Starting with Printmaking
Printmaking
Printing is the transfer of ink onto a surface. Two forms of printing that can be done by hand are screenprinting and block printing. These forms of printmaking are used to reproduce original artwork repeatedly in a series and can be used for many different projects such as T-shirts, greeting cards, posters and more.
Screenprinting
Also called silkscreening or serigraphy, screenprinting is a process by which an image is transferred through a synthetic silk fabric onto paper or another flat surface. To get started you need screenprinting inks, a squeegee to apply ink, a stencil or item to print from, a surface to print on and a silkscreen frame. These frames are covered with silk and can be purchased pre-made or you can make them yourself.
Paper Stencil Method
Depending on the finished look you desire, there are a number of blending tools to choose from for use with pastels. Stumps are sticks made of compressed paper which have double pointed ends and are easily sharpened. Tortillons are only pointed at one end and are made of tightly wound soft gray paper. Chamois cloths are fine quality skins also used for blending and shading pastels. A recent addition to the blending category is the Colour Shaper. These tools provide a truly unique approach to blending and moving color. Consisting of a long handle fitted with flexible, washable rubber heads they come in an assortment of shapes and sizes suitable for any technique.
Screen Filler Method (Touche Resist) This screenprinting method uses a chemical-based stencil material called filler which is brushed directly on the surface of the screen. When dry the fluid blocks or masks out the areas you do not wish to be printed. This allows the ink to be forced through the screen wherever the filler has not been applied. This “negative” method of printing means your print will be the opposite of that which you created on your screen.
Photographic Emulsion Method
This method offers the widest range of possibilities to the screenprinting artist. It is the one used commercially as it makes possible the printing of fine line drawings as well as the use of halftone photographs. First, a light sensitive emulsion coating is applied on the screen. Next, a film positive of the desired image is exposed and developed directly on the screen creating the printing image. Note: Photo emulsion should not be left on the screen indefinitely unless a permanent stencil is wanted.
Things to Remember When Block Printing
1) Use a solid, steady table as your work surface with light over your left shoulder to avoid shadows.
2) Keep all tools sharp with a fine-grained sharpening stone.
3) Carve lettering in reverse so that is legible when printed.
4) Keep in mind, what you carve out will NOT print.
Block Printing
Also called relief printing, block printing is the process of creating a raised surface on a block that is inked and pressed onto paper. Blockprinting is similar to rubber stamping. The raised image is created by gouging away areas on block surfaces such as linoleum, wood blocks, or plastic eraser blocks which are easier to cut and good for kids. Other good “blocks” for kids are potatoes, Styrofoam and sponges. Besides the printing block you will need linoleum or other cutting tools, inks, a brayer to apply the ink, paper and a baren to press the paper firmly to the inked block.
Drawing Your Image
You can draw your design directly onto the block, or transfer an image using carbon paper or tracing paper.
Cutting Your Design
If cutting on wood or linoleum you will need special cutting tools that have different shaped blades or gougers. These tools can also be used for softer materials like plastic eraser blocks. It is easiest to work from large to small gouges. Anything cut into the surface will appear the color of the paper.
Inking the Design
Although markers or paints can be used to ink the block surface there are specific blockprinting inks available in water- and oil- based versions that are more permanent and easier to apply. They are usually spread onto the surface of the block with a brayer which evens out the paint for a better end result.
Printing
Although markers or paints can be used to ink the block surface there are specific blockprinting inks available in water- and oil- based versions that are more permanent and easier to apply. They are usually spread onto the surface of the block with a brayer which evens out the paint for a better end result.