Last updated May 2007

Welcome to the website of Sally Dyas. The purpose of this site is to enable the artists and metal work and jewellery makers who order photo-polymer film from me to get more out of their use of the product. For instance, you can look at a gallery of images

In the Gallery Ann Christie

created using the film, you can also browse through the bibliography or jump to other relevant sites on the internet. You can also find out out how to order a 10ft roll of the film from me.

And if you have no idea what the photo-polymer film I am referring to is for then read the FAQ below.

Please note that this website is currently sided towards the use of the film in fine art printmaking. However I am working on including more examples of the fantastic work that my metalwork and jewelry customers have produced in the near future.

• What is photec?
  

  Photec is a photo-polymer, photosensitive film that is produced by Hitachi and used in the printed circuit board industry. In printmaking it is used in the production of photo-intaglio and photo-etched plates. It is also used by metalwork and jewelry workers typically in the application of photos to metallic surfaces.

• How much does it cost?
  

  For a 10ft roll of Photec the price from me is £25.00 within the UK and £27.00 for Ireland and Europe.
  

• What is photo-etching?
  

  Photo-Etching is the process whereby an image from a photographic medium is transferred onto a surface such as copper or zinc.
  The primed surface can then be used in a number of different ways. For instance in printmaking ink can be rolled over or rubbed into the surface of the primed plate which can then be printed from onto paper.
  For metalwork and jewelry purposes a photographed image can be transferred onto a metal surface before being fashioned to the required shape.
  
  

• Who uses this film?
  

  I supply the film to the art departments of educational establishments, individual artists and print workshops.
  You can see some of their work in the gallery. You can also find links to their sites in the links page.

• Where do most of my customers live?
  

  So far I have supplied the film almost exclusively to the United Kingdom however as long as I receive the payment first with your order then I can send it outside the United Kingdom. You must always make your cheque out in pound Sterling.

• Why safe etching?
  

  Up until the last few years the chemicals and processes involved in producing photo-etched plates were extremely detrimental to health. Thanks to a number of researchers new processes were developed that cut these health hazards down to such an acceptable and affordable level that many of the chemicals required can be bought in your local supermarket.
  If you would like to read about one of the major pioneers in this field go to the site of Keith Howard.

• How do I use the film?
  

  While I can supply instructions I would prefer not to duplicate what is already out there on the internet and so suggest you either go to the links page to find some on-line instructions or order one of the books in the bibliography such as Keith Howard's.
  One of the exciting things about the film is that since its introduction in 1994 its use has been constantly improved and updated. If you would like to keep abreast of these developments then you will need to read the periodicals in which they are reported such as Printmaking Today which regularly features articles by researchers who are moving the use of the film and process forward.

• How should I store the film?
  

  The film is guaranteed for up to a year if kept in cool, dry conditions, i.e. 5 - 25c and 35 - 60 % humidity.

• What equipment do I need to use the film?

  To find out how to use the film the links page will direct you to a site that explains how.

• Where can I get access to printmaking equipment?
  

  The links page contains details of how to find your nearest print workshop.

• Why order from me?
  

  I offer this film at the cheapest rate you will find.

• How do I go about having my work included on the website?
  

  First of all you need to be one of my customers and have used the film to produce work. I may then ask you if your work can be included on the website.

• Who am I?
  

  In the mid 1990s I was the organiser of a series of workshops that a leading researching in the field undertook throughout the UK. Afterwards I was appointed Research Assistant at Sheffield Hallam University examining the uses of the film in printmaking. I have been selling this film in 10ft lengths since 1994.

• What is my logo supposed to be?
  

  Some of my prints are based around the architecture of the market, here in Guernsey in the Channel Islands. My husband took a section of one of these images and made it into a logo for me.