Gum Arabic Transfer / Anastatic print

This topic analyzes a specific and entirely subjective process, based on the author’s personal laboratory experience. This clarification is meant to emphasize that the procedures described and the information shared do not represent the only valid or essential methods for correctly performing the technique.

Print | Matrix

The gum arabic transfer is a less-toxic printing technique that uses a paper matrix to print onto paper. Its principle is the same as that of lithography or anastatic printing,* both based on the mutual repulsion of greasy substances and water.

Anastatic printing is a technique that predates lithography. Unlike the latter, it was not originally developed for artistic purposes but for practical ones — it allowed the transfer of text from documents onto metal or stone plates, producing highly reproducible matrices and enabling broader access to the copied materials.

USE

The gum arabic transfer generally uses images printed with laser printers, since the key ingredient of this technique is the use of greasy inks. In the laser printing process, the toner acts as the greasy medium — “a very fine pigment composed of carbon particles, iron oxides, and resin” (1).

However, the process is not limited to printed photographs: any greasy drawing medium can be used to create an image, as long as it is made on a sheet of paper.

Prints made using this technique often display a unique visual noise, giving each impression a distinct and intriguing character.

Thanks to its simplicity and minimal material requirements, this transfer technique is well suited for beginners or those working in small studio spaces.

Pigment toner

ESSENTIAL MATERIALS

- Paper matrix: an image printed in black and white at 300 dpi using a laser printer. The paper weight should be between 80 and 100 g/m²; if it’s too light, the matrix will easily deteriorate due to its fragility, while a heavier paper will cause problems with delamination because of excessive layering during the inking and rolling stages.

- Shellac: a natural resin of animal origin, obtained from the secretion of the insect Kerria lacca (Order: Hemiptera) (2). For the liquid preparation, dissolve 150–200 g of flakes in 1 liter of 99° alcohol.

- Gum arabic: a natural gum extracted from two subsaharan acacia species: Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. Of plant origin, it is produced naturally by the tree as a response to injury, through a process known as “gummosis” (3). For the liquid preparation, dissolve gum arabic (in granules or powder form) in a 1:1 ratio with water.

PROCEDURE

- Shellac

- Paper matrix

- Wide brush

- Hair dryer

- Gum arabic

- Two soft sponges

- Two water trays

- Rubber inking roller (brayer)

- Intaglio/offset ink

- Printmaking paper

- Spray bottle with water

- Etching press

Although the procedure is simple, the technique presents difficulties due to the fragility of the paper matrix; therefore a certain manual skill is required, which can be developed by carefully practicing the following steps:

1.Strengthening the matrix

First layer of shellac

Apply three layers of shellac on the back side of the paper matrix using a wide brush. Thanks to its waterproofing properties, shellac allows the matrix to withstand the repeated application of water on its surface.

The first layer of shellac must be applied carefully, as it needs to penetrate into the fibers of the paper: use a generous amount, allowing time for the sheet to absorb it, and spread it gradually in an even manner until the entire surface is covered.

Third layer of shellac

It is important that each layer be brushed from the center outward, otherwise the shellac might seep onto the front side of the matrix and affect the printing result.

Allow the shellac to dry completely before applying a new layer; if you wish to speed up the process, you can use a hair dryer. When dry, the surface should be smooth but not sticky.

2.Gumming

Hand gumming

Once the back of the matrix has been reinforced, proceed with gumming the image on the front side. Before starting, it is best to spread a thin layer of a gum arabic and water mixture on the work surface, just enough to make the sheet adhere by suction to the table. This will help keep the matrix stable and prevent it from moving during the following steps.

Observing the reflections of the gum arabic

For this stage, apply gum arabic directly over the image. It can be spread with a soft brush, but it is recommended to use your hand for better sensitivity and to eliminate air bubbles between the paper and the surface.

For cleaning, use a soft sponge and two trays of water: one with clean water and one for rinsing dirty water. Always wring the sponge in the dirty water tray.

After applying the layer of gum arabic, wash the matrix thoroughly with plenty of water to remove any excess gum. By observing the reflections, you will notice that the gum arabic is absorbed only by the white areas of the image, as the toner is waterproof. This contrast helps to verify the effectiveness of the gumming.

Next, proceed with the first inking using a hard rubber roller slightly wider than the image to avoid visible roller marks. For printing, an intaglio or offset ink is used. If the ink is too viscous, there is a risk of tearing the paper during rolling; therefore, it can be thinned with linseed oil.

The first rolling should be heavily inked. It is very important to always rest the roller inside the sheet and lift it outward to avoid dragging the paper. This first inking will appear quite heavy, almost completely covering the image; after that, wash it with plenty of water so that the ink is removed from the white areas. Once all excess water has been removed, roll again with the unloaded roller (without adding more ink). This step defines the image. Finally, use a lightly damp sponge to clean the whites. The matrix is now ready for printing.

3.Printing and reprinting

Dampening the paper with a moist sponge

Etching paper is ideal for printing, as its lightly textured surface ensures a clearer and more defined image transfer. Dampen the paper using a spray bottle and a clean sponge, then place it on the inked matrix with the damp side in contact with the image.

Printing is done using an etching press. It is recommended to apply high pressure, considering the thinness of the paper matrix. Placing an additional sheet of printing paper between the tissue paper and the felt can help protect the surface.

Once printed, proceed with re-inking the image, repeating all the same steps: rewetting the support surface for the matrix, reapplying gum arabic to the image (not strictly necessary but useful for reinforcing the whites), cleaning, and inking again.

As with lithographic printing, the first proof often appears light; from the second print onward, the blacks and whites become stronger, and the image appears more defined.

Due to the fragility of the paper matrix, it is generally possible to obtain no more than 5–6 prints: after several passes of water and rolling, the paper will inevitably begin to deteriorate.

Gum arabic transfer from a photograph by Stefano Minutella

SOURCES

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toner_(printing)

2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shellac

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gum_arabic

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