron oxide. Sprinkle the kosher salt in areas on the rusty metal to increase the corrosive effects and to create speckled areas where the rust sticks to the salt. To keep everything from drying out fold the plastic sheet over the wet paper and rusty bits and then wait. Inspect every 4 - 8 hours or more and re arrange the bits. Turn the paper over and continue to work the paper. Re wet with spritz bottle if you feel areas are drying. Use enough water to create puddles and use the rusty puddles to evenly tone the whole sheet. Use rolling pin or paint brush to work the puddles into the paper and even out the prints. When you are satisfied with the print, remove the rusty metal and hang paper to dry or continue with other wet paper techniques. When the paper is dry the rust must be fixed or it will move like pastels pigments do. Use a spray on fixative /spray on Krylon™ Crystal Clear Acrylic or PYMII. The acrylic spray will minimal change the color and surface a bit that is part of the process. The rust will move if you don’t fix it to the surface of the paper. This photo is of a small print with added salt
|
Email Mary(@)MaryTaylor Art.com All images Mary Taylor© |