Teaching resource Tetra pak printmaking

This resource will guide you in the basics of Tetra Pak printmaking.
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Vaughan-Williams-Roman_8_VWvUugR
Key Stage
Designed for students aged 14–18 (UK Key Stages 4–5 / Years 10–13), but adaptable for other ages.
Learning objectives
  • To learn how to repurpose everyday materials, like Tetra Pak cartons, into creative printmaking plates.
  • To explore how printing can be used as a means to transform drawings into experimental and expressive artworks.  
Learning outcomes
  • One Tetra Pak mark making experiment print
  • One Tetra Pak print 
  • One mixed media print
You will need
  • Printing Plate. Tetra Pack packaging can be used as the printing plate. Tetra Pak is a layered paperboard carton commonly used for packaging drinks like juice and plant-based milks.
  • Printing Ink. Acrylic Paint can be used as a substitute depending on its consistency.
  • Etching Tool: compass, push pin, tweezers.
  • Tub of water
  • Old tea towels or fabric
  • Two spoons
  • Lots of loose paper
  • Scraps of card or cardboard
  • Scissors
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Introduction

Printmaking is a popular medium for its ability to create multiple prints of the same work as well as having a unique quality of line and texture. Tetra Pak prints in particular are popular for their use of recycled goods.

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Exercise 1

Cut your milk carton so it is a flat surface. to create your drawing you are going to cut into the surface with your etching tool. Wherever you cut a line will appear in your print. Bear in mind your image will be reversed when you print it.  

Exercise 2

Once your drawing is complete you are ready to print. Take your piece of paper and let it soak in a tub of water for five minutes. It needs to be wet to fit into the marks on the Tetra Pak which allows the print. 

Ink up your plate by getting paper towels and rubbing the ink into the whole plate in small circles. You want to make sure the whole plate is covered.

Finally with an old kitchen towel begin to rub off the ink in a circular motion without putting too much pressure on. By the end the ink should be in the grooves but not on the surface of the plate. 

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Exercise 3

To print the piece slightly dry off your paper and put the inked up plate on the table face up so the paper is on top. With a clean spoon go over the whole print with pressure to force the paper to take the print. This is instead of running the sheet through a printing press so there should be a lot of pressure. 

To keep your plate you can clean off the ink with vegetable oil.