What are the Main Types of Printmaking?

The four main types of printmaking are as follows: Relief Printing: This type of printing is printing done from a raised surface such as a rubber stamp onto a surface. Intaglio: This type of printing is made by cutting the picture into the surface of the printing plate. You use a special instrument to do this type of printing. Planography: This type of printing is often referred to as lithography and is done as the printing of a flat surface. Essentially you paint from a flat stone by a special method. Stencil or Serigraphy: This last type of printmaking is using a plastic or metal piece that is cut into shapes or designs. The ink goes through the design onto the surface you are stenciling or printing on.

What is a Richeson Press?

A Richeson printing press is a printing press that actually allows for different printmaking techniques. If you are interested in putting to use several different printing techniques when using a printing press than a Richeson printing press may be for you. These types of printing presses come in all shapes and sizes and several different price ranges. Try researching the different types available to see if one is right for you.

Why Should my Printing Press be Aligned?

If you are using a printing press it is important that you have it properly aligned before printing your material. If your press is not properly aligned you will end up applying an uneven force to the object you are trying to print on. This will allow for your art to turn out fuzzy and obviously not looking even or straight on the surface you were printing. Plus, uneven alignment of a printing press can do damage to the press in the long run. It is best to keep your printing press aligned to avoid these potential problems.

How to Keep Your Printing Press Running Well

If you own a printing press you know that it was no small fee to purchase it. Owning a printing press requires care and maintenance to keep it running well. You don’t want to waste your money on a press by not taking care of it. You need to clean your printing press on a regular basis after each use. You also should dust your printing press regularly and try to keep dust from building on it. A good idea is to keep your printing press covered when not in use. You can also wipe off chains and rollers to keep them clean and running smooth. A printing press is a big investment, one that you want to keep running well for years to come.

What is a Screen Printing Press?

Screen printing presses are different from other printing presses. A standard printing press uses pressure to apply ink to an object while a screen printing press uses a mesh fabric that is stretched in a frame to make a print. If you have seen t-shirts or hats with printing on them, most likely those fabrics were printed on with a screen printing press.

What is a Printing Press?

A printing press is a machine used to make multiple copies of something an artist has drawn onto multiple pieces of paper or fabric. The printing press takes the ink and transfers it to paper or fabric. The printing press was originally developed by Johannes Guttenburg in the 15th century. Guttenburg was the first man to show how practical moving type was. He is credited for developing the first printing press in history.

What are Phenolic Bed Plates for a Printing Press?

Phenolic bed plates are an alternative to the old metal plates found in printing presses. These phenolic bed plates are lighter than metal bed plates and great for use in a printing press that uses water based ink because these types of plates will not get rusty like metal plates will. These types of plates for a printing press are typically sold separately and can cost a bit more than metal plates but are a great addition to your printing press.