Always make an in-depth study of your user manual before blaming your product.

Golden Rules of  the Gocco Process

• If making use of a Photostatted copy, make sure that the photostat machine setting is as light as possible without loosing any quality

• Always check the strength of the batteries before flashing. It one or all the bulbs don't flash, the batteries probably needs replacement, otherwise check the contact points. 

Beware of pinholes, any printers nightmare !

What causes pinholes?

• On originals copied on a photo copy machine, there are tiny invisible splashes of toner which becomes visible after exposing the originals with the flash unit. These pinholes can be prevented by making a light copy of the original and by using the Blue Filter when flashing onto the Master.

• Pinholes develop when stains are copied during printing which are caused by repeated writing to correct mistakes, rubbing with pencils, pens, erasers, or dirt on the the fingers.

• Before exposing an original, use White Correction Fluid to cover tiny stains rather than removing them with a eraser or a knife.

• If pinholes show up on while printing out your copies, you may use Cutex Clear directly on the Master. This will block the ink from coming through onto the Master where you don't want it to. Just remember where you seal it, it will be permanent. Apply the sealer on the imultion side of the master/screen as indicated on the illustration below to elimunate the unwanted marks as circled.

           

• Dust accumulated on the Master also causes pinholes. Clean your Masters from dust slightly with tissue paper. It is also a very good idea to store your unused Masters in a air tight bag to keep them away from dust.

What to do if ...

1. Etching is impossible:

What type of original layout is used?

• When making use of a photostat copy or a laser print, use the Blue Filter, supplied with your Machine Kit, when developing your master. If using the artwork or Riso Pens, supplied with your Machine Kit, don't use your Blue Filter.

• Don't mix your mediums. Example, do not make use of a photostat image, a laser print and a Riso Carbon Pen design at the same time. Rather make a new photostat copy of all the various mediums together.

Is the original correctly positioned?

• Etching is not possible if the Master is incorrectly positioned. Confirm that the Master/Screen is correctly set and the original layout is correctly positioned by referring to your Owner's Manual. The emulsion surface should always face the carbon image.

Is the etch cream applied properly?

• After the flashing of your carbon original is completed, stick the etch master to the glass surface with masking or double sided tape.

• Since the original can be seen through the Etch Master/Screen, apply the Velvet Etch Cream directly from the container by using a etch brush by following the pictures patterns so that it is covered completely.

2. The Etching is not clear or Portions of the original are not etched:

Where the illustrations and characters to big?

• The full image must be developed by flashing the complete size of the original. 

Was a sufficient amount of Velvet etch Cream applied?

• Apply a sufficient amount of Velvet Etch Cream to the pictures patterns so that it is covered completely.

Did both lamps flash?

• The exposing of the Master/Screen is not properly performed unless the two lamps in the case of the B6 and 4 lamps in the case of the B5 flashed simultaneously. Re-execute flashing after checking that the Lamps are inserted correctly.

What  type of original was used?

In the case of hand-written originals:

• Was the correct writing material used? Use HB Pencils, Riso Pens or inks containing carbon. Was smooth glossy paper   (art paper or coated paper) used?  Smooth paper is nor appropriate for developing the Master/ Screen because it reflects light. Make a copy of the original on a photostat copier machine.

In the case of originals with a patch:

• Were coloured illustrations or characters or colour prints used? The Print Gocco only reproduces black originals containing carbon, therefore photostat copies or laser prints containing carbon. When using a photostat copies, make a light copy without loosing detail.

Was liquid paste being used to prepare the original?

• When preparing a original which involves pasting illustrations or characters, use a glue stick. Apply only a small amount of glue on two or three spots around the edges.

• If cutting illustrations out, leave a space around the edges.

• Do not apply cellophane tape where it will cover any part of the illustration or characters. Portions covered with cellophane tape will not be printed.

• do not use double sided tape to paste illustrations or characters on the rear of the original.

Is the original damp?

• It is not possible to clearly reproduce a damp original because the moisture absorbs the heat coming from the flash unit. Let the original air dry or use a dryer or something similar to dry the paper before developing.

Does portions of illustrations or characters contain irregularities?

• Originals with uneven surfaces tend to create printed irregularities. Use an underlay when preparing an original with a pencil or Riso Pens to avoid creating depressed areas in the paper. If paper having an irregular finish surface must be used, copy your original on a copying machine and use the copy as your original. 

3. Spots appear on the entire surface of the paper

Re-execute making a Master after checking for the following:

• If a photostat copy or a laser print has been used - during flashing the screen and NO blue filter has been used, re-make a Master by using the blue filter. Please refer to your manual how to apply the blue filter.

• If a blue filter has been used - make a lighter toned copy and re-make the Master and apply the blue filter once again. The secret lies in how lighter the photostat copy, the better the results. Make sure during the copy process that no detail has been lost. Compare with the original design/layout.

4. Wrinkles develop on solid sections of the Etch  Master

Straighten the wrinkles on the Master:

• Remove the Etch Master from the Glass Surface and re-attach it by pulling it straight in a vertical and horizontal direction.