Relief Printing

Ranger Genius · Post by **Ranger Genius** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:42 pm

Okay, so I'm working on a small relief woodblock print for to commemorate the first Element11 (formerly Synorgy). I need some pointers on how and with what to ink my block (which is about 3X5"), what kind of paper to use/avoid, et cetera. I got a foam paint roller, and I've got acrylics as well as some bottled inks lying around from my fountain pens. So what should I use? Anyone have experience with these? AntiM?

Post by **AntiM** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 4:27 pm

Paper needs to be absorbant to hold the paint/inks, but not too absorbant. Rice paper may work, plain washi, I think my shoji paper may do (if I can find it). It has a subtle pattern itself, but that might work well.

I have some really old silk screen acrylics which may work.

Do you have carving chisels?

Ranger Genius · Post by **Ranger Genius** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 4:56 pm

Yes, got some cheap-ass ones at the craft store. I'm trying to find a design that lends itself way to the very high relief nature of screen printing, and fits with Element11's theme, "Wasteland."

Isotopia · Post by **Isotopia** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 5:50 pm

Reduce the print block down to say....oh, the exact size of a dollar bill and go from there.

Gearrob · Post by **Gearrob** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 6:22 pm

I've had good luck with speedball's printers ink, comes in a tube, thick paste, most art supply stores should have it. I was much happier with the oil based but you have to deal with the clean up. What are you planning on using your prints for? The last project I did with block printing was shoji type lanterns with kanji printed on them. I used pelon (fabric interfacing) it was cheaper and tougher than hand made paper and I could cut it to larger dimensions. The oil based ink also works well on cotton or water color paper.

Ranger Genius · Post by **Ranger Genius** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 6:45 pm

I was thinking thick watercolor paper, because I could wash it and then print onto it. I think I'm just going to either frame or mat and shrink-wrap my prints and then give them as gifts at element11.

The idea of using dollar bills as my paper is intriguing, though.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 6:13 am

For fast-prototyping (or just practice!) of carving blocks, I highly recommend Mars-Staedler rubber eraser blocks. (Art supply store, coupla bucks for a big one.) They carve like a dream, and hold a very detailed shape for many printings.
I'm excited about printed art and banners for BM 2007, since next week I start my new job at a local screenprinting shop with really nice facilities....