Printing Processes

Relief Process

This process does not require a press, it just needs a baren. You take a thin piece of paper, put it on a block with the design you want, rub the baren on it, and the design is transfered. You might need this skill if you can't afford a printing press, or you want a good arm workout.

1.  Get a pattern block.
2.  Get thin paper & a baren.
3.  Cover the design block with ink.
4.  Place paper over block.
5.  Rub baren over paper. Make sure you thoroughly go over every spot.
6.  Lift up paper.

 Intaglio Process

This process has a design under what you're going to put it onto. You might want to use this if you want a deeper cut.

1. Take a steel scribe or any similar tool.
2. Use it to make lines on the surface you're putting your design on.
3. Continue until you've finished your pattern.

Lithography

Lithography involves putting a design on a stone, putting grease on it, wiping off the grease, and putting it on paper. This is useful for people who like stones.

1. Make your design with grease pencils on the stone.
2. Apply printing ink to the stone.
3. Apply gum arabic.
4. Apply acidified gum arabic.
5. Apply another coat of gum arabic.
6. Buff the gum arabic in.
7. Wash it with lithotine
8. Go over the stone with both a wet and dry towel.
9. Put the paper on the stone and transfer. It might take multiple prints.