Create, Etch, Print, Share!

It was pretty cool to be mentioned in Etchpop's newest post. I'm so glad I could help Marshall & Chester out. Share the love (of printmaking), pass it on…  Project Update #11: Etchpop has wood!

Posted by Marshall & Chester

Etchpop has wood! How much wood could an Etchpop pop, if an Etchpopcould pop wood? It's a difficult question, but we think we have found the answer! Behold, SHINA plywood! The answer to all of Etchpop's wood questions, wonders and worries! We were first introduced to Shina plywood through Erin Nolan, artist, experienced printmaker and friend of Etchpop.  After many tests in the Etchpop Labs, and at our kickoff printing party, we are extremely happy with the results of this incredible and rather rare plywood. Here are just a few reasons we have chosen Shina plywood to be the first material Etchpop will use to make all of your wonderful woodblocks:  Friendly to people and the planet.  Provides a perfect surface for even printing. Maintains sharp edges and details after multiple printings. Resistant to swelling and warping.    Looks, smells, and feels like a summer's dream. Here are more fun facts about Shina Plywood straight from our source: Shina Plywood Tilia japonica, a member of the Linden family This fine-grained plywood from Hokkaido, the northern-most island of Japan, is made specifically for block-printing and is a favorite among Japanese printmakers. Shina is harvested selectively and sustainably. The plywood is very high quality, free of voids, knots or blemishes. It is sanded smooth and ready for immediate printing. Basswood and Shina are both members of the Linden family. However, unlike basswood, Shina is dense enough to hold sharp edges and details through multiple printings. The glue holding the plies together is so thin that it is barely perceptible.  Japan has very strict environmental laws about the amount of formaldehyde added to the glue used to make plywood.  Most plywood made in the U.S. contains 5mg of formaldehyde per liter of glue, while in Japan the amount of formaldehyde averages only 0.3mg/liter, with 0.4mg/liter the maximum amount allowed.  So Shina plywood is much safer for you and for the environment! There is significantly less swelling, shrinking or warping with this plywood compared to solid planks and will keep its shape after multiple printings and cleanings.  Stay tuned for more updates on the progress of our website and an update introducing you to the wonderful crew that is building it for us. Thanks for everyone's continued support while we're building Etchpop ! -Marshall & Chester