Resources

This page provides tutorials for home printing with limited space and materials. You also can find information about what tutorials to use when making prints with kids towards the bottom. The last section on this page is a list of different supplies you can purchase for making various kinds of prints at home. If you have any suggestions for tutorials or supplies to add to this list, feel free to email me at sustainableprintmaking@gmail.com.

Monotypes

EFA Robert blackburn printmaking workshop trace monotype

In this tutorial, you are taken through step by step how to create a trace monotype. For this tutorial, you are inking up or charcoaling either a sheet of paper or a piece of mylar. You then apply a sheet of paper on top and draw either on the back of the top paper or on the back of the ink paper. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based ink (or charcoal)
- A brayer (roller) or paint brush
- A pencil or pen
- Mylar or paper to roll ink on
- Paper to transfer image onto

The Art institute of Chicago’s “Gauguin's Process: Making Monotypes”

In this tutorial, you are shown how Gauguin made his monotypes. For this tutorial, you are painting an image on various surfaces and transferring it by rubbing on the back of sheet of paper laid on top of the image. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Paint brushes
- Water-based ink, paint, or watercolors with water
- Glass/plexiglass/acetate or paper to create drawing on
- Damp paper to transfer image onto
- Flat tool like a wooden spoon to rub on back of image for transferring

Hand-Pulled Monotype Printing with Akua Inks and Pin Press

In this video, you learn how to build an image with ink on plexiglass and then hand print it using a pin press. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based ink to lay on glass (optional liquid pigment)
- A brayer (roller) or paint brush to lay ink on glass
- Palette knife to mix ink along with objects to take ink away, such as a q-tip
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to roll ink on
- Paper to transfer image onto
- Pin press

The Art institute of Chicago’s “Gauguin's Process: Making Transfer Drawings”

In this video, you are shown how Gauguin made his transfer monoprints. For this tutorial, you lay ink down on plexiglass/acetate/glass and draw on paper placed on top. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based ink to lay on glass
- A brayer (roller) or paint brush to lay ink on glass
- Palette knife to mix ink
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to roll ink on
- A pencil or pen to create drawing
- Paper to transfer image onto

Relief

EFA Robert blackburn printmaking workshop Relief printing at home

In this tutorial, you are taken through step by step how to create a relief board with found household items. After you glue your materials onto the wood and let it dry, you would cover it with the paint and print it. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- A small piece of flat wood
- Small objects you can find at home
- Waterproof glue or acrylic medium
- Watercolor/Gouache
- Brushes
- Paper for transfering image
- A non-skid mat (optional)

Block Registration without a press

This video demonstrates how to create an entire print with two small linoleum blocks. It really shows that you can make a lot even when you don’t have many resources. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based ink
- Body lotion (for less quick drying)
- Palette knife (in this case, a small piece of acetate)
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to roll ink onto
- A brayer (roller) or paint brush
- Paper to transfer image onto
- Linoleum block and carving tools

DIY Scratch-Foam Art: The Poor Man’s Relief Print

In this blog post, you will learn how to create a relief print safely at home. You can utilize both sides of a foam scratch board to create relief images by drawing into the foam. You can ink it up and print it as usual. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based ink
- Scratch foam board
- A brayer (roller)
- A pencil or pen
- Mylar or styrofoam plate to roll ink on
- Watercolor on paper prior to printing (optional)

Press-less Relief Print

This video takes you through the process from drawing designs to carving to testing different carved linoleum blocks. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Pencil/pen and marker for drawing design on block
- Palette knife (in this case, a small piece of acetate)
- Water-based ink
- A brayer (roller)
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to roll ink on
- Paper to transfer image onto
- Linoleum block and carving tools

HOW TO MAKE A LINOCUT AT HOME WITHOUT A PRESS

This is a wonderful website that both explains and showcases the process of carving a linoleum block. It has great documentation, wonderful photos and videos, and makes the process very clear. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based ink
- A brayer (roller)
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to roll ink on
- Watercolor on paper prior to printing (optional)
- Linoleum block and carving tools

