Printing Techniques

Silk Screen

Silk Screen is a stencil printing process or serigraphy where a screen or laminate is cut out where the ink will be printed. Typically uses a lot of ink.

Block Print

Block Print is a relief printing process which involves cutting away everything which is the non-printing part for the image, so that the printing surface is raised above the main body of the wood or linoleum block. This is one of the oldest form of printing dating back to 12th century in China.

Lithographic

Lithography is a planographic printing process which uses the photographic process to capture an image and separate into individual colours for transfer onto printing plates.

Digital

Digital is where an image is created on a computer or an original is digitised by scanning it into a computer. It is then output through a computer printer. Ink Jet is the most common but Laser printers are also used. Ink Jet prints are often called Giclée prints.

Original Mixed Media

This is when the artist uses many elements to make a collage. Each print may have the same component parts, but the composition will differ. This makes each picture an original.

Photocopy

Photocopy is when a normal copy machine is used to reproduce the original. Very common for handbills.