What papers you recommend for etching and monotypes. In the past I only used BFK but have seen others use Stonehenge. I have always like Stomnehenge for its versatility and wanted to try it out with mixed media on top of my prints. As there is now a new aqua stonehenge as well as a drawing stonehenge paper, I was wondering if they can be used for oil based etchings or monotypes.
Stonehenge is a great option for Etching and monotypes especially if you plan to use various media types on it. The paper has fantastic dimensional stability which means that it will stay as close to its original form in hot humid climates. A paper with poor dimensional stability will expand or contract based on the amount of water in the atmosphere which can lead to your ink/pigment cracking. Stonehenge is lightly sized (internally) which means that you will need to dampen the surface before you put paper to press. For a mixed media project like the one you have described I would also recommend the Stonehenge White 320gsm as it is thicker than the 250gsm. When using multiple layers it is best to use a heftier paper.
All of the Stonehenge papers including the original Stonehenge White and our new Stonehenge Aqua can be used for oil based etchings or monotypes. The big difference between the two papers is that the Stonehenge Aqua has both internal and external sizing in order to take water based inks properly. All rag papers must be soaked before they can be printed on. Depending on your soaking time the sizing can be partially or completely removed from the paper. It is important to try and soak your paper until all of the fibers are wet but not too long where you start to lose sizing.
Lastly, since our papers are not pre-treated to take linseed oil based paints, you would need to either use some type of primer or gesso before printing. There are several products on the market that are made to lower the viscosity and improve the printing qualities of the paper. These products are usually treated with heat which changes the oils genetic makeup or using alternatives to Linseed oil. Raw linseed oil will damage the cotton fibers of the paper over time. In general you can find oil based ink products that are specific to relief or litho printing that would work well for oil based etchings and monotypes.
All of the Stonehenge papers including the original Stonehenge White and our new Stonehenge Aqua can be used for oil based etchings or monotypes. The big difference between the two papers is that the Stonehenge Aqua has both internal and external sizing in order to take water based inks properly. All rag papers must be soaked before they can be printed on. Depending on your soaking time the sizing can be partially or completely removed from the paper. It is important to try and soak your paper until all of the fibers are wet but not too long where you start to lose sizing.
Lastly, since our papers are not pre-treated to take linseed oil based paints, you would need to either use some type of primer or gesso before printing. There are several products on the market that are made to lower the viscosity and improve the printing qualities of the paper. These products are usually treated with heat which changes the oils genetic makeup or using alternatives to Linseed oil. Raw linseed oil will damage the cotton fibers of the paper over time. In general you can find oil based ink products that are specific to relief or litho printing that would work well for oil based etchings and monotypes.