Relief Print Image Transfer

This video shows how to transfer an image to a block without using ink. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Charcoal or heavy graphite pencil
- Paper with design on it taped to block
- Ballpoint pen to draw design (preferably colored ink)
- Linoleum block
- Marker to lock in pencil transfer on block

Relief Print: Printing with a baren & spoon

This video shows how to hand print a linoleum block with water-based ink. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based ink
- Newsprint, a plastic bag, and a spray bottle with water
- A brayer (roller)
- A palette knife
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to roll ink on
- Damp paper to transfer image onto
- Waxed paper on top of damp paper
- Baren or spoon to apply pressure
- Carved linoleum block

DIY: Easy Relief Printmaking

This blog post details how to create a simple relief print using a simple styrofoam tray. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- 2 styrofoam trays
- 1 pencil or pen
- Water-based block printing ink
- Soft rubber brayer
- Hard rubber or acrylic brayer
- Kraft paper

DIY Printmaking: How to Make Your Own Linocut Print

In this blog post, you will learn step-by-step how create a print a linoleum block. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based ink
- A brayer (roller)
- A pencil or pen
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to roll ink on
- Card stock or printmaking paper
- A double-sided linoleum block and carving tools

How to Easily Print Lino at Home

This website will show you a quick 6 step linoleum process. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based ink
- A brayer (roller)
- A pencil or pen
- Tracing paper and paper/fabric to print on
- Linoleum block and carving tools
- Wooden spoon or baren

Cyanotype

Making Cyanotypes at Home

In this video, you learn how to create a cyanotype at home using plants. Make sure to use gloves! Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Thick paper that can be washed and not fall apart
- These two photosensitive liquids
- A paint brush
- For creating image: objects, images or drawings on transparent paper
- Glass or plexiglass to place on top of paper and objects

Printing with Cyanotype Fabric

In this video, you learn how to create a cyanotype at home with pretreated fabric. You will see the use of an image on transparent film. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- This photosensitive fabric by Jaquard
- For creating image: objects, images or drawings on transparent paper
- Gloves

Cyanotype Workshop

In this video, you learn how to create a floral cyanotypes at home. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Thick paper that can be washed and not fall apart
- These two photosensitive liquids
- A foam brush
- For creating image: objects, images or drawings on transparent paper
- Gloves
- Glass or plexiglass to place on top of paper and objects

Screen printing

How to Print on Fabric: Screen Printing with an Embroidery Hoop

In this video, learn how to repurpose an embroidery hoop to create a small screen for creating screen prints. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Water-based screenprinting ink
- A squeegee of sorts (in this case, an old credit card)
- A pencil to sketch your design
- An embroidery hoop
- Fabric to print on
- A paint brush
- A paper template with your drawing
- Organza for the screen
- Transparent fabric glue (i.e. mod podge)

Cut Paper Stencil Silkscreen

This video demonstrates screen printing without having to expose your screen - you can just cut your out stencil to block ink. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Image on paper (either printed or drawn)
- Scissors or X-Acto knife to cut image into stencil
- Screen (without image burned)
- Water-based ink
- Squeegee
- Paper or fabric to print on

The Screenprint Monoprint

This video explains a really cool mixture of screenprinting and monoprinting where you lay an image on the screen and then pull a print like a screen print. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Paint brushes
- Screen (without image burned)
- Water-based ink/watercolors
- Transparent screen printing medium
- Squeegee
- Paper or fabric to print on

COllagraphs

How to Make a Collagraph Print without a Press

This video is an in depth tutorial for an etching-like collagraph print. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Mat board
- Pencil/pen for drawing image onto mat board
- Gloss medium and varnish for sealing image
- X-Acto knife
- Non-skid mat (optional)
- Paint brushes
- Printmaking paper (Kozo mulberry paper worked better)
- Water-based ink and magnesium mix (for stiffening ink) and a palette knife for mixing
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to mix ink on
- Paper to transfer image onto
- Rolled felt for applying ink, tarlatan to buff ink away
- Spoon for rubbing paper onto plate

