Tetrapak Collagraph

Tetrapak Collagraphs are an innovative type of intaglio printmaking technique. This technique involves the use of recycled materials, such as orange, milk ,soy cartons. You can use it as a rectangular plate or cut it up and assemble the pieces to create an interesting composition.
This type of printmaking works well for creating dramatic and unique images quickly. The process of tearing off the silver coating and revealing the card is what makes this a Collagraph technique. It is a great way to create artwork without using expensive resources. The prints created can range from abstract and colourfully or realistic and detailed.
Tetrapak collagraph has considerable advantages over other intaglio and printmaking techniques as no chemicals are needed and is easy to mark and cut. Making it a great choice to attempt your very first printmaking experience. So if you’re looking for a low-cost way to enter the world of printmaking and make some fantastic original pieces of art, Tetrapak collagraph is for you!

TetraPak Collagraph Techniques
Cutting and removing the sliver foil from the Tetrapak
Rubbing in the darker colours into the card
Rubbing in the lighter colours onto the plate using old paint brush
Rubbing off the ink using scrim in circle motion
Collagraph printing using craft press
Collagraph printing using craft press
Finished Collagraph print showing texture ink on card
Finished Collagraph print showing texture achieved from ink on card

Short video showing tools and some plates

Some of the tools used and some tetrapak plates

sestiniartandcafts

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2 responses to “Tetrapak Collagraph”

  1. liliannemilgrom Avatar
    liliannemilgrom

    Love your work – two questions. Do you have good results with milk cartons as tetrapak? I don’t! And do you seal your plate before inking?

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    1. sestiniartandcafts Avatar
      sestiniartandcafts

      Hi It depends on what it made from I used lots of different recycled material and have to adjust the technique to fit. I did a test with Tetra Rex brown card and you can get good results . But still prefer the silver foil to work with as it is easy to see your mark making. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DABSymMsEef/?igsh=MTBiOGY5NXZ0bDZteg==
      I dont seal my plates as it adds an other process. I get between 5 to 10 prints of a plate with careful inking which is enough for me
      I was going to experiment with sealing to see if it changes the marks. I post most of my work on Instagram sestiniartandcrafts scroll around Hope this helps Adrian

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