Lay-Up

Before the letter of a worked-off form is distributed, or before it is cleared away, if the work be finished it is unlocked upon a board laid in the trough, and well rinsed with water, while the compositor keeps working the pages backward and forward with his hands, and continues pouring water on them till the lye and ink are washed away, and the water runs off clear: this is termed laying-up.

The board should always be washed clean on its upper side before the form is laid upon it.