How to Make Photopolymer Plates

Art class

Photopolymer plates are used to make a negative relief image that can be used to create art prints or as a mold for clay and ceramic. The material on the surface of a photopolymer plate is sensitive to ultraviolet light. Exposed photosensitive material reacts to ultraviolet light by becoming harder than the unexposed material. The softer unexposed material is then removed, leaving the negative relief image. A plate for printmaking or for a clay mold can be completed and ready for use in about half an hour.

Things You'll Need

• Inkjet printer
• Sheet of transparency
• Unexposed photopolymer plate
• 2 pieces of clear acrylic
• Metal shears
• 4 strong clips
• Ultraviolet lamp
• Kitchen timer (or stopwatch)
• Large plastic bowl
• 4 to 5 cups of clean water
• Soft-bristle nail brush
• Hair dryer

Instructions

1. Print the image that you want to use to create your photopolymer plate on a transparency sheet using an inkjet printer. Cut a piece of photopolymer plate 1/4 inch wider and taller than the design on the transparency sheet, using the metal shears. Trim the transparency to the same size as the plate.

2. Cut the two pieces of clear acrylic the same size as the plate, using the metal shears. Remove the protective film from the surface of the plate that will be exposed. Position the plate on one piece of acrylic. Place the transparency on the surface of the photopolymer plate with the ink side down. Place the second piece of acrylic on top of the transparency.

3. Place the clamps on each of the four sides of the acrylic, plate and transparency, to hold them together. Place the entire assembly under an ultraviolet lamp. Set a timer for 1 minute 40 seconds.

4. Turn on the lamp and activate the timer. Turn the ultraviolet lamp off when the timer reaches the set time. Remove the exposed plate and remove the clamps from it.

5. Place the exposed plate under 4 or 5 cups of clean water in a large plastic bowl. Brush away the soft unexposed photopolymer from the surface of the plate using a soft nail brush. Hold the plate under water and use a firm circular scrubbing motion.

6. Dry the plate using a hair dryer on low heat. Set the timer for 1 minute, and place the dry plate under the ultraviolet lamp for a final hardening. Turn off the lamp and remove the plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Work in low light until you are ready to expose your photopolymer plate, if you do not have access to a red photo darkroom light.

• Bull clamps work well to form a tight seal between the transparency and the photopolymer plate.

• Store the transparencies for future use if a new plate will be required.

• Do not expose the plate to sunlight or a UV light prior to exposure. Work under a red photo darkroom light if possible.

• Wear rubber gloves when washing the exposed plate if you have sensitive skin.

References

• ACS Publications; "Applications of Photopolymer Technology"; Robert W. Peiffer; 1997
• Creative Texture Tools; Getting Started with Photopolymer Plates; Elaine Luther; June 10, 2007
• Two Olives Studio: How to Make Your Own Photopolymer Plates

Resources

• Solarplate Etching