Tarlatan

Tarlatan is a starched, open-weave cotton fabric traditionally used in intaglio printmaking, especially for techniques like etching, engraving, and drypoint.

It’s known for its ability to wipe ink cleanly and evenly from the surface of a metal printing plate while leaving ink in the recessed lines or grooves.

#1 Wiping Plates in Intaglio Techniques

The main use of tarlatan is in removing excess ink from the surface of a plate after it's been inked. It's crucial in balancing how much ink stays in the lines (for detail) and how much is removed from the surface (for clean prints).

#2 Polishing the Plate Surface

After initial wiping, tarlatan can be used to give the plate a slight polish, enhancing plate tone or leaving selected “plate tone” effects.

#3 Creating Wiping Pads

Worn tarlatan can be folded or bundled into pads, which provide more control and can be reused for consistent wiping effects.

#1 Apply Ink

Ink is worked into the entire surface of the plate using a card, brush, or hand.

#2 Initial Wipe with Tarlatan

Take a piece of starched tarlatan and gently buff the plate in circular motions.

This pulls excess ink from the surface but leaves the ink in the incised lines.

#3 Refine with Clean Tarlatan or Hand-Wiping

Use a clean piece of tarlatan or a tarlatan pad to fine-tune the wipe.

For ultra-clean surfaces, printers might follow with hand-wiping using the heel of the hand or soft paper.

#4 Final Polish (Optional)

To control plate tone, printers may polish areas further with clean tarlatan or even soft newsprint.

Brand new tarlatan can be stiff and a bit harsh on the plate.

The most common ways to break in printmaking tarlatan are:

• Pull a square of tarlatan across the edge of a table or around a table leg.
• Rub it vigorously over scrap plates or newsprint.
• Work it until it becomes more pliable and less abrasive.

Some artists prefer partially broken-in tarlatan for heavier wiping, while others use fully softened tarlatan for delicate, polished wipes.

A tarlatan pad (sometimes called a wiping ball) is made by:

• Folding or rolling several layers of tarlatan into a tight pad.
• Often wrapped in another piece and twisted to form a handle.

Benefits of using a tarlatan pad:

• Offers consistent pressure and coverage.
• Easier to control compared to loose cloth.
• Can be reused for many print sessions.

Pads develop their own “ink memory”, meaning they help pick up surface ink efficiently without pulling ink from lines—great for consistent editions.

Tarlatan softness/stiffness plays a big role in how it's used in printmaking.

Stiff tarlatan is more starched than regular tarlatan and requires more breaking in to soften it for use. Likewise, stiff tarlatan will remove less ink in deep lines in your intaglio plates than regular/soft tarlatan. 

Some artists keep different tarlatan pieces labeled and stored according to their softness and stage in the wiping process.