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If you’re like me you love printmaking! The designing! The carving! The inking! Oh, my! But the printing? Well, we love it when it works, but scream internally (or externally) when you can’t get consistent prints. You dream of having a press but throw up a little bit when you see the cost of them. If that sounds like you then this blog post has some great methods for consistent printing! I’m going to break down three options you can use to get printing, and spoiler I save the best for last.

Method One: The Wooden Spoon

Now you’ve probably read or seen this one before, it’s a very common suggestion for beginner printmakers since most people have this object at home. Now it doesn’t necessarily have to be a spoon, any type of flat wooden tool will do the trick. I, for instance, rummaged around in my art supplies when I first started printmaking and found an old ceramics wooden tool for smoothing clay, and I’ve held onto it for three years! Now, I would STRONGLY recommend finding a slightly bigger object, I’m a creature of habit and am quite found of my tiny tool but it does a number on my hands being that small.

How to Use:

Apply the flat portion of your spoon or tool to the paper that is on top of your block. Apply pressure in a circular motion across the surface area of the block. Be sure you get every nook and cranny. With this method there is more room for error so take your time, you can gently lift a corner of your paper to check on how evenly the ink is transferring. If it is blotchy then place the corner back down and keep rubbing until you feel it is evenly printed.

Pros:

-Cheap

-Probably already in your home

-Allows you to give specific attention to detailed areas

Cons:

-Takes time to get even pressure applied all over

-More room for human error to have missed a spot

-Can be tiresome for your hands

Method Two: A Baren Tool

A baren is a flat circular, often wooden tool that is very ergonomic and has a nice surface area to apply even pressure. I use the Speedball Baren, you can find it here. This tool also does very well for “stamping”. I utilize it on my smaller blocks that I’m hand stamping on fabric or paper. I would say that for me, the baren can print slightly faded, although even, prints. I often use it in combination with one of my other methods to get the contrast I want.

How to use:

It Is essentially the same steps as using the wooden spoon, but way cozier! You’ll lay your paper on your block, in a circular motion apply pressure and rub the baren across your entire print.

Pros:

-Ergonomic

-Nice Surface Area

-Great for pressure stamping

Cons:

-Not as consistent

-Have to use in conjunction with another method

Method Three: The Rolling Pin

Now this is my absolute favorite printing method, and my go to. Quite frankly, I’m pissed I didn’t think about using a rolling pin sooner! I mean if you look at a press it is just a giant metal rolling pin, ya know?! But nonetheless this method changed my printing game. It is the most consistent, effective, and time saving way I found to print on both paper and apparel. It doesn’t need to be a fancy rolling pin either, I grabbed a rolling pin from my local Dollar Store and have been using it for some time now.

How to use:

Place your paper on your block, use your hand first to gently rub on your print to ensure it is in place. With your rolling pin roll back and forth with some downward pressure a few times. Roll vertically and horizontally across your print to ensure every area has been contacted.

Pros:

-Cheap

-Consistent Prints

-Works on paper and fabric

-Cuts time in half

Cons:

-Haven’t found any yet

Well there you have it folks, as you can see in the photo comparison all three methods can result in beautiful, evenly printed block prints. Each method has its pros and cons, that will vary per person, but I hope that one of these methods helps make your life easier or makes block printing more accessible to you from your own home! If you want to watch a quick how-to video you can watch it here, on my instagram! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or jokes just let me know in the comment section!

Happy printing and as always stay wild,