Printing With Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak printmaking is a creative and eco-friendly way to repurpose used Tetra Pak cartons into unique prints. The printing with tetra pak process combines elements of drypoint intaglio and collagraph printmaking techniques, allowing artists to explore various textures and effects.

Preparing The Plate

To create a plate ready to print I gather together Tetra Pak cartons and wash them thoroughly and rinse them out to remove any residual contents. I open the cartons and flatten them out. Using scissors or a craft knife I cut the carton to the desired size and shape for my printing plates. I then trace a design onto tracing paper using a soft pencil. Next I flip the tracing paper over and transfer the image onto the Tetra Pak. I then cut around the outline to form the basis of my printing plate.

I then use an etching needle or a sharp tool to score into the carton, creating lines that will hold ink. This process is a similar process to the drypoint printmaking process. I love the process of removing the silver surface which when inked up creates a lovely black or solid colour area on the print. I use the sharp tool to scratch into the surface and a fine grade sandpaper is great for adding texture.

The image here shows a plate which has already been inked and then wiped. Note how the black ink has been retained where the packaging surface has been scored away. This will transfer black ink to the final print. Also note how other areas not scored retain the original silver Tetra Pak surface. This will print white on my final print due to the absence of ink on the plate in those cleaned areas. You can also see the feint lines from the sides of the square passata packaging used for this plate.

Inking Up The Plate

When the plate is ready I use a thick water based ink to ink up the plate. I find Akua water based ink is great for this process. I use a small piece of mountboard to cover the plate with ink by scraping the ink across it in even strokes. Then I use a piece of kitchen paper to clean the plate of excess ink.

Some areas of my plate will need carefully cleaning back to the silver tetra pak surface which I do using a small piece of tissue paper. This allows me to get certain areas of my finished print almost white. Cotton wool buds are also good for cleaning small areas.

Printing The Tetra Pak Print

When the plate is ready I lay it ink side up on my Hawthorn Printing Press on a piece of tissue paper. This keeps the base of the press clean. I use Fabriano Rosaspina 285gm printmaking paper for printing. The paper has been soaked and bloated before printing. The dampness of the paper is important for getting great results. If you don’t have access to an etching press a kitchen pasta making machine can do the job. Ideally place everything on a flat surface to go through the machine.

Experimenting

Each type of Tetra Pak is slightly different so experiment with different types of cartons, as some are foil-coated while others are plastic-coated. Each type will give you a different result. My favourite is the tomato passata cartons from Asda! Obviously there are folds and creases on all the cartons and these can be fun to incorporate into your designs.

Tetra Pak printmaking is a fun, quick and versatile printmaking technique.

My Collection Of Tetra Pak Prints

I have been developed a small collection of Tetra Pak prints using this easily available printmaking method. These have mainly involved cats so far but watch this space. Like all my work these prints are all guaranteed to make you smile. I would love you to take a look.

Printing With Tetra Pak Workshops & Holidays

If you would like to learn printmaking with me I run group printmaking workshops locally as well as individual printmaking classes in my studio here in New Mills, Derbyshire. I run printmaking workshops in schools and can also travel to you for private printmaking workshops.

If you want to learn printing with Tetra Pak with me I teach this on my art retreats in Portugal or Tuscany, Italy alongside other processes such as lino printing, drypoint printing and monoprinting. If you want to try the process locally please get in contact and we can arrange an individual printmaking classe in my studio or a private group printmaking workshops at your preferred location.