Printmaking processes

Understanding Different Printmaking Processes

• Relief Printmaking: Refers to processes where the parts of the printing block that receive the ink are on the surface level, with the non-image areas cut away. Woodcut and linocut are examples of relief printmaking.

• Intaglio Printmaking: The opposite of relief printing. In intaglio, the ink is applied to the original surface, and then wiped away, leaving ink only in the incisions. Techniques in this category include etching and engraving.

• Planographic Printmaking: Here, the printing surface is flat, not carved or etched. The image is created through a chemical process that makes the image areas attract ink and the non-image areas repel it. Lithography is a type of planographic printmaking.

• Stencil-based Printmaking: The image is formed by blocking out parts of the screen in the negative image of the design to be printed, so the open spaces are where the ink appears. Screenprint or silkscreen falls under this category.

Applying Techniques in the Printmaking Process

• Inking: The process of applying ink to the printing surface. In relief printing, the ink is rolled onto the surface, while in intaglio printing, the ink is pushed into the grooves and wiped from the surface.

• Registration: The process of aligning the paper and the block or plate for accurate printing, especially when creating a print with multiple colors.

• Editioning: Refers to the practice of creating a set number of identical prints. Each print is numbered and signed by the artist.

• Proofing: Preliminary prints made to check and correct any issues before creating the final edition.

Knowledge of Printmaking Equipment and Safety

• An intaglio press and relief press differ in their structure and adjustments for pressure. Knowing the correct setup is crucial for achieving the desired result.

• Materials such as turpentine and acid are used in printmaking processes and can be harmful if not handled with the required safety precautions like using gloves and ensuring proper ventilation.

• Printmaking knives and other sharp tools should be handled with care and kept in good condition to avoid accidents.

Recognising Innovations in Printmaking

• Digital printmaking or giclée, involves using a high-quality inkjet printer to produce prints. Unlike the traditional forms of printmaking, it does not involve a physical process of inking a block or plate.

• Photographic printmaking techniques, like photo-etching and photo-lithography, have allowed artists to integrate photographic imagery.

• Hybrid printmaking, combines traditional printmaking processes with digital elements, expanding artistic possibilities.