White on White Collagraph

In this video, you learn how to create a more 3-dimensional collagraph plate. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Canvas panel
- Paper for shape making
- Acrylic gel medium for creating texture
- Wire, twine, fabric, pressed leaves, or wire mesh for added textures and shapes
- Damp heavy printing paper
- Water-based ink if you want to print it afterwards
- Could be used with a press for embossing

How to Make a Collagraph Print in full color

This video explains how to make a textured, painterly collagraph. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Mat board
- X-Acto knife
- Gloss medium to seal plate with
- Paint brushes to apply medium and applying ink
- Carborundum to create grit on the plate to hold ink (could substitute for other textured substances)
- Water-based ink
- Damp printing paper to transfer image onto
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to mix ink on

Other Home printing methods

These mediums (like drypoint, etching, and lithography) are possible at home, but mostly require a press. You can find the link for a small press in the “Supplies” section.

How to Print a Drypoint Etching on Plexiglass without a Press

This video is a press free way of printing a plexiglass drypoint etching. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Plexiglass engraved with etching needles
- Water-based ink and magnesium mix (for stiffening ink) and a palette knife for mixing
- A rolled piece of felt for applying ink
- Tarlatan for wiping the plate
- Damp paper for printing and newsprint on top
- A metal spoon for adding pressure on the back of the paper
- Non-skid mat (optional)
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to mix ink on

Make a Drypoint Print Using Recycled Cardboard

This website shows the process of creating a drypoint etching using recycled cardboard, which can then be hand pressed. The website walks you through creating the image in a video and also writes all the steps out below. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Scrap cardboard
- Spray varnish (carborundum grit is optional for texture)
- Water-based ink
- A rolled piece of felt for applying ink
- Tarlatan for wiping the plate
- Damp paper for printing and newsprint on top
- A baren for adding pressure
- Glue brush
- Craft knife
- Paint scraper
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to mix ink on

Kitchen Lithography Using Aluminum foil

This is a very interesting and creative method of lithography that utilizes tin foil as the plate to create an image. However, it most likely requires the use of a press, but feel free to experiment! Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Plexiglass with flat tin foil taped on
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to mix and roll ink on
- 200 grit sandpaper
- Litho crayon
- Etching ink (unfortunately, this cannot be water-based ink, as it messes up the litho process)
- Vegetable oil
- A carbonated beverage to etch the image
- Vinegar
- 2 sponges in a bowl of water
- An empty bucket
- Damp paper for printing
- Paper towels

Hand Printed Multi-Color Drypoint Printmaking with Akua Inks

You can watch this first video to see how to create a plexiglass drypoint etching at home. This video is a press free way of printing a the plexiglass drypoint etching. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Plexiglass engraved with etching needles
- Water-based ink and a palette knife for mixing
- A rolled piece of felt for applying ink
- Tarlatan for wiping the plate
- Damp paper for printing and newsprint on top
- A baren or pin press for printing
- Mylar/glass/plexiglass to mix ink on

A beginner's guide to drypoint

This website explains what drypoint is and gives a guide on creating a drypoint etching. Click here for link.

Supplies needed:
- Plexiglass engraved with etching needles
- Water-based ink
- Tarlatan for wiping the plate
- Damp paper for printing and newsprint on top
- A baren to add pressure

A Home Printmaking Studio Space

This website explains some great steps to help get you started on making an at-home studio printmaking space. There are some awesome tips about what general things to focus on, like keeping organized, and smaller things, like storing sharp tools. Click here for link.

DIY Home Printmaking Studio

This website explains a personal journey in establishing an at-home studio printmaking space, especially focused on relief printing. Click here for link.

