A technical dictionary of printmaking, André
Béguin.
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"Printmaking dictionary"
Counterproof
A proof obtained by passing a freshly printed proof and a clean sheet of paper
through the press. In a certain sense a counterproof is a decal.
The advantage of a counterproof is that the image is in the same direction as on
the plate used for the first print. This allows the printmaker to check up on and
appreciate the results he has obtained with his plate. Counterproofs are also used
to transfer an image onto one or more plates in the multi-plate colour processes.
By such means the same image is transferred to the required number of plates which
are then worked individually in order to obtain the required colours.
Such tranfers are made by pressing a freshly drawn print onto the necessary number
of block(s), stone(s), or plate(s) (depending on the process chosen) and making sure
that all is properly registered [* colour].
In order to obtain a good counterproof it is essential that the proof from which it
is taken be liberally inked. Furthermore, the pressure of the press must be increased
since the thickness of a missing plate is to be compensated for. On the other hand,
one can also put a plate under the proof when printing the counterproof.
Except for these precautions counterproof printing is done exactly the same way as
for any print.
In the proof used for the job is an intaglio print its platemark will be eliminated
by the job and its colour will be attenuated. A counterproof does not have a
platemark nor is its inked part in relief.
A counterproof can also be obtained from a drawing or from and old print but the
results will be less satisfactory. Such counterproofs can only be taken from certain
types of drawings and prints. Graphite crayon, drawing charcoal, carbon, pastel,
colour crayon, and chalk can be used to make a counterproof. The sheet of paper which
is to receive the counterproof must, however, be damp for it to work.
[* anastatic copies].
Monotypes are also a kind of counterproof
[* monotype].
Counterproofs are usually only made for the specific reasons mentioned above.
Some collectors look for counterproofs because of their rarity as well as for their
curiosity value. It is true, however, that at times they are endowed with a
particular charm. In some treatises the noun counterproof is used as a verb:
"to counterproof" or "counterproofing".
[* proof, reverse].
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