Being a graphic designer I am obsessed by paper and card but frustrated by the lack of availability for letterpress in the UK and I still can't find a supplier of Cranes Lettra :( well not for the hobbyist). So as a troll through the web I've decided to make a list of my finds in the UK, you'll find it down the right hand side. IF ANYBODY OUT THERE KNOWS OF ANY GOOD PAPER/CARD SUPPLIES, LET ME KNOW and I'll add it to my list especially if its a little different!
SOMERSET 100% cotton
Falkners in London have a large range of bookbinding supplies and supply mail order and they also sell the acclaimed Somerset papers in large sheets plus lots of other printing paper, Colorplan, Bier, Ellie Poo, Chromolux just to name a few, all sold in large sheets. Lawrence Art Supplies have a good range of printmaking paper including Somerset and also tell you whether it's suitable for letterpress.
GF SMITH
Paper 2 Go is the retail division of GF Smith papers you can order online and they have a factory shop in Hull (no where near me!) Some very nice paper on here which is mostly available at Falkners but it is sold A4 and as card blanks if you haven't got the facilities to cut down large sheets. You can also get sample boards from GF Smith if you email them, they are also distributors of Crane's Lettra but don't sell to the general public, I think an email to Paper 2 Go in is order!
RECYCLED PAPER
There a couple in my list of online suppliers of recycled paper and card, Eco-Craft have a great range, Hairy Manilla (love the name) and Superior range seem to have a bit of give in them so I've ordered some samples to try out! They also sell card blanks and envelopes and have special offers on packs of discontinued stock.
GEMINI PRINTERS
Gemini sell traditional gilt/coloured edged cards, business card blanks, Colorplan, Chromolux and lots of other paper/card/envelopes too numerous to list and also offer a cutting and creasing service, best to download the product list to see the full list of products. This is now under new management and best to ring and check if they offer the same service
UPDATE there is now a link to paper in the supplies list on the right which is frequently updated
29.6.09
15.6.09
Restored Kelsey Excelsior 5x8
An easy way to apply gold to your raised letters is by using gilt cream on the end of your finger and rub over them
Restoring your press
I've finally done it! My Kelsey is now restored! With Uni commitments, 3 kids and freelance work it's taken me ages to finally get it done! Below are my restoration techniques if your in the same boat as me. I decided to restore my press to how it would have originally looked which was black and gold detailing. Kelseys of later date where Battleship Grey, more info on the http://excelsiorpress.org/. Mine is an early model N as the ink plate moves anti clockwise, on the later models they move clockwise.
CLEANING YOUR PRESS
Luckily my press was in fairly good condition by that I mean it was complete but exposed areas where rusty. Good old kitchen cleaner like CIF is great for cleaning but beware left on too long it will remove paint, this is what I wanted so I could get to all the underlying rust. Once you press is removed of all it dirt and grime you can paint it with HAMMERITE Direct to Rust Metal Paint, better not to use a grey primer because as the paint wears off it will come through and look nasty! I actually used Kurust first before painting, you paint the thin white liquid on the rust and after a few minutes it turns the rust black.
INK PLATES, PLATEN & CHASE BED
A good clean with some mineral spirits will sort out tiny specs of rust and with regular use of ink and white spirit on the ink plate will inhibit the rust. There are plenty of rust removing products on the market if yours are badly rusted but be careful with the ink plates as they shouldn't be sanded as you need a perfectly flat surface for your rollers to move over. I used FIRE BLACK on the back of my ink plate which gave a lovely finish but doesn't interfere with the cog mechanism.
ROLLER HOOKS & GRIPPER BARS
I used a rust removing dip to soak roller hooks, trucks, gripper bars, springs and all little nuts and bolts. You could also try a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice which is supposed to work just as well. DO NOT PAINT THESE ITEMS especially the roller hooks as these need to be able to move freely a wipe over with white spirit then oil or an undustrial lubricant spray should keep them rust free, but don't put oil on your gripper bars as it will get on your paper!
GOLD RAISED LETTERS
A really easy way of gilding any raised letters on your press is to use some gilt cream on the end of your finger and just rub over the raised letters! EASY! beats a fiddly paintbrush!
PRODUCTS USED
Hammerite Kurust
Hammerite Direct to rust Meatl Paint in SATIN BLACK
Hammerite Rust Removing Dip
Liberon Gilt Cream in Chantilly
CLEANING YOUR PRESS
Luckily my press was in fairly good condition by that I mean it was complete but exposed areas where rusty. Good old kitchen cleaner like CIF is great for cleaning but beware left on too long it will remove paint, this is what I wanted so I could get to all the underlying rust. Once you press is removed of all it dirt and grime you can paint it with HAMMERITE Direct to Rust Metal Paint, better not to use a grey primer because as the paint wears off it will come through and look nasty! I actually used Kurust first before painting, you paint the thin white liquid on the rust and after a few minutes it turns the rust black.
INK PLATES, PLATEN & CHASE BED
A good clean with some mineral spirits will sort out tiny specs of rust and with regular use of ink and white spirit on the ink plate will inhibit the rust. There are plenty of rust removing products on the market if yours are badly rusted but be careful with the ink plates as they shouldn't be sanded as you need a perfectly flat surface for your rollers to move over. I used FIRE BLACK on the back of my ink plate which gave a lovely finish but doesn't interfere with the cog mechanism.
ROLLER HOOKS & GRIPPER BARS
I used a rust removing dip to soak roller hooks, trucks, gripper bars, springs and all little nuts and bolts. You could also try a mixture of white vinegar and lemon juice which is supposed to work just as well. DO NOT PAINT THESE ITEMS especially the roller hooks as these need to be able to move freely a wipe over with white spirit then oil or an undustrial lubricant spray should keep them rust free, but don't put oil on your gripper bars as it will get on your paper!
GOLD RAISED LETTERS
A really easy way of gilding any raised letters on your press is to use some gilt cream on the end of your finger and just rub over the raised letters! EASY! beats a fiddly paintbrush!
PRODUCTS USED
Hammerite Kurust
Hammerite Direct to rust Meatl Paint in SATIN BLACK
Hammerite Rust Removing Dip
Liberon Gilt Cream in Chantilly
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