Tips for creating a printshop at home

This website gives amazing inspiration for an at-home printmaking studio. The set up definitely has more space and materials for printing than you might have, but it really shows what you could do to transform your space. Click here for link.

Printmaking with kids

Styrofoam Printmaking for Kids (Block Printing)

This blog post is a wonderful, kid-friendly printmaking tutorial. It explains in great detail the supplies needed and steps, along with progress images and final images of the pieces. It allows you to use basic equipment like styrofoam trays, foam rollers, and acrylic paint. Click here for link.

25 Cool Printmaking Ideas For Kids

This blog post takes you through a large variety of printmaking ideas that you could use to show kids how to make prints. The ideas range from prints using a glue gun to printing with plastic bags or bubble wrap. Click here for link.

The Metropolitan Museum of art’s #Metkids

This is a wonderful online resource for kids to interact with this awesome museum, exploring maps, timelines and videos. You can also head to their #MetKids blog. Click here for link.

The met’s drawings and prints department presents “What Is Printmaking?”

The Met’s Drawing and Prints Department has put together an encyclopedia for different printmaking practices. Each section includes animated images demonstrating the processes. Click here for link.

the Smithsonian Learning Lab

This is another online interactive kid-friendly website that encourages kids to discover, create, share, and learn. Click here for link.

artsy presents “9 Types of Printmaking You Need to Know”

Artsy also put a list together of different printmaking mediums, crafting concise summations of each practice. Click here for link.

supplies

Water-based ink

When creating a print, you need to use inks (or in some cases, you can use paints). I highly recommend using a water-based ink. There are many different textures and qualities of water-based ink, some are more viscous and some are more liquid in consistency. For a looser ink, try the Akua intaglio ink. For stiffer ink, I recommend trying the Speedball relief ink, which is oil-based but was-miscible and cleans up with soap and water. You can also test out some different forms of Speedball water-based inks.

Using water-based inks help protect you when printing, especially if you want to print at home. They provide easy clean up with soap and water, rather than using harsh solvents. They don’t have to be carefully disposed and are safe for use without gloves (however, gloves should always be used when printing). Over time, oil-based inks cause dermatitis and other skin diseases, especially in combination with the exfoliants used to remove them from the skin. For more information about printing with water based ink, check out my thesis journey and my guide on sustainable printing.

BRayers

One of the most ubiquitous tools in printmaking is a brayer (or a roller). It is used ink monoprinting, relief printing, and it can be used in etching or drypoint as well. It has many uses and is one of the most necessary elements you should have when printing from home. Here is a link for various sizes of soft rubber brayers.

Paper

There are many different kinds of papers you can use for printmaking, so I’ll only suggest a few. Thicker paper meant for printmaking specifically is vital when using wet or damp paper, as the paper will not deteriorate in the process. I find that the best paper comes in individual large sheets that you have to tear down into smaller sheets, like this BFK Rives paper. Some paper that could be easier to accept ink when hand printing are different rice papers, like this Thai Kozo paper. However, you can also get a pad of printmaking paper if you’re trying to save your money or want many sheets at once. I find that the level of my paper quality very much affects my prints, so I’d encourage anyone to purchase nice paper.

barens

A necessary tool for home printing is a baren. Barens will help you add pressure to the back of the sheet of paper onto your printing plate. You can use any other flat objects you have, but these are specifically designed for this purpose. There are many different kinds of barens you can purchase, but these two are probably the most common. This is a basic baren from Blick that will work super well with its handle and flat circular shape. You can also try out this bamboo-based baren that is commonly used in Mokuhanga printing.

palette knives

A very important resource for mixing ink is a palette knife. I have to say, these are much harder to find online than in an art store. These guys are vital in printmaking, although I did see that someone was mixing and spreading ink with a stiff piece of plastic. I would encourage you to look for different sizes of palette knives for mixing and using different amounts of inks from different sized containers. This is one size of a palette knife.

