Mechanical Preparation, Continued
Silhouetting or
Silhouette an object if you need to reproduce a subject in outline form. This
vignetting
process partially obscures or completely eliminates background clutter.
Vignetting is a process of softening a background with a burned-edge effect.
You may use either a photograph or a halftone. If you must preserve the
original print, cover it with a clear acetate overlay in tight registration.
To silhouette an object, follow this table:
Step
1
2
3
Action
Clean the surface of the photograph with Fuller's Earth.
Carefully outline the desired object with a 1/4-inch width margin of
opaque white. Apply thin coats. Do not cake on the opaque white
as it tends to chip and flake when dry.
Indicate to the printer the removal of all background material
outside of the white border.
To brush or airbrush a silhouette, follow this table:
Step
Action
1
Clean the surface of the photograph with Fuller's Earth.
2
Apply a stencil or mask to protect the areas of the image you wish
to retain.
3
Apply an even coat of pigment over the undesired area.
4
Allow to dry.
5
Remove the frisket or mask.
6
Use a small cotton wad to remove excess pigment seepage and to
soften the edges of the outline to make it look more natural.
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