Printmaking

VisArts’ printmaking studio can host a variety of printmaking and book arts processes. The space is equipped with a screen printing exposure unit, six vacuum printing stations, four mobile-screen printing stations, a Charles brand printing press for relief and intaglio processing, a large drying rack and a multitude of relief cutting tools, brayers, barens, squeegees, inks and more. For a complete equipment list, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Have questions about this studio? Email [email protected] and one of our studios or program staff will get back to you.

• For your personal safety, please remove or tie back any loose clothing or long hair while using the press. Be sure to wash your hands at the end of work.
• Do not look at the exposure unit when turning it on. Utilize the black felt curtains to block the light or leave the room immediately and close the door.
• Take care when using blades. No cutting is allowed on the tables without a cutting mat. Be careful when using sharp tools in relief cutting.
• Always stack prints on drying racks from the bottom, up, and remove dry prints immediately.
• Be very careful when operating the press. Keep hands away from the edges and the roller. Hands should be clean when using the press and handling blankets. Do not over-tighten the press as the rollers and bed may be damaged. Never put any hard or sharp objects through the press.
• When using oil-based inks, do not put solvents down the sink. Clean your plates and work station thoroughly with rags, and place solvent-soaked rags in the red hazard waste bin.
• Wipe down counters, press beds, handles and glass countertops/palettes after use. Clean up all cuttings from relief carving. Clean spatulas, squeegees and any other equipment that you used. Thoroughly wash out all screens after use.
• Do not reclaim VisArts screens; this is done by studio monitors, studio assistants and teachers.

• Students have full access to all inks and tools; Open studio users can utilize black screen-printing ink and newsprint.
• Students and open studio users should plan to bring their own paper and other printing materials. Scrap paper is often stocked and available for anyone to use.
• Students get a screen as a part of their class. Students and open studio users can rent additional precoated screens for $5. You are welcome to bring your own screens and emulsion.

• Relief cutting tools, brayers, barens, squeegees, spatulas and other basic printmaking tools are available for use.
• All open studio users can utilize the screen-printing stations.
• Please check with a studio monitor before using the exposure unit. The Charles Brand Press is only available to users who have completed a class utilizing the press and/or undergoing certification with a studio monitor or assistant.