acetate

Acetate or frosted mylar are hugely important for home printing. you can mix ink on it to keep table tops safe, you can create designs on it for monoprinting, or put your plate on it to contain the mess. You can use either clear acetate, or frosted mylar, the only difference being the matted, foggy finish of the mylar.

plexiglass

Plexiglass is also super important in home printing. You can make drypoint or monoprints with it, or use it as a palette for inks or catching mess. I highly suggest investing in a piece of plexiglass, as it is sturdier that acetate or mylar and is easier to clean. Try this plexiglass, which comes in various sizes.

x-acto Knife

An X-Acto knife is actually a very useful tool for home printing, as many mediums and tutorials from above require careful cutting. Try out this X-Acto knife or check out some other versions for different sizing or added flexibility.

charcoal

Charcoal is really helpful for certain elements of printmaking, like helping an image transfer onto a block for relief printing, or creating a trace monotype. Try out these charcoal sticks, which you could also use for drawing if you want.

paint brushes

Paint brushes are really helpful in printmaking. You might already have some of these at home, so if you don’t have/can’t get a brayer, these can be used to apply ink to a plate. You can also create very painterly monoprints or other prints with these paint brushes.

foam brushes

Foam brushes are great alternatives for regular paint brushes and can be used for cyanotypes and in more crafty printmaking, especially printing with kids. These foam brushes come in different sizes for whatever you need, and they are super cheap.

gloss medium

Gloss medium is really important, especially when making a collagraph. You need this medium to seal your plate. It could also be used in other art making, so this gloss medium is very versatile.

carving tools

Carving tools are necessary for most forms of relief printing. This tool has the same handle with interchangeable carving blades. If you are consistently carving, and especilly if you’re carving wood, you should maybe invest in nice carving tools that will be comfortable in your hands. For this, I would try these Power Grip tools.

linoleum

If you want to start carving linoleum, there are many different kinds you can try. Linoleum carving is one of the easiest ways to create a plate and print the plate at home. You could check out some mounted linoleum in different sizes, or unmounted linoleum that is much more flexible and can be double sided, like this Readycut linoleum that shows where you have made your marks, or this Speedball Speedy Carve linoleum.

squeegees

One of the things you will need for screen printing is a squeegee. This could be as simple as an old credit card, as one tutorial demonstrated, or you could invest in larger squeegees. This will help you squeeze ink through a screen. These are larger squeegees that you should probably get if you are printing a design larger than the width of a credit card. You could also invest in a plastic card, like this ink spreader which can also be used to card ink on an etching plate, or this small plastic squeegee card.

screen

Screens are great for home printing as the only ink you can use for screen printing is water-based. There are different frames you can get, whether it is metal or wood. As seen above, you can also repurpose an embroidery hoop as a screen. A screen is really helpful, as you don’t necessarily need to expose it - you could create a monoprint in the screen or use a stencil that you hand cut. If you want to invest in a screen check through this website for different sizes and styles.

block printing starter kit

There are many different kits that companies sell to combine equipment needed for specific printing mediums. This kit combines the linoleum block, water-based ink, a brayer, the interchangeable carving tool, and instructions.

screen printing starter kit

This kit combines materials needed for basic screen printing. It includes a 10” x 14” screen, a 9” plastic squeegee, drawing fluid, screen filler, screen cleaner, emulsion, emulsion remover, sensitizer, a paintbrush, and instructions.

screen print advanced kit

This kit has everything you need for advanced screen printing. It includes a 10” x 14” screen, a printing base with hinges, a 9” fabric squeegee, fabric screen printing inks (black, blue, red, and white), emulsion, emulsion remover, sensitizer, an exposure lamp and clamp, 2 inkjet transparency sheets, black paper, mixing sticks, and instructions.

fabric block printing kit

This block printing kit is meant especially for printing linoleum blocks on fabric. In this kit, you get a 4” x 5” linoleum block, a 3” x 4” speedy-carve block, a bench hook/inking plate, water-based ink (black and white), a brayer, a baren, the interchangeable carving tool, 5 sheets of printing paper, pink soap, and instructions.

fabscrap

Fabscrap is nonprofit organization in Brooklyn that collects pre-consumer textile waste. They sort fabrics into different piles and then sell different scraps or bolts of fabrics. They have fabric bundles based on colors that you can purchase from their store. By supporting Fabscrap, you are preventing fabric from getting thrown into landfills, and this way you can get recycled fabrics. I encourage you to try out different patterns and actually see how you can incorporate the patterns into your print - make the fabric a key factor in your process.

