Which part of the surface carries the ink?

In relief printing, the raised areas of the matrix transfer ink to the paper, while recessed areas generally remain unprinted. In intaglio, ink is held in grooves below the surface. Planographic printing transfers an image through properties other than a significant difference in surface height. In this lesson, you will explore the principle of relief printing by building raised areas with cardboard pieces. Reproduced images are not all made by the same process. When presenting a work, naming the actual technique rather than simply calling it a “print” helps viewers understand how it was made.

Plan for a mirror image

When you press the face of the matrix onto paper, the image reverses from left to right. Take this into account when drawing letters, numbers, and directional symbols in particular. Draw your design on thin paper and look through it from the back to check the reversed version. Choose a small, simple design for your first experiment. Very fine lines may fill in under the effects of ink and pressure. Planning the black and white areas as broad shapes and reducing detail makes the changes introduced by printing easier to see.

Build a matrix without carving

Glue thin cardboard shapes onto a flat cardboard base and let the adhesive dry completely. Printing is easier when the edges stay flat and the pieces are similar in height. If you move on to carved linocut or woodcut, you will need appropriate training, a secured block, and the habit of keeping your hand out of the cutting path. A method without blades is enough for your first study. Choose a water-based printing ink intended for this use, follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, and keep kitchen utensils out of the process.

Learn from the test impression

Apply a thin, even layer of ink to the matrix. Too much can obscure detail, while too little can leave gaps in the impression. Place the paper without sliding it and apply pressure evenly across the surface. When judging the result, consider the ink, pressure, paper, and waiting time as well as the image. Changing only one variable with each print helps you understand what caused the difference. Do not throw away the first impression as a failure; date it and keep it as a test that provides information about the matrix and the process.

Editioning and transparent records

Printing several impressions from one matrix does not mean that they are identical in every respect. Clearly distinguish test impressions from an edition intended for sale. If you produce an edition, decide its total size, technical description, and numbering system in advance. Making additional impressions later without disclosure can mislead buyers. Describe unique or variable impressions according to their actual nature as well. Recording the paper dimensions separately from the image dimensions reduces ambiguity when someone plans framing or display.

What will you learn in this tutorial?

Distinguish the basic principles of relief, intaglio, and planographic printing
Prepare a printing matrix with image reversal in mind
Understand the difference between a test impression and an edition record

Workshop application

One matrix, three controlled tests

Build a simple matrix from cardboard shapes, without using lettering.
Make the first impression with your initial setup.
For the second impression, change only the amount of ink; for the third, change only how the pressure is distributed.
Number the three impressions as tests and describe their differences; do not declare a sale edition yet.

One printing matrix, three test impressions, and a short process chart.

Evaluate yourself

What happens in the print to a shape that faces right on the matrix?

When transferred face to face, it faces left; the image is mirrored.

Why does changing every variable at once make it harder to correct a blurred print?

You cannot tell which change affected the result; tests that change one variable at a time are easier to compare.

Materials you will need

Cardboard
Scissors
Water-based printing ink
A suitable roller or sponge
Paper
Adhesive

Approximate time for reading and the first exercise; drying, firing, and repeat practice are not included.

Printmaking: marks, matrices, and editions