Turn milk bottles into printing plates
As a print artist, I see the plastic milk bottle I take out the fridge every morning as more than something that just holds white liquid;
"I see it as an opportunity to print."
Drypoint is an engraving method in which the design to be printed is scratched directly into a sheet of (usually) metal, called a plate. In this tutorial I'll show you how to create a similar effect using the humble plastic milk bottle.
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YOU WILL NEED:
Shallow container filled with water:Â this needs to be bigger than your paper / card as you'll use it for soaking. I find a lasagne dish work well for this.
A design:
Plastic milk bottle: cleaned and dried
Sharp scissors or craft knife: for cutting the plastic
Etching tools: you can use a variety of tools such as:
   - Needles
   - Awls
   - Etching needles
   - Ballpoint pens (for softer lines)
Intaglio ink: in your choice of colour
Paper or card for printing onto: you can use thick cartridge or 250gsm card stock
Large metal spoon: for using instead of a press to print your plate
Rags, kitchen roll, cotton buds: for cleaning up excess ink
Clean rags or kitchen roll: for blotting the paper dry
HOW TO:
1. Prepare the paper /card:
   - Fill your shallow container with water and place your paper / card beneath the surface and press it down to let air bubbles escape so it can get a good soaking.
2. Prepare the plastic:
   - Wash and dry the milk bottle thoroughly.
   - Cut the larger areas of the bottle to get flat pieces of plastic.
2. Cut the plate:
   - Cut the plastic into your desired plate size, usually just slightly bigger than your design.
   - Trim any jagged edges for a smooth, safe surface.
3. Transfer the design to the plastic plate:
   - I use the inside of the bottle as it's smoother and easier to manipulate.
- Use etching tools to scratch your design into the plastic plate.
4. Inking the plate:
   - Cut a piece of plastic approx 4cm x 4cm from the left over milk bottle. You're going to use this to scoop out a teaspoon sized amount of intaglio ink (the amount used will depend on your plate size, but you can always add more if needed) and then spread it onto the plate, making sure to fill the etched lines.
   - Using a rag, kitchen roll and cotton buds, wipe off the excess ink. The amount you wipe off will depend on your design. You can leave ink in the grooves, leave a thin layer for shaded areas and completely remove for highlights.
5. Printing:
   - Take your paper / card out of the water and gently blot it dry with a clean rag or kitchen roll. You want it to be damp but not glistening with water.
- Place the paper / card on top of the prepared plate and start rubbing the metal spoon over the back of the paper / card. Do this firmly in a circular motion, up and down, left and right. If you want to check on progress then carefully lift a corner, keeping the print in place. I like to make sure I go over the edges of the plate too because I love the embossed frame effect it creates.
6. Reveal the print:
   - When you're happy that you've transferred the ink from the plate to the paper / card, carefully peel back to reveal your print.
   - Allow the print to dry.
Tips and Tricks
- Multiple layers: Experiment with printing multiple layers using different plates for a complex design.
- Textured backgrounds: Use sandpaper or other tools to add backgrounds before etching your design.
- Coloured inks: Try using different coloured inks for varied results.
Benefits of Using Plastic Milk Bottles
- Eco-Friendly: Recycles plastic, reducing waste.
- Cost-Effective: Readily available and free material.
- Easy to Use: Soft enough for beginners to etch, yet durable enough for repeated use.
- Versatile: Suitable for both relief and intaglio printmaking techniques.
Examples and Applications
- Educational projects: Great for schools and community workshops as an introduction to printmaking.
- Home studios: Perfect for artists with limited access to traditional printmaking materials.
- Experimental art: Encourages experimentation with textures and techniques.
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