This store is not currently open due to the Covid19 crisis.

Formulary Liquid Cyanotype Kit

These two chemicals are to be mixed 1:1 to create the chemical for making a cyanotype. By mixing the liquids, the chemical reaction begins. You then apply them to paper or fabric and set objects or transparent images on top of them substrate. Set all of these pieces in the sun to let it expose. After a few minutes, you can wash the paper or fabric, which will create the cyan color. Seen used in the tutorials above, these liquids are photosensitive, meaning that they have to be stored in dark bottles so that light does not peer through. If these liquids are exposed to light, they will no longer work, so keep them in the dark!

jacquard fabric

This fabric by Jacquard is prepared cyanotype fabric. This means that the chemical for the cyanotype is already embedded in the fabric. Once a sheet is removed from the folder, it is ready to be exposed in the sun with you objects or image on top. It then has to be washed out for the cyan color to show through.

Scratch-Foam Printmaking Class Pack

This is a class pack of scratch foam, equipped with 30 sheets of scratch foam, 40 sheets of colorful block printing paper, 100 sheets of white block printing paper, 2 rubbing sticks, 6 brayers, 3 mixing trays, and instructions. This kit does not come with ink, but the materials will make for either a very exciting class activity, or be a great long-term project for home printing with kids.

Scratch Art Scratch-Foam Craft Boards

This pack of scratch foam board is perfect for a home printing activity. Anyone can do this method of relief printing for introduction to the medium - kids, families, individuals. This pack comes with 48 sheets of 9” x 12” foam boards. A wooden stylus, ballpoint pen, or pencil will all create lines in the materials that will sink down and allow for shapes and design to be created.

Soft-Kut Classroom Block Printing Starter Kit

This is a class room kit for block printing with soft linoleum blocks. It is a great project for school groups or at home printing. This kit comes with 24 pieces of 4” x 6” Soft-Kut blocks, 24 handles and linoleum cutters that can be interchanged, and a jar of black water-based ink.

Creativity Street Yellow Foam Rollers

Foam rollers are great substitutes for rubber brayers. You can get these at any craft store, or you can grab this set of 12 3” foam rollers. These are especially kid friendly and disposable if they get too messy to clean. However, if you’re planning for long-term printing, definitely invest in a rubber brayer so you can more easily reuse it and have a more even distribution of ink and pressure.

Akua Wiping Fabric

This Akua wiping fabric is meant to wipe ink of intaglio plates or plexiglass drypoint. It is a softer, less absorbent version of tarlatan and works very well with water-based inks. It also eliminates the need for a “final wipe.” The best thing about this material is that it can be washed (as the ink you’ll be wiping it water-based) and can be reused.

Akua pin Press

This is the Akua Pin Press, which is an economical, portable press designed for lighter pressure mediums, such as monotype, drypoint, and collagraph. It is 20” wide with brass handles on the sides that also act as a stand to keep the roller steady when not in use. The roller itself is solid aluminum, allowing it to distribute even pressure to the surface. This is a very valuable tool to have in the studio, as it does not take up the space of a press and can provide really great detail with the pressure it creates.

baby blick press

This small press makes great use of space. The press bed is about 7” x 12”, which is a fairly good size for projects. This also comes with the pusher blanket. It is not nearly the price or size of a large intaglio press, and it allows you to have nice pressure for your projects at home. If you’re investing in a home studio, this could be a great addition.