Question

Which of the following is not used to remove excess ink from the zinc plate?

• A. Butter paper
• B. Cloth
• C. Water
• D. Newsprint paper

Hint:

Most traditional printmaking inks are oil-based. Remember the basic principle: oil and water don't mix. Therefore, you wouldn't use water to clean an oily plate.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the context. The question refers to wiping an intaglio plate (like a zinc etching plate) after applying oil-based ink. The goal is to remove ink from the flat surface while leaving it in the incised lines.
Step 2: Evaluate the options.

Cloth (specifically tarlatan cloth) is the primary tool for the initial wiping.
Newsprint paper or old phone book pages are often used for the final wiping to remove the last film of ink from the surface.
Butter paper (or tissue paper) can be used for a very delicate final wipe.
Water is not used. Oil-based etching ink and water are immiscible. Trying to wipe an oily plate with water would be ineffective and would smudge the ink rather than cleaning the surface.