“This is the perfect stiffness tarlatan for my printing. It’s not too stiff and not too soft. Very easy to break in. It’s a mainstay in my studio.”
-Lara Kipp,
Artist/ Printmaker
Take a closer look.
Conrad Printmaking Tarlatan
A Must Have.
Conrad Press tarlatan is made specifically for printmaking by starting with a high-quality, open-weave cotton fabric that is carefully selected for strength, consistency, and durability. This fabric is then treated with a controlled amount of sizing (starch) to create the ideal balance between stiffness and flexibility. Unlike generic tarlatan or cheesecloth, the material is processed so the weave remains firm enough to effectively lift excess ink, while still being soft enough to avoid damaging delicate etched lines or plate surfaces.
During production, attention is given to uniform texture and weave consistency, ensuring that every section of the cloth performs the same during wiping. The fabric is then cut and prepared in usable sheets, ready for printmakers without requiring excessive break-in time.
The result is a tarlatan that has the right initial stiffness for controlled wiping, but also breaks in predictably, allowing artists to fine-tune their wiping technique. This balance makes Conrad press tarlatan ideal for both strong initial ink removal and more refined, tonal wiping, giving printmakers reliable performance right out of the package.
How to Break in Tarlatan
Brand new tarlatan is often stiff and can be too abrasive for delicate wiping. To break it in, printmakers commonly pull it across a table edge, rub it over scrap plates or newsprint, and work it repeatedly until it becomes softer and more flexible.
This process reduces its harshness and improves control during wiping. Some artists prefer slightly broken-in tarlatan for stronger wiping, while others favor fully softened tarlatan for gentle, polished finishes.
Stiff vs. Soft Tarlatan
Stiff tarlatan is heavily starched and removes ink aggressively, producing clean, high-contrast prints with minimal plate tone.
Soft tarlatan is more worn and flexible, wiping gently and leaving a thin film of ink that creates softer, more atmospheric tones.
Stiff tarlatan is best for initial wiping and crisp detail, while soft tarlatan is ideal for tonal control and finishing passes.
Most printmakers use both in sequence to balance sharpness and depth in the final image.
Stiff & Soft (Regular) Printmaking Tarlatan Comparison Chart
Here’s a summary of the differences and uses of soft and stiff tarlatan.
| Type | Characteristics | Best Used For |
| Stiff (new) | Heavily starched, abrasive | Initial wiping to remove large amounts of ink |
| Soft (broken-in) | Worn down, flexible, gentle | Final wipes, subtle tone control, plate polishing |
Uses for Tarlatan in Printmaking
Wipe Your Plate Perfectly.
#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.
Conrad Tarlatan Sizes
As Big As You Need.
We offer tarlatan in 10-yard increments, making it easy for individual artists to purchase a manageable amount without overcommitting. This option is ideal for smaller studios, students, or printmakers who want high-quality material while keeping costs and storage practical.
For high-volume users, we also offer full bolts of tarlatan, which provide a larger, continuous supply of material. This is especially useful for universities, shared studios, and professional print shops where tarlatan is used frequently and replaced regularly.
By offering both options, Conrad Press gives printmakers the flexibility to choose what fits their workflow—whether they need a small quantity for personal use or bulk material for consistent, long-term production.
Get Conrad Printmaking Tarlatan for Your Studio
There’s never been
a better time to print.
Dial in your plate wiping with Conrad printmaking tarlatan—the right balance of stiffness and softness for even ink removal and crisp detail.
Choose the right amount and stock up today. Order your Conrad tarlatan and make every wipe count.
Shop Conrad Tarlatan NowWhat Is Printmaking Tarlatan?
Printmaking tarlatan is a stiff, open-weave cotton fabric used primarily in intaglio printmaking to wipe excess ink from the surface of a printing plate. It is a specialized material—often described as a type of starched cheesecloth—that has just the right balance of texture, flexibility, and absorbency to remove ink while leaving it in the recessed lines of the plate.
Although it may appear simple, tarlatan plays a critical role in the printmaking process. The way a plate is wiped can dramatically affect the final image, influencing tone, contrast, and detail. For this reason, tarlatan is considered an essential tool for achieving professional-quality prints.
The Purpose of Tarlatan in Printmaking
The primary purpose of tarlatan is to remove excess ink from the surface of a plate while preserving ink in the engraved or etched lines. This process is crucial in intaglio printing, where the image is created from ink held below the surface.
Tarlatan helps achieve:
- Controlled Ink Removal: Cleans the plate without stripping ink from recessed areas
- Even Surface Tone: Allows artists to leave a light film of ink for tonal effects
- Enhanced Detail: Ensures fine lines remain sharp and visible
- Consistent Results: Provides repeatable wiping techniques for editions
In essence, tarlatan bridges the gap between technical precision and artistic expression.
What Is Tarlatan Made Of?
Tarlatan is typically made from loosely woven cotton fabric that has been stiffened with starch or sizing. This treatment gives the cloth its slightly rough texture, which is ideal for gripping and removing ink.
Over time, tarlatan becomes softer and more pliable, which can change how it interacts with the plate.
Types of Wiping Techniques with Tarlatan
The way tarlatan is used can significantly affect the final print:
Circular Wiping
The most common method, creating an even surface tone.
Directional Wiping
Wiping in a specific direction can add subtle texture or movement to the image.
Light Wipe (Plate Tone)
Leaves a thin layer of ink on the surface, creating a soft, atmospheric effect.
Heavy Wipe
Removes most surface ink, producing a high-contrast image with crisp lines.
These variations give artists control over the visual character of their prints.
Printing Styles That Use Tarlatan
Tarlatan is most commonly used in intaglio printmaking techniques, including: etching, engraving, drypoint, and aquatint.
In contrast, relief printing and lithography generally do not use tarlatan in the same way.
Care and Maintenance of Tarlatan
Like most printmaking supplies, you need to properly care for your tarlatan to keep it working properly. Here are some tips to get the most out of your tarlatan:
- Store Properly: Keep in a clean, dry container
- Use in Stages: Fresh, mid-use, and heavily used pieces for different effects
- Replace When Needed: Discard when overly saturated or worn
- Avoid Washing: Washing removes the starch and reduces effectiveness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tarlatan used for in printmaking?
Tarlatan is used to wipe excess ink from a plate while leaving ink in recessed lines.
Is tarlatan reusable?
Yes, tarlatan can be reused multiple times until it becomes saturated with ink.
Can you wash tarlatan?
No, washing tarlatan removes the starch and reduces its effectiveness.
What is tarlatan made of?
Tarlatan is made from loosely woven cotton fabric that is stiffened with starch.
Do all printmaking techniques use tarlatan?
No, tarlatan is mainly used in intaglio techniques like etching and engraving and is not used in lithography or relief printmaking.
