Home printmaking allows your creative side to shine and create exclusive, one-of-a-kind works. Whether you want to make customized business cards or design beautiful wall art, printmaking can be a very easy and enjoyable way to do it.
Here’s some basic info on supplies and techniques to get you off the ground.
Printmaking as a term
Printmaking is an art of taking an image from a prepared surface to paper or fabric. Thus, you can make several copies of one similar design with different characteristics each.
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Though there are numerous ways of printmaking, this guide is going to major in three which are perfect for beginners: linocut, monotype, and block printing.
Linocut Printing
Linocut printing is a technique for creating images by cutting them into linoleum blocks. The raised parts are inked in, and then paper is placed over it to print the image.
Useful materials:
- Linoleum block
- Caving tools
- Brayer (ink roller)
- Printing Ink
- Anthropom
- Tray or Ink plate
- Roller (to be used for pressure application)
Steps to Follow:
- Start by sketching your design on the paper with a pencil. Once you’re happy with your design, just transfer it onto a linoleum block with tracing or transfer paper.
- Just cut out the bits of linoleum you don’t want the ink to print on slowly. The raised sections you’re left with will form your image.
- Next, roll a little ink onto an inking tray with a brayer. Then, just apply ink to the raised parts of your linoleum block.
- Put a sheet of paper on top of the inked block. Use a barren or rolling pin to rub over the paper and transfer the ink effectively. Gently peel back the paper to reveal your print.
- Let your prints dry fully before handling them.
Monotype Printing
Monotype printing is unique in its creation of one-off prints. In this process, ink or paint is applied to a smooth surface and, afterwards, the image will be pressed into paper.
Required materials:
- Plexiglass or a smooth plastic plate
- Printing ink / Acrylic paint
- Brayer
- Paper
- Paint brushes or palette knives
Steps to Follow:
- Ink up plate. Roll up your plate with a brayer covered in a thin even coat of ink or paint. You can experiment with texture using various tools.
- Design Your Print. Build your design by pulling the ink on your plate using brushes or palette knives. You can also use the texture of stencils or other found objects to interact with the ink.
- Take the Impression. Lay your paper down onto your inked plate, then press it down evenly. Gently lift the paper up to reveal your unique monotype print.
- The last step is Cleaning up. Rinse the plate and tools immediately after using to prevent drying of the ink.
Block Printing
Block printing is very similar to linocut but usually done with blocks made from wood or other materials. One would carve out a design, apply the ink, and then press it on paper to make one’s print.
Equipment Needed:
- Carved block of wood or other
- Implements for sculpting
- Brayer
- Printing inks
- Baren or pin
Steps to Proceed:
- The first thing you need to do is draw the design on the block. Next, you’ll want to remove any areas you don’t want to print in ink, while leaving the rest as the raised part of the image.
- Use the brayer to spread the ink evenly over the raised parts of the block.
- Lay your paper over the inked block and press down hard to transfer the image. Now, carefully lift the paper to reveal your print.
- Clean your tools and block after each use to keep them in great condition.
Tips for Better Printing
- Experiment with Paper: Different types of paper can alter the feel and look of your prints. Try different weights and finishes to see which gives the best result.
- Apply Even Pressure: Using even and gentle pressure while printing will ensure the output is free of smudges, and the ink should transfer properly.
- Test Prints: Run off a couple test prints before you start the actual final piece to ensure that both the ink coverage and the design are just right.
Simply said, DIY printmaking can be regarded as one great, rewarding hobby. Only with a few basic tools and an extensive imagination, one can possibly come up with his or her very unique and personal art piece. You can test various techniques and eventually have the ability to determine your very own style of printmaking.
You can do printmaking your own way, whether you’re making things for yourself or for gifts for your loved ones. The possibilities are endless, so get your materials and let’s dive into the world of printmaking.