The Akua Pin Press was conceived as a portable, large format tool for monoprinting, freeing you up from the limitations of having to use a static etching press. It is easy to store, taking up very little space and at 3.5kg in weight is easy to move from home to studio to classroom. With a length of 20 inches (50cm) the Pin Press allows for printing up to just over 19 inches in width.
Developed alongside the Akua ink range - which are soft, low tack, highly pigmented, water-soluble inks - the Pin Press will obtain great results with incised drypoint plates due to the raised burr holding the ink. It will not be possible to produce the same amount of pressure as an etching press so printed results will be different to traditional intaglio and collagraph techniques.
The Pin Press has a precisely machined aluminium roller with brass bushings and provides uniform contact between roller, printing plate and paper. It is an all-metal construction, with crescent-shaped handles which are flat on one side, allowing the press to stay firmly on the table when not in use. For best results, use a piece of tempered glass under the printing plate, this will ensure the flattest of surfaces over which you roll the Pin Press. Recommended plates are transparent printing plates, mylar, thin acrylic or polycarbonate monotype plates.
Paper can be used either dampened or dry, so experiment for your own best results.
When not in use, store the Pin Press horizontally on the flat side of the crescent-shaped handles. Do not store vertically, as it may throw the brass bushings off balance.
